12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, Central, Virtual

Presenter:

Mark R. Rank, PhD
Herbert S. Hadley Professor of Social Welfare
Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis

The paradox of poverty amid plenty has plagued the United States throughout the 21st century – why should the wealthiest country in the world also have the highest rates of poverty among the industrialized nations? Based upon the ideas in his latest book, Mark Rank will explore the answers to this paradox. He will outline a unique explanation that he has developed over the years, along with ideas and strategies for addressing poverty.

Farrell Learning and Teaching Center, 205
520 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, Missouri 63110

One in four adults in the United States are living with some kind of disability. This diverse community is made up of unique individuals whose knowledge, skills, talents and experiences add important perspective, resourcefulness, and creative energy to our society. Still, people with disabilities are underemployed, overrepresented in health inequities and experience healthcare access barriers. This 90-minute education session will define disability, introduce inclusive practices for language, etiquette and bias management. We will highlight campus resources to help participants begin to think of ways to move from compliance to inclusion within their work environments.

Lunch will be provided!
 

REGISTER HERE: https://diversity.med.wustl.edu/events/calendar/advancing-disability-inclusion-in-person/

Our second meeting will be Thursday, October 26 at 5:30pm. Location: Danforth University Center, room 242. 

Please note hard copies of the books are only provided for current undergraduate and graduate students, however anyone is invited to join our meeting. We will provide access to a physical copy of the book. If you have any questions or concerns, please email aeryel@wustl.edu or e.r.joseph@wustl.edu.

This month's book is True Biz by Sara Novic. Description below:

TRUE BIZ (adj./exclamation; American Sign Language): really, seriously, definitely, real-talk

True biz? The students at the River Valley School for the Deaf just want to hook up, pass their history finals, and have politicians, doctors, and their parents stop telling them what to do with their bodies. This revelatory novel plunges readers into the halls of a residential school for the deaf, where they'll meet Charlie, a rebellious transfer student who's never met another deaf person before; Austin, the school's golden boy, whose world is rocked when his baby sister is born hearing; and February, the headmistress, who is fighting to keep her school open and her marriage intact, but might not be able to do both. As a series of crises both personal and political threaten to unravel each of them, Charlie, Austin, and February find their lives inextricable from one another's—and changed forever.

This is a story of sign language and lip-reading, disability and civil rights, isolation and injustice, first love and loss, and, above all, great persistence, daring, and joy. Absorbing and assured, idiosyncratic and relatable, this is an unforgettable journey into the Deaf community and a universal celebration of human connection.

CONTENT WARNINGS: injury/injury detail, ableism, medical trauma, death of a parent. Others not listed here. 

Mentoring is critical for students of color pursuing a degree in STEM. Mentoring has been reported to be one of the most effective components in improving retention, graduation rates, and success in STEM careers. Additionally, mentors can assist their mentees with building their self-esteem and science identity, expose them to resources and opportunities, and much more. Unfortunately, many students are unaware of the importance of mentoring, how to identify mentors, and maintain meaningful relationships. The purpose of this session is to provide students with tips and strategies that will guide them through the process of identifying mentors that will help them succeed in STEM.

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Virtual

OPA is teaming up with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) to bring postdocs two virtual trainings back to back!

• 9-10am: DEI 1.0: Awareness

• 10-11am: DEI 2.0: Implicit Bias

Participants will be led through discussions around what Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean and how they inform our work at the University. Additionally, participants will explore the concept of Implicit Bias and learn strategies to identify and mitigate its effects in daily life. 

RSVP Here to receive the zoom link.

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Virtual

OPA is teaming up with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) to bring postdocs two virtual trainings back to back!

• 9-10am: DEI 3.0: Standing-up

• 10-11am: DEI 4.0: Action 

Participants will be led through discussions around microaggressions and how we can be “upstanders” and prevent further harm. These trainings will discuss moving toward action by introducing multiple techniques for speaking up and offering participants opportunities to practice.

RSVP Here to receive the zoom link.

• Utilize a shared language for the work of anti-racism, inclusion, equity and diversity.

• Develop a greater understanding of individual, institutional, and structural racism.

• Understand both historical and present-day structural racism specific to St. Louis and its impact on the healthcare system, medical education, research and institutional climate/culture.

• Reflect on individual identity and our socialization processes and their impact on behavior.

• Practice strategies for reducing and managing bias in education, leadership, patient care, research and interprofessional relationships.

• Learn how to speak up when witnessing or experiencing racism and bias in the workplace.

• Apply a racial equity lens to decision-making, policy, standards of practice.

• Problem solve to address identified inequities at the institutional, departmental, division or team level and apply acquired knowledge to implement longitudinal change.

Please know that while topics can generalize to all disciplines and research areas, the curriculum was originally designed for biomedical audiences. Postdocs in non-biomedical research areas are highly encouraged to apply, understanding this bias in the curriculum. 

All workshops will be Wednesday afternoons, 3-5pm from January 24 thru March 13. The schedule will be: 

January 24, 3-5pm- Why we’re starting with race
January 31, 3-5pm- Race as a social construct
February 7, 3-5pm- Social Identities
February 14, 3-5pm- Historic timeline
February 21, 3-5pm- Scientific Racism
February 28, 3-5pm- Culturally aware practices
March 6, 3-5pm- Be an upstander
March 13, 3-5pm- Reflections

Finally, in order to participate, successful applicants must:

1. Complete this application, including providing a signed letter from their PI that states that the postdoc has protected time on Wednesday from 3-5pm between January 24 and March 13 to participate in this workshop series. Please click here for a sample letter of support.

2. Complete Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fundamentals (modules 1-4) by January 24. To help with this, two turbo sessions of these modules will be offered. Register for those here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to petersmyers@wustl.edu. 

Proposal Central open for proposals: July 31, 2023

Award start date: April 1, 2024

Purpose

To enable current AHA awardees to identify and serve as mentors for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented groups in science and medicine:

• Individuals from one or more racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in science, including: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

• LGBTQ+ individuals

• Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities

• Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as those who meet two or more of the following criteria:

  • Were or currently are homeless 

  • Were or currently are in the foster care system 

  • Were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years 

  • Have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree

  • Were or currently are eligible for Federal Pell grants 

See additional eligibility criteria below.

