As I shared last month, MedStar Research A.I.D.E work group launched to focus on Anti-racism, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity initiatives at MHRI. If you want to learn more about the group, or share your thoughts & ideas, or participate, you can reach them at MHRI-Diversity@medstar.net.
Structured on 5 pillars of focus, MedStar Research AIDE is focused on we can address the impact of racial discrimination. Below, in their words, is why they are part of this group.
Brittany Wilkerson
To create a truly healthy environment for everyone, we must establish an antiracist atmosphere that recognizes inequality and allows members to express their concerns without fear of reprisal. I have a very optimistic outlook for the future and creating this environment with MedStar Research A.I.D.E.
On the Community and Engagement Pillar: Community Engagement is currently working to enhance MedStar Research A.I.D.E.'s connections and visibility within the community through virtual community outreach programs and exploring what research is being conducted across MedStar Health and other institutions to address equity, race, and discrimination.
Allie Moses
MHRI isn’t immune to issues of racism, discrimination and social justice – but in my experience, it’s not something we’ve discussed openly before. At an organizational level, we need to acknowledge that we live in a culture of white supremacy - one that perpetuates advantages for white people at the expense of all others – so we can begin to identify MHRI’s role in dismantling it. This work is already taking place in pockets of MHRI, but there’s room to grow. I think we have a huge opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, become closer as a community and more effective as a workforce.
On the Education pillar activities: The goal of the education pillar is to educate MHRI associates on issues of racism, discrimination and social justice, and how they impact our research and our workplace. Our initial focus is to partner with the People pillar to develop a monthly seminar series to discuss these topics.
Emily Paku
The MHRI AIDE work group gives me the ability to unite with colleagues to make an impact. Driven by associates and supported by leadership, MHRI AIDE embraces the call to action to turn ideas into sustained progress.
On the Research pillar: Increase diversity among researchers, the research workforce, research participants, as well as research opportunities that address racial and social disparities.
Amy Will
Being part of MedStar Research AIDE is important to me because it shows the strength of the collaboration across departments at MHRI and shows we have a unified voice when it comes to ending racism and discrimination. Being part of this work group has given me the opportunity to work with and learn from other associates at MedStar that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to meet in our new virtual world. I look forward to continuing to grow our mission and collaborate across MedStar!
Ashlee Tidwell
MedStar Research AIDE has provided us with an opportunity to address issues around racism, diversity and discrimination in a safe and open environment. Being part of this group has impacted my life both professionally and personally. The work that we are committed to doing is a huge passion of mine. I am confident that MedStar will rise to the challenge and seek opportunities that will help to end discrimination and cultivate an inclusive environment.
On the People Pillar: The focus of the people pillar is to recruit members and diversify the participation of MedStar Research AIDE. This pillar will also work closely with Human Resources to ensure that our hiring and promotion practices are fair and equitable to our associates.
The MHRI AIDE work group gives me the ability to unite with colleagues to make an impact. Driven by associates and supported by leadership, MHRI AIDE embraces the call to action to turn ideas into sustained progress.
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