Equity Diversity and Inclusion News

University of Maryland Medical System UMMS) is committed to the work of improving equity, diversity and inclusion throughout our organization.

Making our strategic priorities a reality is a complex, multi-year process. As we accomplish steps along the way, we will use this space to keep our patients, community and employees up to date with our efforts.

UMMS in the News 2023

A Baltimore haircare brand celebrates 20 years as its products roll out across University of Maryland hospital system – Baltimore Sun

Jamyla Bennu is celebrating 20 years of Oyin Handmade, her personal care products company. The products are made in Baltimore’s Greenmount West neighborhood. Earlier this year, the University of Maryland Medical System rolled out her hair products at all 11 of its hospitals for patients with highly textured hair.
April 11, 2023

Meet a Champion of Nursing Diversity: Shada’ Medley – Minority Nurse

Shada Medley, MSN RN, nurse manager in the Ambulatory Service Department shared her background and nursing inspiration. She manages the THRIVE program clinic, known as infections disease, at the University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus.
April 5, 2023

A Day in the Life: Nursing Informatics – Minority Nurse

Brook Gaskins, Manager, Clinical Informatics, who shared her background and area of nursing expertise with the Minority Nurse magazine, was prominently featured in their Certification, Informatics and Innovations special Issue.
March 31, 2023

For Hospital Leaders, Cultivating Strong Relationships is an 'Investment in the Future' – Becker's Hospital Review
March 24, 2023

What is a lesson you wished you had learned sooner? Dr. Rodrick King, Senior Vice President and Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, discusses the relationship-building lessons and the best advice he learned about leadership.

Celebrating Black Nursing Leaders: Meet Susanah Awe – Minority Nurse
February 17, 2023

A senior clinical nurse at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute, Susanah Awe defied expectations in a small town in Nigeria, where career options were limited for women, when she became a nurse for 36 years ago.

Celebrating Black Nursing Leaders: Meet Tasha Johnson – Minority Nurse
February 13, 2023

This profile of Tasha Johnson, MSN, RN, clinical nurse educator and aligned AHA training center coordinator for the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, highlights her as a healthcare leader who is making a transformational impact in nursing.

Study by UM Heart Specialists Reveals Impact of Socioeconomic Status, Race, Ethnicity and Language on Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease – USA Today
February 7, 2023

Babies born to parents who are Latino, live in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status or are limited in their English abilities are more likely to be diagnosed with congenital heart disease later than white infants, putting them at higher risk for adverse events after birth. Dr. Alicia Chaves, a pediatric cardiologist at the University of Maryland Medical System, comments for USA Today on the study conducted at UM Children's Hospital.

UMMS Named One of “America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023 for Diversity” by Newsweek
February 3, 2023

Newsweek recognized UMMS as one of the top 1,000 companies in the United States for diversity. Newsweek, in partnership with marketing data firm Plant-A Insights Group, created this ranking using data from a variety of sources.

Making News in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: UMMS Media Mentions 2022 and Prior