Overview

An eligible AHA-funded investigator identifies an eligible trainee to mentor.  (See Eligibility section below.)

Key elements of a successful application will include:

1. A trainee who has demonstrated excellent potential for conducting research. The fellow will initiate the application in  ProposalCentral and will be the awardee/PI.

2. A research plan that expands or augments the currently funded AHA research project and the fellow’s skills. The mentor and fellow will prepare the application jointly. The mentor’s institution  will be responsible for administering the project.

3. A capable mentor(s) who has constructed a strong development plan for the fellow.

4. A training environment that will facilitate the fellow's success. 

Maximum of two years of AHA support per trainee.

Each predoc/postdoc supported by AHA is expected to attend a scientific conference during the term of the award.

Eligibility

Fellow/Trainee

Postdoctoral Fellow

At the time of supplement activation:

• Must hold a post-baccalaureate Ph.D. degree or equivalent, or a doctoral-level clinical degree, such as M.D., D.O., D.V.M., Pharm.D., D.D.S., Dr.Ph., Ph.D. in nursing, public health, or other clinical health science., or equivalent clinical health science doctoral student who seeks research training with a mentor prior to embarking upon a research career.

• May not be pursuing a doctoral degree.

• May have no more than five years of research training or experience since obtaining a post-baccalaureate doctoral-level degree (excluding clinical training).

• Will be expected to devote at least 80 percent of full-time work either to research or to activities pursuant to independent research (instead of administrative, clinical duties that are not an integral part of the research training program or teaching responsibilities).

• May not hold faculty rank.

  • M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. with clinical responsibilities who needs instructor or similar title to see patients, but who will devote at least 80% full-time to research training.

  • R.N./Ph.D. with clinical appointment. Awardee will be expected to devote his/her time to research or activities directly related to the development into an independent researcher. All other eligibility criteria apply.

• Exceptions:

Events include keynote speakers, service opportunities, panel discussions, and more.

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

The Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday is an official day of service and celebrates the civil rights leader’s life and legacy. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all to volunteer to improve their communities.

Find volunteer opportunities: 

• Washington University in St. Louis Community Service Project: Please join us from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm in Tisch Commons in the Danforth University Center (DUC). We will be making dental hygiene kits for the Youth and Family Center, care packages for the unhoused, blankets for area animal shelters, and cards for local senior citizens.

• United Way of Greater Saint Louis Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

• The Mission Continues MLK – CULTIVATING HOPE TOGETHER

• VolunteerMatch

Dr. MLK Week 2024 will commence with Dr. Sherree Wilson, Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Washington University School of Medicine, sharing the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion at WashU Medicine. This is an opportunity to learn about recent successes, what lies ahead and how you can get involved and/or support DEI efforts on the medical campus. We are particularly excited to honor individuals from the WashU Medicine community who will be recognized as Drum Majors as described by Dr. King.

“Join us for an Evening of Insight and Reflection”

In grade school, we often study Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, but his impact extends far beyond in his fight against racial inequalities. In the later years of his life, Dr. King’s ideology evolved into something considered quite radical. He vehemently opposed the Vietnam War, spearheaded the Poor People’s Campaign, and championed the cause of guaranteed income.

Join the Association of Black Biomedical Graduate Students, the Black Postdoc Association, and ODEI for an insightful screening of the documentary “King in the Wilderness.” This documentary delves into the lesser-explored chapters of Dr. King’s life, shedding light on his bold stances and revolutionary ideas.

Following the screening, engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the reduction of Dr. King’s legacy to the civil rights movement. Explore the relevance of his ideologies to today’s social issues and discover how we can actively contribute to realizing the world he envisioned. This event aims to shift the spotlight to Dr. King’s life after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, emphasizing the totality of his enduring legacy.”

Dr. King’s legacy and commitment to civil rights and eliminating inequities has influenced the fields of medicine and public health. At the Convention of the Medical Committee for Human Rights held in Chicago in March 1955, Dr. King declared: “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhumane.” In a 1961 annual report entitled “Equality Now: The President Has the Power,” Dr. King called attention to “a considerable amount of discrimination” with regard to health and hospitalization. Consistent with what we might today describe as an antiracist stance, Dr. King influenced the fields of medicine and public health by being among the voices to suggest and champion specific changes in programs and policies that could reduce racial inequity in social determinants of health and health more broadly. This panel of WashU Medicine leaders will reflect on how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Legacy has impacted their practice as leaders in medicine and/or biomedical science.

Refreshments will be provided.

Panelists include:

• Eva Aagaard, MD
  Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Professor of Medical Education
  Senior Associate Dean for Education, Vice Chancellor for Medical Education
  Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine

• Opeolu M Adeoye, MD, MS
  BJC HealthCare Distinguished Professor of Emergency Medicine
  Department Chair of Emergency Medicine

• Michael Avidan, MBBCh, FCA SA
  Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor of Anesthesiology
  Department Chair of Anesthesiology

• Eric J. Lenze, MD
  Wallace and Lucille K Renard Professor
  Department Chair of Psychiatry

The panel will be moderated by:

• Will Ray Ross, MD, MPH
  Alumni Endowed Professor of Medicine, Nephrology
  Associate Dean for Diversity
  Principal Officer for Community Partnerships

As we embark on the Spring semester, we are excited to invite you to participate in our book club on a platform dedicated to exploring and discussing literature that aligns with the value of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a whole person. The book club will meet monthly, and participants can expect to engage in monthly facilitated discussions on Patrick Parr’s book “The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr. Comes of Age” which is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and legacy of one of the greatest civil rights leaders in history. This captivating book takes you on a journey through King’s formative years, providing a unique perspective on the events and experiences that shaped him into the iconic figure he is today. With its engaging storytelling and meticulous research, “The Seminarian” is a powerful tribute to a man who dedicated his life to fighting for equality and justice for all.

Join free through WU

Washington University recently became an Institutional Partner with the Association for Women in Science. Membership opportunity is open to all genders!  

AWIS Scholarships opened in early December and will be closing February 29. They have added an additional scholarship for first generation undergraduate students in addition to existing undergraduate scholarship, doctoral scholarship, and career re-entry scholarship.  

