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.
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 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; an Early Career 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:
Time Commitment:
Philosophy Statement:
The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) embraces a culture of diversity and inclusion that enables its members to engage in respectful dialogue and interaction with one another and the settings in which they serve. Through the recognition of a variety of lived experiences within the Chicagoland dental community, CDS provides equitable opportunities for personal and professional development that empower members to become leaders. Welcoming diverse voices and viewpoints endows CDS with the strength to cultivate a relevant and sustainable organization that prioritizes health for all.
Committee Members:
Dr. Sherece B. Thompson
Committee Member
Dr. Michael Y. Harada
Dr. Jeffrey A. Kramer
Committee Member
Dr. Yetta McCullom
Dr. Anna K. Orland
Dr. Kelly M. Skerrett
Committee Member
Dr. Martha C. Villasenor-Ibsen
Dr. Lawrence A. White
Committee Member
Dr. Samantha Yee
Early Career Dentist Board
Dr. Mary T. Harris
Dr. Lori R. Lightfoot
CDS Staff Liaison
Jessie Eisner-Kleyle
Goals:
Committee News
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