ACHE of Massachusetts 3rd Annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award Application Process Now Live!
Each year, through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, the Massachusetts Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives honors organizations who have shown exceptional commitment and leadership in transformation of policies and practices that advance DEI in their organizations and communities.
This award seeks to recognize those who have gone above and beyond to bolster equity across all areas of diversity, including age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, and socio-economic status. In these past three years, we have seen hospitals and health systems intentionally renew and expand their focus on DEI. This is the chance to celebrate the work!
This is your opportunity to share all of the hard work your organization has been doing to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for employees, care for patients, and world for the broader community.
Please fill out the DE&I Award Self Nomination Form here!
ACHE of MA D,E & I Chair, Carmen Kenrich, pictured with the 2020 Award before presenting to 2020 winner Baystate Health.
ACHE of Massachusetts embraces diversity within the healthcare management field and recognizes that priority as both an ethical and business imperative. ACHE of Massachusetts values diversity and initiatives that promote diversity because they can improve the quality of the organization’s workforce. ACHE of Massachusetts also values and actively promotes diversity in its leaders and members because diverse participation can serve as a catalyst for improved decision making, increased productivity, and a competitive advantage.
Further, ACHE of Massachusetts works to foster an inclusive environment that recognizes the contributions and supports the advancement of all, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability because an inclusive environment accurately represents the populations we serve, can enhance the quality of healthcare, improve hospital/community relations, and positively affect the health status of society. This priority is reflected in the chapters various activities and initiatives.
ACHE of Massachusetts is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion through the following activities:
Within the Chapter organization:
- The Chapter Nominating Committee is charged with assuring that the chapter board of directors is broadly representative of the chapter membership and with maintaining a diverse and inclusive chapter leadership.
Within the healthcare management field:
- Strive to conduct at least one chapter educational event per year involving the topic of diversity and inclusion
- Feature the topic of diversity and inclusion each year in Chapter communications, either a Chapter Newsletter or other e-mail communication
- Develop a relationship within minority healthcare associations locally.
- Develop and maintain a caucus organization within the chapter in collaboration with the Asian Healthcare Leaders Association and/or the National Forum of Latino Healthcare Executives.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will highlight healthcare organizations who are striving to make a difference impacting the community while embracing their commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.
Forbes Names America’s Best Employers For Diversity
14 Hospital/Health Systems in Top 100
Congratulations!
Tufts Health Plan #10
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts #17
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Scott Ariel
Chief Executive Officer
Armenian Women’s Welfare Association
Frantz Berthaud – Co-Chair
Administrative Director, Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dee Dee Chen
Director of Professional Staff Compensation and Benefits
Massachusetts General Hospital
Soraya Kanakis
Graduate Student
Harvard University Extension School & MCPHS
Kerri-Lynne Kellam, MPH
Ambulatory Care Operations Director-Group Practice Manager
Department of Veteran Affairs
Carmen C. Kenrich – Chair
AMN Leadership Solutions
Merritt Hawkins
DVP, Strategic Partnerships
Client Experience Executive
Karen Moore, RN, FACHE
Senior Vice President of Operations & Chief Nursing Officer
Lawrence General Hospital
Paul Myoung, MHA, CLSSBB, FACHE
Senior Administrative Director
Massachusetts General Hospital
Barbara Schmidt
Director of Organizational Culture and Engagement
Southcoast Health
Alex Schwarzer, MBA, MPH
Division Manager
Children’s Hospital Boston
Deidre D. Smith, MHSA
Federal Revenue Policy Analyst
Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Basel Tarab, MD, MHA
Senior Manager for International Strategy Initiatives, Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Adjunct Faculty, Boston College
Virgilio Velez, BSN, RN
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Officer
Lawrence General Hospital
Carla Villacorta, MHA
LGBT Leaders
Daniel Abeyta, MHA
VA of Boston
Health System Specialist
Department of Medicine
Joseph Castellana, Ph.D.
2021 Cultural Holidays
- Ensure that your workplace offers cultural competency training online
- Find a local organization or venue that works with a cultural group you’re interested in learning about. This may include an advocacy group, religious institution, social club, etc. Make a plan to learn more.
- Ask respectful and open-ended questions to help learn about other cultures.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Also known as NDEAM, this October diversity month honors the contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplace and economy. This is a great time to educate about disability employment issues in your workplace.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October diversity events include wearing pink! Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise funds for breast cancer research. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women. You can show support during this month by making a donation to a breast cancer research foundation.
National Polish American Heritage Month
Since 1986, October has served as National Polish American Heritage Month. This October multicultural calendar was originally in August, but changed to aid participation in schools. October also holds significance for Polish-Americans as this is when Polish settlers first arrived in Jamestown, VA.
10/10: World Mental Health Day
October diversity topics include World Mental Health Day which raises awareness of mental health issues around the world. It provides the opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to discuss their work. It also advocates for what should be done to make mental healthcare a reality for people worldwide.
10/11: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October diversity celebrations include this shout out. You probably grew up hearing this holiday called “Columbus Day.” In 1992, Berkeley, CA became the first city to rename Columbus Day as Indigenous People’s Day, to honor Native American people, their history and culture. Take a stand on this day by supporting indigenous people’s rights organizations.
10/21: LGBTQ+ Spirit Day
October diversity days include Spirit Day. LGBTQ+ youth face a disproportionate amount of bullying and harassment. Spirit Day was created to demonstrate support for LGBTQ+ youth and to speak out against bullying. Wear purple today to show your support!