Students planning their future careers may be in interested in How to Choose Your Next Lab or Workplace.

Faculty and staff mentoring students can learn best practices during The Essential Role of Mentorship for Women in Science.

With an AWIS Membership you can access the following benefits:  

·         AWIS Webinars: explore timely topics with exciting thought leaders through our What’s Next webinar series. 

·         Weekly Newsletter and Members-Only Content: stay informed on trends, opportunities, and events. 

·         Digital Subscription to AWIS Magazine: read about women’s contributions to STEM and their impact on society. 

·         Scholarship Opportunities: to support the professional development and advancement of AWIS members.  Now open and closing February 29, 2024.

·         Recognition: let us amplify your career achievements through member spotlights and AWIS communication channels. 

·         AWIS Event Calendar: register for local and national events. 

·         Membership Directory: connect with AWIS members locally and nationally. 

·         AWIS Online Member Community 

Please reach out to AWIS with any questions about membership: awis@awis.org

Providence, Rhode Island

The Queer in Computational and Applied Mathematics (QCAM) workshop will be the first workshop to celebrate research advances and foster stronger research networks of LGBTQIA+ mathematicians specializing in computational and applied mathematics. Goals of QCAM are to support LGBTQIA+ academics through mentoring and research opportunities, as well as providing a safe space for researchers across the subfields of computational and applied mathematics to connect, collaborate, and build support networks within the field. In addition, QCAM intends to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in mathematics pertaining to LGBTQIA+ people, especially those with intersectional identities. This conference will be open to all and will ideally engage the wider mathematical audience of LGBTQIA+ allies to develop a community of support.

The scientific program will have invited speakers and contributed sessions that span the field of computational mathematics, with a planned focus on research in computational methods which may include the following fields:

- Mathematical Biology, Ecology, Epidemiology, and/or Oncology;

- Fluids, Materials, and/or Mathematical Physics;

- Data Science;

- Numerical Analysis and Computational Science; and

- Applied Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Geometry, and/or Topology.

These general frameworks will be the basis for the creation of working groups during the conference. In these working groups, QCAM participants will be invited to develop supportive and collaborative research networks with other participants of differing career stages. Furthermore, QCAM will include programming that is dedicated within the LGBTQIA+ community and at the intersection with other underrepresented groups, as well issues pertaining to the leaky STEM pipeline for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Application Information

ICERM welcomes applications from faculty, postdocs, graduate students, industry scientists, and other researchers who wish to participate. Some funding may be available for travel and lodging. Graduate students who apply must have their advisor submit a statement of support in order to be considered.

Friday, April 5, 11 a.m.
Brown Lounge, Brown Hall

RSVP Link

How do we create a world where everyone belongs? What happens if we don’t?

In The Ethics of Belonging, Dr. Yuria Celidwen synthesizes her research on the deep contemplative wisdom embedded in Indigenous traditions to help solve our most urgent and overwhelming problems – environmental destruction, breakdown of communities, systems of oppression and the mental health pandemic.

She shows us a way forward with practices grounded in Indigenous principles of embodiment and action toward equity, community and ecological awareness, all with proven physical, psychological and environmental benefits.

Dr. Celidwen, a senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute, works to reclaim, revitalize and transmit Indigenous wisdom for social and environmental justice. She is the author of the forthcoming book Flourishing Kin: Indigenous Foundations for Collective Well-Being published by Sounds True.

Free, open to all.

Presented by Mindfulness Science & Practice, a multiyear cluster of the Incubator for Transdisciplinary Futures, and the Kathryn M. Buder Center for American Indian Studies.

• World-renowned meditation teacher

• Author of The Joy of Living  

• Neuroscience collaborator

• Highly viewed TED speaker

Mindfulness & Anti-Racism Speaker (virtual)
September 27, 2 p.m.
Dr. Larry Ward

• Author of America's Racial Karma

• Co-founder of the Lotus Institute

• Senior teacher in the Plum Village tradition

Remarks by Chancellor Martin will begin at 10am. 

If you are joining virtually, a link to the event will be shared to registered guests via email. Please note: the link will be made available only a few days before the event start and will be posted on the homepage of voices.wustl.edu.

Register to attend.

Goldberg Formal Lounge
6475 Forsyth, St. Louis, Missouri 63130

Join the Spectrum Office and the Center for Career Engagement for a panel discussion on how to navigate being out at work! 

We will have alumni and community members sharing their narrative, and after, we will have time for networking. Light refreshments will be served.

This event is open to all.

Danforth University Center, Goldberg Formal Lounge
6475 Forsyth, St. Louis, Missouri 63130

What was the experience of Asian American migrants to the Midwest in the late nineteenth century? What did Chinatown in St. Louis look like before its demolition in the 1960s? What happened to Japanese Americans who escaped interment camps and settled in St. Louis during World War II? How did the Asian American immigrants establish successful businesses with the support of the local community? How did national developments in race relations and social activism in the twentieth century influence Asian Americans in St. Louis?  

In anticipation of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and in recognition of the historical and cultural contributions of individuals within the AAPI community in St. Louis, Washington University Libraries and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion of Washington University in St. Louis invite you to join us for a forum on the history of Asian Americans in St. Louis. With the support of the Missouri Humanities Council, Washington University students and staff have created a series of webpages using GIS (Geographic Information System) technology to showcase the contributions of the Asian American community on St. Louis, called the ‘Asia in St. Louis’ project. 

Guest speaker, Anna Crosslin, will speak on her experience as a member of the International Society in St. Louis. The Asia in St. Louis project members will present their StoryMaps which focus on the arrival of early Chinese immigrants, urban life in St. Louis’ first Chinatown (Hop Alley), the relocation of Japanese American students to WashU during World War II, and how national developments in social justice influenced Asian Americans in St. Louis. 

Free and open to all, registration is required. Refreshments will be provided.

 April 20, 2024

 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

 Brown Lounge, Brown Hall

Since our founding in 2020, the Black Graduate Student Association has strived to showcase our work as Black graduate students. With our work being a journey of navigating various Black experiences in academia, our signature event, “Black Journeys Toward Higher Education” will capture both our experiences and work as Black graduate students. This will be a two-part event starting with The State of Black Graduate Students and concluding with The BGSA Conference.

