On Jan. 26, UAB Hospital North Pavilion’s second floor atrium filled steadily—first with UAB School of Medicine department representatives decorating brightly colored and eye-catching displays and later with guests enjoying great company. The School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion celebrated its second annual Diversity Fair with food, drinks and entertainment.
The 2017 inaugural Diversity Fair had more than 500 attendees, while the 2018 Diversity Fair welcomed approximately 700 guests from across UAB Medicine. The School of Medicine departments were encouraged to bring food and décor that represented an aspect of the faculty and staff on their departments. Some chose to bring food representing as much of the national and international composition of their employees as possible; others focused on a single region or nation.
Departments competed for the honor of best table. They were judged on their decorations, presentations and food. Food selections represented countries like India, Japan, Germany, England and China, to name a few. A panel of six judges evaluated the tables. Restaurant gift cards will be awarded to the top ranking departments.
Sol Musica, an international band, and the Birmingham Girls Choir entertained the fairgoers as they browsed the tables.
“The Diversity Fair is a unique opportunity to come together as UAB Medicine and celebrate the many ways in which we are different and the same,” said Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH, senior associate dean for Diversity and Inclusion at the School of Medicine. “We draw strength, creativity and excellence from our diversity. The Diversity Fair offers us a chance to enjoy that wonderful reality.”