This past fall, the School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion established a Racial Justice Work Group to help us identify priorities for our school. Of the priorities identified, one specifically called to increase support and programming for the professional advancement of staff. To help us advance this priority, our office formed a group of Staff Diversity Liaisons to represent underrepresented staff (non-faculty) minorities in the school.

To determine group members, we asked each department and campus to appoint one staff person for this role—though large departments had the option of appointing more than one representative. Moving forward, we look to include liaisons for all of the School of Medicine’s Centers as well.

Staff Diversity Liaisons will have their first meeting in September and will regroup quarterly thereafter. Members of the group are expected to:

• Have an interest in enhancing the diversity of the SOM and building a more inclusive environment for all
• Advise ODI and provide feedback and input on our priorities, initiatives, activities, and issues
• Help us understand the various cultures within our departments—their needs, and how they may best be supported.
We are excited to have the advice and knowledge of the Staff Diversity Liaisons working alongside our ODI team. Below is a complete list of each department and their representative.

If you have questions about the Staff Diversity Liaisons, feel free to contact the liaison listed below for your department, or contact ODI Program Director, Dr. Leisha Hultgren at lhultgre@uab.edu.