The State of Black Graduate Students

We want to highlight the academic journeys of BGSA members in an editorial piece, “The State of Black Graduate Students”, crafted by our stories. These stories will set the stage for collaborative conversations between the BGSA community and WashU Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) stakeholders to reflect on Black graduate student experiences.

The BGSA Conference

After reflecting on our academic experiences, we’ll celebrate the work we’ve accomplished in the current phase of our academic journeys – whether that be in the beginning, middle, or end. Black graduate students will showcase their research, business pitches, law presentations / oral arguments, artwork, or any other form of graduate work.

Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Dineo Khabele, MD
Mitchell & Elaine Yanow Professor
Chair, Department of Obstetrics & Gyenecology.

Lunch provided.
Please RSVP to Jennifer Mosher at mosherj@wustl.edu.

5-6:30pm

Holden Auditorium

The idea is for our community to build their network and explore potential career opportunities. I want to highlight that the St. Louis Mosaic Project will be at our event, and they are an excellent resource to help non-US Citizens/Residents navigate job opportunities.

RSVP Here -  https://forms.gle/QLx4QkSxLTbvcoCz7

These are all the participating organizations/businesses/professionals:

Biotech/Pharmaceutical

• Millipore Sigma

• BioSTL

• Pfizer

• Bayer

• Alcami

• Confluence Discovery Technologies

Consulting/Entrepreneurship

• Cortex Innovation Community

• WUSTL Office of Technology Managemenent

• Numerof & Associates

Immigration & Innovation

• St Louis Mosaic Project - an Initiative from the World Trade Center

Intellectual Property and Patents

• Luisalberto Gonzalez , Ph.D.

Physician Scientist

• Rafael Galindo , MD, Ph.D.

Workforce & Storytelling

• Thi Nguyen, Ph.D.

WUSTL Resources

• Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD)

• Center for Career Engagement (CCE)

April 11 |6:30 p.m. in the Team Meeting Room, Athletic Complex | APIDA Student-Athlete Panel - This event is a collaboration with WashU Athletics and CCxN.

April 12 |1 p.m. (Women's Team) and 4 p.m. (Men's Team) at the Tao Tennis Center by the Athletic Complex | APIDA Heritage Tennis Double Header with Athletics

April 12 |5:30-6:30 p.m. in Simon Hall 017 | All in the Family: A Mixer for Adoptees. The Cross-Cultural Connections team along with Public Health Sciences PhD Candidate, Hannah Kinzer, are hosting a mixer for students and community members who identify as adoptees or are family to adoptees. This event is designed for domestic and transnational adoptees in our community to come together and share their lived experiences while in the community.

April 13 |10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in Seigle Hall, Join the 2024 In-between Pan-Asian Mental Health Conference – Register Here

April 13 |7 - 10:30 p.m. at Gregg Walkway on the South 40 Clocktower join the Asian American Association for their Annual Night Market

April 15 |6:30-7:30 p.m. in Simon 01 | Why Asian American Studies? Join the CDI’s Cross-Cultural Connections and the Asian American Studies Minor program on the importance of Asian American Studies at WashU.

April 18 | 4‒5:30 p.m. | Asia in St. Louis: Stories of Community Building and Resilience, https://happenings.wustl.edu/event/asia-in-st-louis-stories-of-community-building-and-resilience

April 18 |6 p.m. at Subterranean Books| My Dear Comrades community reading by author Sunu Chandy hosted by Dr. Jacob Chacko, The Very Asian Foundation, and the St. Louis Pan Asian Collective 

April 19 |5 - 6 p.m. | WashU Asian Alumni Network Happy Hour at Reunion, https://wustl.advancementform.com/event/washu-wuaan-happy-hour-at-reunion-2024/register

April 19 |6:15 p.m. in Seigle Hall L006– The Center for Diversity and Inclusion's Book Club Presents: A Reading and Reception with Sunu P. Chandy. Sunu P. Chandy is a social justice activist, a poet, and a civil rights attorney. The book club will be reading "My Dear Comrades", by Sunu P. Chandy for the month of April.

February 16 - April 21 | Gateway to the East: China at the St. Louis World's Fair, https://happenings.wustl.edu/event/gateway_to_the_east_china_at_the_st_louis_worlds_fair 

Thursday, April 18, 2024
3:30–5:30 pm
COCA’s Gold Design & Art Studio
6880 Washington Ave. in the U. City Loop
 

Learn about the power of buttons in history and social movements, share your stories, meet local advocates and educators, and make your own buttons!

Local arts educator CJ Mitchell will guide participants as they consider the significance of buttons as a public text and persuasive tool throughout histories, social movements, civic engagement, humanistic inquiries and community building. Participants will also design, create and take home their own buttons!

All ages and generations welcome — snacks and supplies provided.

Sign up now for up to 2 passes by entering the invitation code: WashU to enter the ticketing site (even if the banner says no tickets remain). After you enter the invitation code, you will be able to reserve tickets if tickets remain. If there is no option to reserve tickets after entering the code, then registration for the event has reached capacity.

Once you sign up, your name will be given to the QFest box office, and you’ll be able to pick up your passes when you attend your first movie/event at QFest. All QFest events will be held at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, 1005 McCausland Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63117.

If you have any questions, please email Peter Myers (petersmyers@wustl.edu).

WISE hosts a combination of formal talks and discussions on topics such as career development, grant writing, starting a lab, etc., as well as informal gatherings for socializing and networking.

Friday, April 19, 2024, 1:30-3 pm

BJCIH, 9th floor, Conference Room A/B

Date/Time: April 19^th, 2024 from 1:30-3:00 PM CST

Location: BJCIH, 7^th floor, Conference Room A/B

Topic: Entrepreneurship

Speakers:

·         Nichole Mercier, PhD, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Managing Director, Office of Technology Management

·         Crystal Winkeler, PhD, Interim Senior Managing Director, BioGenerator Ventures & Investment Team Lead

·         The Biotechnology and Life Science Advising (BALSA) Group at WashU

12-1:30pm

FLTC 205

The path to social justice and equality is not a one-lane road where everyone must jockey for advantage. It’s a path of collaboration and solidarity between people of different races and ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations, and work situations. As such, WashU Olin is proud to welcome Christine Chavez to speak on her work forging ties between Latino and Black communities, working for marriage equality, supporting union activism and empowering women. Learn more and RSVP here. 

