Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Committee Purpose
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee (henceforth referred to as “the committee”) develops and maintains policies, practices, and educational resources that support the Chicago Dental Society’s (CDS) diverse dental community and encourage members from a broad spectrum of lived experiences to thrive in the profession.
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee (henceforth referred to as “the committee”) develops and maintains policies, practices, and educational resources that support the Chicago Dental Society’s (CDS) diverse dental community and encourage members from a broad spectrum of lived experiences to thrive in the profession.
It establishes measurable strategies to assist member advancement into CDS leadership and fosters a diverse culture by identifying unique challenges, implementing inclusion initiatives, and setting realistic targets. The committee’s charges include consulting on a mentoring program, performing outreach to diverse organizations, developing a demographic data collection system, and facilitating focus group discussions during the annual Midwinter Meeting.
Structure and Composition
The committee is a standing member committee that reports to the CDS Board of Directors and advises it on matters pertaining to CDS’s core value of “diversity.” It consists of ten members, including a Chair that leads the committee, presides over its meetings, and provides reports to the Board of Directors; a Board Liaison that provides a communication throughline to the Board of Directors, upon which they serve; a New Dentist Representative that provides an early-career perspective; and seven Committee Representatives chosen for their passion and expertise in the areas of diversity and inclusion as well as their commitment to CDS’s mission and vision.
The committee is a standing member committee that reports to the CDS Board of Directors and advises it on matters pertaining to CDS’s core value of “diversity.” It consists of ten members, including a Chair that leads the committee, presides over its meetings, and provides reports to the Board of Directors; a Board Liaison that provides a communication throughline to the Board of Directors, upon which they serve; a New Dentist Representative that provides an early-career perspective; and seven Committee Representatives chosen for their passion and expertise in the areas of diversity and inclusion as well as their commitment to CDS’s mission and vision.
Committee terms are split between one-year terms and two-year terms.
Committee Objectives
Meeting:
The committee meets quarterly either in-person at CDS headquarters in Chicago or virtually. Attendance at two meetings is mandatory, but participation at all meetings is encouraged. Members of task forces may meet additionally to work on specific projects
Time Commitment:
A committee member can be expected to spend approximately two to three hours per month on committee-related activities.
Committee Members:
Chair
Dr. Sherece B. Thompson
Dr. Sherece B. Thompson
Committee Member
Dr. Michael Y Harada
Dr. Michael Y Harada
Committee Member
Dr. Jeffrey A. Kramer
Dr. Jeffrey A. Kramer
Committee Member
Dr. Anna K. Orland
Dr. Anna K. Orland
Committee Member
Dr. Kelly M. Skerrett
Dr. Kelly M. Skerrett
Committee Member
Dr. Lawrence A. White
Dr. Lawrence A. White
Committee Member
Dr. Martha C. Villasenor
Dr. Martha C. Villasenor
New Dentist Representative
Dr. Jason T. Rogers
Dr. Jason T. Rogers
Committee Member
Dr. Samantha Yee
Dr. Samantha Yee
Board Liaison
Dr. Lori R. Lightfoot
Dr. Lori R. Lightfoot
CDS Staff Liaison
Matthew Novotny
Matthew Novotny
Goals:
Supply CDS Board of Directors with D&I-lensed feedback and advice upon request.
Provide notes and feedback for online Mentor Match system, including demographic and profile selections.
Utilize task forces for committee projects that require committee approval upon completion.
Draft a one-paragraph D&I Philosophy for Approval by Board of Directors.
Develop a D&I Awareness Calendar featuring events, religious observances, and awareness months.
Provide input on new D&I web page.
Collaborate with CDS staff and committees on D&I-related projects.
Compile a library of D&I resources for D&I web page.
Share D&I Awareness Calendar with CDS Marketing and Communications team for social media acknowledgment.
Collect a list of measurable D&I initiatives for future projects and/or action plan.
Committee News
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Upcoming Committee Events
There are no upcoming events at this time.