Introducing the Cook Children's ID&E Task Force
Thank you so much to every single person who applied for the employee-driven Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (ID&E) Task Force. We received a significant response of interest in joining and we are grateful to have such an engaged and passionate workforce!
We are so excited to announce the following 14 individuals of the ID&E Task Force:
- Suzanne Beckett, director, Library Services
- Joi Broadnax, credentialed Epic trainer, IS
- Yecenia Escatel Bugarin, clinical outcomes associate, Health Plan
- Donna Capps, MSW, social worker, Case Management
- Cassandra Cornell, manager, Quality Improvement
- Daniel Elledge, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program
- Sonia Kubecka, RN, NICU
- Carli Land, medical laboratory scientist, Lab-Blood Bank
- Joshua Martz, communications coordinator, Health Foundation
- Megan Maxwell, RN, NICU
- Crystal O'Reilley, AVP, Quality and Care Management
- Frank J. Sloan, M.D., physician, Urgent Care
- Bianka Soria-Olmos, D.O., pediatrician at Cook Children's Pediatrics Haslet
- Raymond Turner, recording studio producer, Child Life
As Chief Diversity Officer Wini King said upon her hiring, "it is comforting to be a part of an organization that accepts our differences, our failures, and is willing to look inward and truly examine what is at the heart of our culture."
In July 2021, thousands of employees completed the Open Arms and ID&E Survey and following those results, along with focus groups and individual interviews, the Task Force will focus on five key areas:
- Investment in ID&E Training and Resources
- Growth & Professional Development
- Strategic Recruitment
- Inclusion of New Voices & Ideas
- Ensuring Accountability
Along with these points, the Task Force will help develop the ID&E strategy for Cook Children's.
“This Task Force is not trying to change the culture of Cook Children's, we already have a wonderful, rich culture,” Wini said. “We simply want to refine it so that it allows every employee and every patient to feel valued, respected, welcomed and that they belong.”
The Task Force will meet this month for two virtual sessions and two in-person, half-day, sessions. We are so excited to share this group's work and strategy when completed. Please stay tuned for more!