In this 3-part series, we work with the tool of mindfulness to expand our capacity to be present and notice how it supports our work for equity and justice.  We move from not only learning about ourselves and the biases we carry to becoming more able to lean into unpleasantness and cultivate compassion. This is the foundational work needed to build the community and connection that will support healing and restoration needed for transformation.

The 3 sessions include:  lean into unpleasant, cultivate compassion and moving into action in support of one another and healing, connecting and supporting positive change.

• Apr 22, 2024 11:30 AM

• Apr 29, 2024 11:30 AM

• May 6, 2024 11:30 AM

Session Details: 18-SEP-2024| 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (CDT)

• English

• | Virtual Classroom

• | Class ID: 0000174520

Virtual

Total duration: 01:30 Hrs

_______

In partnership with the Office of Religious, Spiritual & Ethical Life at WashU, this course will provide participants with increased awareness of religious/spiritual diversity and why this matters at WashU. Participants will explore resources for navigating religious and spiritual diversity in the workplace and in the classroom. This capacity-building course will provide tools to help build a more inclusive campus community for people of any/no faith background. All from any/no religious or philosophical background are welcome to participate. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Increase awareness of religious, spiritual, and philosophical diversity in our campus community.

• Explore resources to support our community’s diverse worldviews and religious/spiritual practices. 

• Build capacity and resources to foster religious, spiritual, and ethical inclusion, including holidays, religious dietary needs, etc.

Session Details: 16-OCT-2024| 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (CDT)

• English

• | Virtual Classroom

• | Class ID: 0000173605

Virtual

Total duration: 02:00 Hrs

In partnership with the Center for Aging at WashU, this course explores concepts and practice with navigating age-inclusivity in the work environment. In this interactive course with paired activities, small group exercises and large group discussion, participants will explore age as an identity prevalent in a diverse workplace and build awareness of ageism and how we can create more inclusive and equitable work environments. 

 Learning Objectives: 

• Increase awareness about age as an ever-changing social identity and how it intersects with other identities.

• Increase understanding about ageism: what it is, where it happens, how it affects us

• Build capacity to foster age-inclusivity on campus

• Where are we now? The current state of DE & I

• Where do we want to be? What a warm, welcoming, diverse and inclusive WUSM would look like

• What does it take to get there? Identifying the challenges and opportunities to accomplish the DEI goals

How to Register: Please click on the registration link, which will sign you up automatically after verifying your wustlkey information.

How to attend the training: This is a virtual training, conducted in Zoom.

What to do after training is completed: After the training has been completed and the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion completes the update, learners receive a system-generated Email from Washington University Learn@Work. The Email contains a link to the evaluation. Complete the evaluation as soon as you can to avoid action messages of “in progress, pending action or “incomplete” in your Plan that is not associated with the training but the evaluation.

• Please leave the video on during the training if possible. You may be asked to turn off video to increase Zoom data and bandwidth.

• Please login to Zoom using your WUSM SSO credentials before joining. Joining from a space with multiple participants is discouraged due to the interactive nature of the training.

• How to Change Zoom screen name –While in the meeting, see “Participants,” hover the mouse over your name on the participants’ list, see “more” if using the Participant list, or … on your screen, “Rename”, enter first and last name, “OK”. Or place your full name in the chat at the beginning of the training. If an incomplete screen name is used, it may take longer to change the completion status.

• Please leave mics off unless you are speaking.

• Late arrival – Please join the training within 15 minutes of the start. Anyone joining after 15 minutes must register for another training and complete it in full to receive a Successful completion status.

• Please do not share the Zoom link publicly.

• Please allow at least five business days to update your completion status

• Where to go for help:

• Login questions – contact 314-933-3333, ITHelp@wustl.edu

• Zoom questions – contact Andrew Bauer at 314-935-4599, abauer@wustl.edu

• Training questions – contact Jeramia Ory at oryjeramia@wustl.edu

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all Washington University School of Medicine sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in this event at least one week before the event, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Washington University School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in advance at 314-273-2809 or MedDEI@wustl.edu

The goal of this training is to provide language to address discrimination without shaming others but rather fostering inclusion.  We accomplish this goal through interactive media, positive response techniques, and activities that encourage empathetic understanding through exploring real-life identities.

How to Register:  Registration can be completed by clicking on the following registration link.

How to attend the training:  This is an in-person training in FLTC 302. Please follow the recommended masking/safety procedures.

What to do after training is completed:  After the training has been completed and the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion completes the update, learners receive a system-generated Email from Washington University Learn@Work.  The Email contains a link to the evaluation. Complete the evaluation as soon as possible to avoid action messages of “in progress, pending action, or “incomplete” in your Plan that is not associated with the training but the evaluation.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all Washington University School of Medicine sponsored events.  If you are a person with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, at least one week before the event,  don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Washington University School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in advance at 314-273-2809 or MedDEI@wustl.edu

How to Register: Please click on the registration link, which will sign you up for the class after verifying your wustlkey information.

How to attend the training: This virtual training is conducted in Zoom. Please ignore any links from SABA to join this training. The Zoom link will be sent to registered learners before the training date.

• Please leave the video on during the training if possible. You may be asked to turn off video to increase Zoom data and bandwidth.

• Please log in to Zoom using your WUSM SSO credentials before joining. Joining from a space with multiple participants is discouraged due to the interactive nature of the training.

• How to Change Zoom screen name –While in the meeting, see “Participants,” hover the mouse over your name on the participants’ list, see “more” if using the Participant list, or … on your screen, “Rename”, enter first and last name, “OK”. Or place your full name in the chat at the beginning of the training. If an incomplete screen name is used, it may take longer to change the completion status.

• Please leave mics off unless you are speaking.

• Late arrival – Please join the training within 15 minutes of the start. Anyone joining after 15 minutes must register for another training and complete it in full to receive a Successful completion status.

