ASCEND in Leadership

COVID-19 continues to make history as a “disruption to normal” and raises significant awareness of racial disparities in health, education, and wealth. Unfortunately, the economic, social, and psychological impact of the global pandemic, specifically among racial and ethnic minorities, is catastrophic. Currently, there is urgency to offer temporary solutions addressing health, education, and social disparities and needs among diverse and underserved populations. These “quick fixes” will not change the fact that systemic issues such as access, institutional discrimination, racism, and lack of diversity in health care continue to hinder progress and positive prosperity among these groups.

ASCEND (Academic, Senior, and C-Suite Executives Navigating Diversity) in Leadership 2020 is a virtual talent management forum designed to increase bonding capital by building a cadre of equity-minded “high-potentials” to support centralization of diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine and crises management. This two-day event brings C-suite and senior-level executives from historically underrepresented groups to share lessons learned in leadership with special emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies during the current pandemic. Participants will engage in intimate conversations and mentorship with national role models, experts and champions in academic affairs, diversity and inclusion, finance and administration, graduate medical education, health equity, human resources, institutional advancement, medicine, and nursing.

Due to limited space, up to 35 participants from UMMC’s faculty and staff will be invited to attend. A participant selection review panel will work to ensure a balanced representation from each mission area (education, healthcare, research, and service). Mid-career professionals from underrepresented and diverse groups are strongly encouraged to register. 

This is a bi-annual event that will re-convene in 2022. Registration is currently closed. For additional information, please contact Dr. Juanyce D. Taylor, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, at jdtaylor@umc.edu.

This program is sponsored by the UMMC Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.