Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee presented its first breakout session at the PCICS Annual meeting in San Diego titled, “Patient Perspective: Why DEI Must Continue.” This inaugural session was so well attended and brought forth dynamic discussions by Dr. Solange Benjamin-Bryant, Dr. Isaura Diaz, Dr. Latasha Lewis, Meighan Parker, JD and Erika Wintering, PNP. We are grateful to our speakers, moderators, and of course, the audience participants who engaged in lively discussion. Our hope for future meetings is to continue to sponsor breakout sessions with even more DEI related topics.

We would like to welcome Rebecca ”Becky” Sam, MSN, RN, CPN, CCRN as a new co-chair, replacing our outgoing co-chair Jean Connor, PhD, RN, CPNP, FAAN. Becky is the Director of Clinical Operations for the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Program at UT Health Houston, affiliated with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. Becky joined the nursing profession mid-career and has spent her entire 17-year career with the heart team at UT/ CMHH. She is passionate about creating environments of care to meet every patient and family where they are, regardless of socio-economic status, race/ethnicity, education level, or other diversity.

This year brings forward new opportunities for our DEI committee members to influence other PCICS committees as a liaison. We are hopeful this will provide more opportunities and avenues to stretch the arms of the DEI committee throughout all aspects of PCICS.

Lastly, we would like to thank Zac Di Pasquale for his dedication and administrative support to this committee, for always keeping us on task and in line for our meetings, agendas, and minutes. Zac you are very much appreciated and will be missed tremendously!