Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Update

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee has undergone a number of changes this year. First, we would like to thank Jean Connor, PhD, RN, CPNP, FAAN, for her service and contributions as co-chair for the DEI Committee. Jean will be stepping down as co-chair this year, and we are currently in the process of recruiting for her position.

This year, we have been excited to plan a DEI Breakout Session at PCICS on November 15, 2024, at 8am. This session will include presentations on the changing DEI legal landscape, a parent experience, and a medical leadership perspective. Thank you to our Committee’s workgroup members, Ritu Asija, Rupal Bhakta, LaTasha Lewis, Solange Benjamin, Isaura Diaz, and Jaime Silva-Gburek, for planning such a rich session. Additionally, we have been working to establish a DEI liaison to each of the PCICS Committees this year. Our hope is that we will be able to apply a DEI lens throughout PCICS, so that it becomes a routine part of our operations, programming, and recruitment efforts.

Future projects include developing a DEI library of resources and collaborating with other cardiac societies and registries surrounding DEI topics. We will also be looking at the demographic data we have collected for the past two years on member race and gender to better understand our member demographic makeup and look for opportunities to encourage more diversity and inclusivity in our field.

We look forward to seeing everyone in San Diego this fall!