• Please do not share the Zoom link publicly.

• Please allow at least five business days to update your completion status

• Where to go for help:

• Login questions – contact 314-933-3333, ITHelp@wustl.edu

• Zoom questions – contact Andrew Bauer at 314-935-4599, abauer@wustl.edu

• Training questions – contact Jeramia Ory at oryjeramia@wustl.edu

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all Washington University School of Medicine sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in this event at least one week before the event, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Washington University School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in advance at 314-273-2809 or MedDEI@wustl.edu

Facilitators provide experiential activities that align with American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) materials to demonstrate how unconscious bias is something that every individual holds.  This interactive training aims to highlight the concept of unconscious bias and how it influences individuals daily and provide tangible tools for it.

How to Register: Registration can be completed by clicking on the registration link.

How to attend the training:  This is an in-person training in FLTC Room 302. Please follow the recommended masking/safety procedures.

What to do after training is completed:  After the training has been completed and the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion completes the update, learners receive a system-generated Email from Washington University Learn@Work.  The Email contains a link
 to the evaluation. Complete the evaluation as soon as you can to avoid action messages of “in progress, pending action or “incomplete” in your Plan that is not associated with the training but the evaluation.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all Washington University School of Medicine sponsored events.  If you are a person with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, at least one week before the event, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Washington University School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in advance at 314-273-2809 or MedDEI@wustl.edu.

The goal of this interactive training is to provide participants with a basic awareness of cultural diversity as well as how culture influences the workplace, campus and clinical care environment at Washington University School of Medicine.

The class is a combination of experiential and didactic training designed to:

• Define diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Communicate the importance of diversity and inclusion initiatives to the university

• Explore the impact of exclusion

• Understand the importance of being an ally

How to Register:  Please click the registration link, which will automatically enroll you in the class.

How to attend the training:  This virtual training is conducted in Zoom.  Please ignore any links from SABA to join this training.  The Zoom link will be sent to registered learners before the training date.

• Please leave the video on during the training if possible. You may be asked to turn off video to increase Zoom data and bandwidth.

• Please log in to Zoom using your WUSM SSO credentials before joining. Joining from a space with multiple participants is discouraged due to the interactive nature of the training.

• How to Change Zoom screen name –While in the meeting, see “Participants,” hover the mouse over your name on the participants’ list, see “more” if using the Participant list, or … on your screen, “Rename,” enter first and last name, “OK.” Or place your 

•  full name in the chat at the beginning of the training.  If an incomplete screen name is used, it may take longer to change the completion status.

• Please leave mics off unless you are speaking.

• Late arrival – Please join the training within 15 minutes of the start.  Anyone joining after 15 minutes will need to register for another training and complete it in full, to receive a Successful completion status.

• Please do not share the Zoom link publicly.

• Please allow at least five business days to update your completion status

• Where to go for help:

  • Login questions – contact 314-933-3333, ITHelp@wustl.edu 

  • Zoom questions – contact Andrew Bauer at 314-935-4599, abauer@wustl.edu

  • Training questions – WUSMDiversityTraining@wustl.edu
    

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all Washington University School of Medicine sponsored events.  If you are a person with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, at least one week before the event, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Washington University School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in advance at 314-273-2809 or MedDEI@wustl.edu.

On Friday, August 9, we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the murder of Michael Brown, Jr. and the Ferguson Uprising. The impact of his killing and the uprising created unimaginable pain and loss. It also fueled a significant movement for racial justice across the St. Louis region and nationally. From the Ferguson Commission Report to Forward Through Ferguson and the Black Lives Matter movement, a vision and a roadmap for achieving racial justice was created. The impact of August 9, 2014, on the St. Louis region, the country, and the world cannot be overstated, and we encourage you to take time to consider both the pain and growth, the loss, and the commitment to change that came as a result. Since then, we have seen clear evidence of the work that remains. We mourn the loss of numerous unarmed Black people that have been killed since 2014, from George Floyd in 2020 to Sonya Massey only a few weeks ago. We lean on the wise words of our community leaders that the only way forward is through. We commit to keep going.

Washington University School of Medicine was greatly impacted and has continued to grow and change in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion since the summer of 2014. We are deeply grateful to our partners across campus who have helped to advance all aspects of our work, specifically those who have helped advance our racial equity work through our Understanding Systemic Racism curriculum and our Equity Champions program. Among the most important messages the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion wants to share about the work for equity and justice is that its foundation is relationships. We at Washington University School of Medicine have a responsibility to know and be a part of the communities we serve.

Therefore, in honor of Michael Brown, Jr.’s death and the Ferguson Uprising, we are providing a list of community events to support, resources to advance your understanding around systemic racism, and an invitation to join us on our journey to dismantle systemic racism in all its forms on our campus. We invite you to a Special Perspectives session on August 27th to reflect on where we are 10 years later. We thank you in advance for the actions you take and remind you that you are not alone, and that this work must advance in community. We commit to keep going together.

Objectives of the session include:

• Reflecting on the state of racial equity in the region since the death of Mike Brown.

• Discussing the Ferguson Commission and Forward Through Ferguson reports on racial equity progress in the region.

• Examining changes in WUSM policy and culture in the last ten years.

Registration Link: https://wustl-hipaa.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYpcu6qqT8qHtScWeSJEQqm_58XqN_5Pv4x#/registration

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all Washington University School of Medicine-sponsored events.  If you are a person with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in this event at least one week before the event, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Washington University School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in advance at 314-273-2809 or MedDEI@wustl.edu

We are honored to feature Jennifer N. Avari Silva, MD, FhRS, as this year's keynote speaker, presenting: "Extending Reality for Physician Visualization: Insights on Translating an Idea into a Startup Company".

As an associate professor of pediatrics & biomedical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Silva has co-founded two medical technology companies: SentiAR, Inc, and Excera, Inc. In a fireside chat format, she will share valuable insights into entrepreneurship and navigating the startup world as an academic researcher.

October 30th, 11:30am CT*

Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC)

310 S Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO 63110

*New this year: Pre-event networking session. Optional roundtable discussions will be hosted in Room 308 prior to the Luncheon, 10:30am-11:15am. Sign up and see table topics in the registration form.

