Diversifying Diversity

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to make a presentation at the launch of Wishard Health Services' Diversifying Diversity Education Series. The series engages the staff, hospital partners, and the public in ensuring we apply a comprehensive approach to diversity in our personal and professional lives.

As a person with a disability, I believe that diversity is the collective sum of each person's life experiences. During my presentation, I encouraged attendees to look beyond the visual characteristics that distinguish us and instead look deeper into exactly what it is that makes us different and how those differences can enhance an organization's strategic and economic goals. Last fall, The Indiana Lawyer featured local lawyers and law firms in an excellent piece about defining diversity. It's clear that in order to attract and engage the best talent - and serve clients in the best way possible - understanding diversity is essential to our economy.

On a personal note, I was honored to speak to such an outstanding group of Wishard employees and friends. As a board member of the Marion County Health & Hospital Corporation, which oversees the Wishard system, I am so pleased by the contributions of this exceptional community asset. Wishard is Indiana's oldest and largest public healthcare system and serves a diverse array of people. Led by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and the doctors of IU, lives have been positively impacted by the hospital's world-class burn unit, trauma center and satellite medical facilities in our neighborhoods.

To learn more about Wishard Health Services, please visit www.wishard.edu.