The Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) partnered with its Black/African American Faculty Association to host a social mixer on Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts.
Guests included Black/African American Faculty Association members, Black Post-Doctoral Association members, Heersink School of Medicine residents who self-identify as Black/African American, and allies. With over 25 guests in attendance, the mixer allowed the Black/African American Faculty Association members to network and discuss their future goals and plans, such as facilitating regular networking socials like this one, providing mentorship, and hosting an annual Juneteenth celebration. The mixer also allowed post-docs to network with faculty.
Farah Lubin, Ph.D., and Danielle Powell, M.D., co-chairs of the Black/African American Faculty Association, made opening remarks, thanking guests for attending and encouraging increased interdepartmental engagement and attendance at future events.
Leisha Hultgren, Ph.D., director of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, urged members of Black/African American Faculty Association to share with Lubin and Powell their ideas for programs to support their advancement and committed to assisting them with operationalizing their goals.
Marie-Carmelle Elie, M.D., chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, served as a surprise guest speaker. Lubin introduced Elie by humorously unrolling a scroll and reading off an abbreviated list of Elie’s many accomplishments. Elie spoke about the importance of recognizing the power each person holds, especially as members of the Black and African American community, and the importance of not giving away that power.
After Elie’s speech, Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH, senior associate dean for Diversity and Inclusion, thanked Lubin, Powell, and Elie for their vital insight and participation in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion at Heersink, and reiterated ODI’s commitment towards supporting the Black/African American Faculty Association.
After hearing from leadership, guests were encouraged to enjoy good food, music, and networking among friends, classmates, and colleagues. All guests gathered outside AEIVA and took a group photo to commemorate the event and our shared desire to support the Faculty Association as well as the Black/African American community throughout UAB.
Photos taken by Susan Lewis, executive assistant to Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH.