The event is open to all. To learn more about the Women in Innovation & Technology program, click here.

Register Now

To be eligible for a seat at the PDC, an applicant must be actively serving as a postdoc at any U.S.-based institution at the time of nomination and selection. The nomination deadline is Friday, September 27.

Date: September 5, 2024

Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Registration Link: https://gephardtinstitute.wustl.edu/calendar_event/the-longest-table-2024/

Location: Brookings Quad, Danforth Campus (Rain location: Holmes Lounge)

Advanced registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome!

This fall, participate in mindfulness programs tailored to support your work in diversity, equity, and inclusion. These sessions are designed to help you enhance self-awareness, build connections, and cultivate self-compassion. Whether you opt for drop-in sessions or a structured series, these practices offer a pathway to personal and collective growth. You can also access the Mindfulness Audio Library anytime to deepen your mindfulness practice at your convenience.

Mindful Connections Drop-In Sessions

Date: September 5, 19, October 3, 17, 2024

Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Location/Format: Drop-in: Instructor-Led via Zoom

Registration: https://wustl-hipaa.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIvc-CqrjkvGdUV_6xSrE0GTRiQngKXMEnR#/registration

Healing Ourselves – Staying in Difficult Conversations Through Mindfulness

Dates: September 10, 17, 24, 2024

Time: 8:30 am – 9:30 am

Location/Format: Instructor-Led via Zoom

Registration Link: https://wustl-hipaa.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0td-qvpzMiG9GLa2B32tqnNwNPIC4nnJJX#/registration

The 3 sessions include: Leaning into unpleasantness; cultivating compassion; and moving into action to support one another, heal, and create positive change.

This four-part training series offers one-hour group sessions focused on understanding diversity, identifying biases and prejudices, and learning how to recognize and mitigate them in daily life. Each session includes educational presentations with research data, along with interactive exercises to reinforce the concepts.

Training Schedule:

1.0 - Awareness: Virtual (9/3): Register here | In-Person (9/5): Register here

2.0 - Understanding: Virtual (9/10): Register here | In-Person (9/12): Register here

3.0 - Commitment: Virtual (9/17): Register here | In-Person (9/19): Register here

4.0 - Action: Virtual (9/24): Register here | In-Person (9/26): Register here

We are now offering DEI 1-4 training sessions every other month.

Each year, the Washington University School of Medicine community honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a week of programming open to both our campus and the broader community. The events include keynote speakers, service opportunities, panel discussions, and more. This is a great opportunity to contribute by joining the WashU School of Medicine ODEI MLK Jr. Commemoration Week Planning Committee and help shape this significant week. Let's work together to make it truly impactful.

MLK Jr. Commemoration Week 2025 Planning Committee

The MLK Jr. Commemoration Week 2025 will be held from January 20 – 24, 2025. The Planning Committee will meet every week for at least one hour. Committee members will be expected to assist with some planning efforts. We do not expect committee duties and meetings to exceed three hours per week. If there are concerns about time commitment, we are willing to be flexible.

Sign-Up for Committee Participation

If you are interested in participating on this committee, we ask that you please sign up below by Friday, September 6th at 5pm. Please indicate your interest by completing the survey at this link: https://wustl.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b9g65Hdsa1telCu

This summit is designed to shine a spotlight on the barriers that can inhibit full accessibility within the postdoctoral community as well as pathways to increase accessibility and inclusion. The summit amplifies messaging from the lived experiences of neurodiverse individuals or people with disabilities that many in the postdoctoral space may be unfamiliar with. It is the hope of the NPA and its allies that these conversations will lead to further discussions about specific issues and actions toward achieving justice and equity for everyone in the postdoctoral communities.

The Summit will include American Sign Language (ASL) translation services throughout the event.

Rosh Hashanah (October 3-4) is quickly approaching, followed by Yom Kippur (October 12). As these important holidays draw near, it's a great opportunity to reflect on how we can better support our Jewish colleagues and friends. By offering religious accommodations and being mindful of scheduling, we can take simple yet meaningful steps to foster a more inclusive and respectful community.

SIX ACTION STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO SUPPORT YOUR JEWISH COLLEAGUES & FRIENDS:
Written by Elisa Glick, PhD

1. Respect Religious Observances:
Build a belonging culture by NOT scheduling important, community-wide events on the High Holidays!

2. Accommodate Religious Needs:
Offer reasonable accommodations for religious observance of the High Holidays. Remember, all Jewish holidays start at sundown.

3. Stay Up-to-Date on Holidays:
Use an updated interfaith/world religious calendar since many holidays are not on the same day every year (unlike Christmas). For example, the Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist calendars are all lunisolar. You can review WashU’s interfaith calendar here.

4. Invite Open Dialogue:
Invite individuals of all religions to share their own needs. Jewish people observe the holidays in different ways. For example, Rosh Hashanah is two days, but many people (including me) observe only one day.

5. Support Student Observance:
Schools and colleges should allow students to be absent to observe religious holidays without penalty. As a reminder, this is in alignment with WashU’s Religious Holiday Class Absence Policy.

6. Provide Extra Time for Students:
Instructors should give students additional time to make up work or exams. This, also, is in alignment with WashU’s Religious Holiday Class Absence Policy.

Read more on her blog at https://elisaglick.com/blogtest/the-high-holidays-jewish-identity-and-belonging-at-work.

“Coming Out” vs. “Inviting In”

adapted from the Human Rights Campaign

“Coming Out” has been the common term for someone who acknowledges being LGBTQ+ and it is used throughout many resources on and for LGBTQIA+ people. However, it is important to note that this language centers the persons individuals are coming out to rather than LGBTQIA+ people. It gives the impression that people who don’t identify as cisgender or heterosexual are hiding something from society, rather than acknowledging how homophobia and transphobia create an unwelcoming environment. When publicly identifying as LGBTQ+, individuals are inviting people into a part of their life, and that should be protected and celebrated. No one is asking for permission to be themselves. Individuals control their own narrative, and who and what they allow into their life. You can read more at https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/national-coming-out-day.

You can read more here: https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/national-coming-out-day. 

