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:
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.
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:
Chair
Dr. Sherece B. Thompson
Committee Member
Dr. Michael Y. Harada
Committee Member
Dr. Jeffrey A. Kramer
Committee Member
Dr. Yetta McCullom
Committee Member
Dr. Anna K. Orland
Committee Member
Dr. Kelly M. Skerrett
Committee Member
Dr. Martha C. Villaseñor-Ibsen
Committee Member
Dr. Lawrence A. White
Committee Member
Dr. Samantha Yee
Early Career Dentist Board
Dr. Mary T. Harris
Board Liaison
Dr. Lori R. Lightfoot
CDS Staff Liaison
Jessie Eisner-Kleyle
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.
Collaborate with CDS staff and committees on D&I-related projects.
Collect a list of measurable D&I initiatives for future projects and/or action plan.
Committee News
Upcoming Committee Events
Contact the Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Contact the D&I Committee if you are interested in learning more about the committee and its initiatives.
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