Body
Shirley Ryan ³Ô¹ÏÌìÌÃ91 was founded on the tenets of equality and access for all. We have long upheld an organizational commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion ¡ª and the journey is never ending. To continue to lead in medicine, we know that our commitments must align with our actions.
In 2020, we founded our IDEA Council to develop initiatives that foster and promote a strong culture of inclusion, diversity, equity and action at Shirley Ryan ³Ô¹ÏÌìÌÃ91.
Through the work of the IDEA Council, we strive for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive society that starts inside our organization with a focus on our employees ¡ª and extends outside to make a positive impact on our patients, their families and the community at large.
Championed by Leadership and Employees
Body
Working in partnership with Shirley Ryan ³Ô¹ÏÌìÌÃ91¡¯s Executive Leadership Team, the Council is comprised of 35 employees who represent many facets of the organization and bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Council members play a critical role in developing and championing Shirley Ryan ³Ô¹ÏÌìÌÃ91¡¯s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
From Ideas to Action: The IDEA Council¡¯s Areas of Focus
Body
The IDEA Council has four subcommittees focused on core areas to advance diversity, equity and inclusion practices at Shirley Ryan ³Ô¹ÏÌìÌÃ91.
- Learning and Training: To develop and deploy diversity training programs for staff and managers.
- Career Development: To develop programs that support employees in their career advancement through mentoring and professional growth opportunities.
- Recruitment and Retention: To enhance recruiting practices and engagement programs that actively prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion across the employee lifecycle.
- Health Equity: To identify and direct activities that focus on reducing healthcare disparities among patients
A Focus on Impact
Body
In a short time, the IDEA Council already has made an impact at Shirley Ryan ³Ô¹ÏÌìÌÃ91, with several accomplishments and new initiatives underway, including:
- Providing learning and resources for employees on a range of topics, from offering gender identity training to monthly facilitated discussions about promoting allyship at work.
- Spearheading career mentorship and apprenticeship programs for employees. For example, the IDEA Career Mentoring Program gives team members, especially those from historically underrepresented groups, the opportunity to be mentored by experienced Shirley Ryan ³Ô¹ÏÌìÌÃ91 colleagues and to explore different career paths.
- Deepening community relationships with historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions and local high schools to promote healthcare career opportunities and to increase diversity in patient-facing Allied Health roles.
Learn more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and explore Career Opportunities at Shirley Ryan ³Ô¹ÏÌìÌÃ91.