Healthcare CoP: Diversity & Inclusion in Healthcare

About the Speaker:

LaWanda M. Simpkins, PhD is an independent scholar and founder and President of Creative Justice, Inc., a non-profit organization which specializes in creating spaces for conversations centered on social justice and advocacy. As an academic, Simpkins specializes in courses and curriculum development in areas directly connected with women’s & gender studies, race and adult education. Due to her extensive background, Simpkins approaches teaching and learning from a Freirean approach, which is radical in nature. Her research focuses on hegemonic norms and how dominant structures and ideologies affect the collective identity of marginalized populations, specifically Black and Brown people. Her terminal degree lies within Educational Studies with a concentration in Cultural Foundations. She also has a certificate in Women’s & Gender Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is a proud product of a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) holding a Master’s degree in Adult Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Marketing from North Carolina A&T State University. Simpkins has extensive experience working with audiences on issues dealing with cultural competency, diversity and social justice and advocacy.

Abstract:

Communities of Color experience health and wellness disparities at an alarmingly higher rate than those in racially dominant communities. One would believe that healthcare and access are open and equal to everyone but it simply is not true. In this interactive session, participants will be engaged in dialogue which addresses such inequalities in hopes to bring awareness and change to all those involved.

Learning Objectives:

By attending participants will:

• Leave with an understanding of the idea of power and privilege as it relates to race
• Leave with an action plan to address healthcare disparities as an individual