Diversity & Inclusion

Western Florida Chapter embraces diversity within the healthcare management field and recognizes that priority as both an ethical and business imperative. The Chapter values diversity and initiatives that promote diversity because they can improve the quality of the organization’s workforce. The Chapter also values and actively promotes diversity in its leaders and members because diverse participation can serve as a catalyst for improved decision making, increased productivity, and a competitive advantage.

Further, the Chapter works to foster an inclusive environment that recognizes the contributions and supports the advancement of all, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability because an inclusive environment can enhance the quality of healthcare, improve hospital/community relations, and positively affect the health status of society. This priority is reflected in the Chapter’s various activities and initiatives.

The Chapter is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice through the following activities:

• The Chapter Committee on Diversity and Inclusion is charged with conducting training and an annual self-assessment of the Chapter’s diversity and inclusion practices and proposing new practices and programs.
• The Chapter Nominating Committee is charged with assuring that the Chapter board of directors is broadly representative of the Chapter membership and with maintaining a diverse and inclusive Chapter leadership.
• The Chapter will provide a financial scholarship to a minority for dues to attend ACHE Congress or make an annual contribution to the Thomas C. Dolan Executive Diversity Program.
• Assure our educational events’ panel of speakers are diverse and inclusive.
• Conduct at least one Chapter educational event annually offering face-to-face ACHE continuing education credits on a topic related to diversity, inclusion, equity and/or justice.
• Publish a Diversity Spotlight column in the Chapter newsletter.
• Develop and maintain a caucus organization within the Chapter in collaboration with the Asian Healthcare Leaders Association, the National Forum of Latino Healthcare Executives, Rainbow Healthcare Leaders Association, the Women’s Healthcare Executives Network – South Florida Chapter, the National Association of Health Service Executives – South Florida Chapter, and/or other relevant Diversity and Inclusion organizations.
• Assist the Membership Committee in recruiting early careerists/emerging leaders from graduate degree programs as they tend to represent a more diverse population of prospective members