Healthcare companies and organizations have put a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives over the past several years. However, the footholds they've gained in this arena are now under pressure.
The Trump administration is pushing to end or minimize DEI efforts in both the public and private sectors. There's evidence that this push is working, as some companies maintaining their DEI priorities have reduced the visibility of those practices.
That makes for an environment where recognizing the work of diverse leaders becomes even more crucial. These individuals bring new cultural awareness to their teams and offer unique insight into how factors like race, gender and sexual orientation impact health and healthcare delivery.
Data also show that a more ethnically diverse healthcare workforce improves the patient experience, which can help bridge gaps for some of the most vulnerable.
As the healthcare industry navigates a high-pressure environment and the business imperative inherent in diversifying the workforce, we're looking to once again recognize leaders who are truly driving such transformation and innovation forward.
For the sixth year, we will honor 10 leaders from across the healthcare industry—from provider organizations to technology innovators to researchers—and we need your help to compile the list.
So, what are we looking for?
We want to recognize leaders who have made a measurable impact on healthcare in the past year. We will accept nominations for individuals working in any sector of healthcare who is part of an underrepresented community, including American Indian, Native Alaskan, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Asian, African American, Hispanic or Latino.
If you know of someone who fits the bill, please nominate them using the form below. Nominations will play into our judging process, and the Fierce team will also weigh professional accomplishments, community leadership and any awards or other milestones.
We'll accept nominations through June 30 and will announce the winners in August.