Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Working toward a community that is open, just, and welcoming for all

IHSI strives to create a healthier community and a healthier society. Inherent to this mission is a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Diversity committee

IHSI's staff-led diversity committee works to define and develop our institute’s commitment to address racism and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Primary responsibilities of the committee include:

• Advise IHSI leadership and develop plans that increase expectations and accountability for promoting diversity, with measurable outcomes and goals in mind
• Serve as a point of contact for incorporating diversity goals into initiatives, programs, and partnerships
• Develop best practices and help to implement these practices at IHSI
• Communicate with the IHSI team about committee activities and progress
• Serve as diversity representative on every IHSI search committee

The committee hosts discussions, shares resources, and works to engage all staff in creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. They also provided staff members with a facilitated Intercultural Awareness Inventory group training and reflection both as a team and as individuals. IHSI staff members are also given professional development funds and encouraged to take part in training and educational opportunities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Incorporating diversity goals into initiatives, programs, and partnerships

As part of IHSI’s commitment to health equity, IHSI partners with many campus units and invites promotes speakers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. This is evidenced by our line-up of presenters and program participants.

The Community-Academic Scholars program creates opportunities for students to conduct community-engaged research. Preference is given to minoritized students and to those whose background reflects the communities their project serves. The program review committee consists of a diverse group of faculty members in various stages of their careers representing several different units on campus. Additionally, the Community Academic Scholars program has partnered with the Office of Public Engagement to host three students from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Alliance Summer Explorations Program.

The  10-week Health Equity Research Experience matches Illinois students with a faculty mentor at Mayo Clinic to explore health equity research being conducted at a major medical center. The HERE Program team works to integrate elements of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into all aspects of the program, including appointing a diverse selection committee and connecting with the Office of Minority Student Affairs and the cultural houses to ensure that students from minoritized backgrounds are encouraged to apply to the program. 

The Community Seminar Series demonstrates IHSI’s commitment to diversity, health equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration by highlighting innovative research and solutions that promote health for a variety of populations. These presentations foster open dialogue and practical solutions from researchers across campus and the broader community.

IHSI research development staff support proposal development for investigators from historically underrepresented populations and research projects that promote health equity and social justice. They have also partnered with the OVCDEI to provide proposal development support for the Call to Action program.

IHSI Diversity Committee Resources

Each month, the IHSI Diversity Committee shares recommended reading and resources with the rest of IHSI staff. Curating and sharing these resources gives our team an opportunity to educate ourselves on various topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. As an institute devoted to promoting all forms of health, we want to share these resources broadly with our campus and community. We hope that you will find them as useful as we have.

More resources