OUTmed Welcome Event

Join us for a beginning-of-the-year LGBTQIA+ mixer for all faculty, staff, and trainees at Washington University School of Medicine! Plus ones, friends, and allies are welcome. Last year we had about 100 participants—let’s make it even bigger this year! Enjoy catered food, drinks, networking, and a great time.

Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024

Time: 6:00–8:00 PM

Location: Dr. De Fer’s house (address will be sent via calendar invite upon RSVP)

RSVP: Please RSVP by 10/4/2024 to receive the address.

Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Location: FLTC Hearth, Rooms 206 and 207

RSVP: Please RSVP by October 11, 2024 so we can make proper accommodations.

Dr. Gomez-Lopez is a professor in the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pathology and Immunology, and the Center for Reproductive Health Sciences. She will share her career path, personal inspirations, and the impactful work she’s currently pursuing. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024

Time: 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM

Location: Connor Auditorium, FLTC

RSVP: Please RSVP by Monday, October 28, 2024 at 11:59 PM so we can make appropriate accommodations.

Co-sponsored by WashU Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, WashU COTAD Chapter, WashU LMSA Chapter, and SOMOS WashU, an affinity group for Latiné faculty and staff.

Join the Center for the History of Medicine and Bernard Becker Medical Library on Oct. 31 for an interdisciplinary seminar to discuss the current status of reproductive health, address the historical context that brought us here, and to consider possible futures. Experts from the fields of medicine, history, law, and social work will consider the issues and share their perspectives. The seminar will also feature displays of rare books and archival materials from Archives and Rare Books.

Open to WashU students, faculty, and staff. Registration is suggested but not required.

For more information visit the event webpage.

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Bush at bush.s@wustl.edu

Bonnielin K. Swenor, PhD, MPH
Endowed Professor of Disability Health and Justice
Director, Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center
Johns Hopkins University

Please register below to receive the Zoom link.

Open October is presented by Bernard Becker Medical Library and Washington University Libraries with sponsorship from the Digital Intelligence & Innovation (DI²) Accelerator. Check out the website for a complete list of offerings.

The Center for Health and Science Communication at Becker Library serves as a hub for resources and engagement around health and science communication at Washington University School of Medicine.

In-person and online attendance options

Khalil Gibran Muhammad’s scholarship examines the broad intersections of racism, economic inequality, criminal justice and democracy in U.S. history. He is co-editor of “Constructing the Carceral State,” a special issue of the Journal of American History, and contributor to a National Research Council study, The Growth of Incarceration in the United States: Exploring Causes and Consequences (2014), as well as the award-winning author of The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime, and the Making of Modern Urban America. He is currently co-directing a National Academy of Sciences study on reducing racial inequalities in the criminal justice system.

Muhammad’s writing and scholarship have been featured in national print and broadcast media outlets, such as the New Yorker, Washington Post, The Nation, National Public Radio, PBS Newshour, Moyers and Company, MSNBC and the New York Times, which includes his sugar essay for The 1619 Project. He has appeared in a number of feature-length documentaries, including Amend: The Fight for America (2021), the Oscar-nominated 13th (2016) and Slavery by Another Name (2012). Before joining Harvard, he was director Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a division of the New York Public Library and the world’s leading library and archive of global black history. In January 2025, Muhammad will begin an appointment as professor of African American studies and public affairs at Princeton University.

This event is part of the James E. McLeod Memorial Lecture on Higher Education annual series.

Let’s make lunchtime the highlight of your day! All levels of faculty, staff, scholars are welcome to attend.

OUTmentor is a program for all LGBTQ+ identifying individuals associated with the WashU School of Medicine to build community, foster professional development, and engage in LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Participants will be placed in mentoring “families” consisting of a mentor and 4-6 “mentees”; each group is also paired with another “sibling” group.  Mentor "families" and "sibling" groups meet at least 2x a year. In addition, there will be two OUTmentor program events: a Mentoring Workshop in the Spring and a Professional Development Workshop in the Fall.  We will also host monthly mentoring meet-ups!

If you are interested in participating, as a mentee or mentor, please REGISTER HERE by January 17, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact the OUTmentor Director, Dr. Meghan Campbell (meghanc@wustl.edu).

Best,

Meghan

Meghan C. Campbell, Ph.D.

Professor, Neurology and Radiology

Washington University School of Medicine

4525 Scott Ave., Rm. 2102

St. Louis, MO  63110

(Ph): 314-362-8222

Pronouns: she/her

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

The Martin Luther King Jr., holiday is an official day of service and celebrates the civil rights leader’s life and legacy. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all to volunteer to improve their communities.

Tuesday, January 21 | 12 – 1:15 p.m.
Book/Film Club Kick-Off

Location: Room 205, Farrell Learning and Teaching Center (FLTC)

Join the kickoff of this year’s book/film club, focusing on “Women’s Rights in the United States” through monthly documentary discussions. Participants will view films on campus and engage in facilitated discussions. At the kickoff meeting, we’ll outline the films and set follow-up meeting dates.

Films include: “She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” (2014), “9to5: The Story of a Movement” (2020), “RBG” (2018), “The Janes” (2022), and “The Post Roe Baby Boom: Inside Mississippi’s Maternal Health Crisis” (2023).

Book/Film Club Registration »

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 4 – 6 p.m.
Commemoration of the Desegregation History Wall

Location: Great Room, Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC)

Commemorate the permanent exhibit that depicts the history of the desegregation of the medical campus. This event will include a 45-minute program featuring Dr. Sarah England, Dean David H. Perlmutter, and leaders from BJC Healthcare, followed by a reception and exhibit viewings.

You can explore this project on the Desegregation History website and read more about the exhibit in this news story.

Commemoration Event Details »

Thursday, January 23 | 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
WashU Medicine DEI Update

Location: Connor Auditorium, Farrell Learning & Teaching Center (FLTC)
Virtual option: Available via Zoom (registration required)

Dr. Sherree Wilson and other diversity, equity and inclusion leaders will provide updates on DEI efforts on the medical campus, including recent successes and future initiatives. You’ll also learn about opportunities to get involved in ongoing DEI work.

DEI Update Webinar Registration »

Friday, January 24 | 12 – 1:45 p.m.
MLK Week & Inclusive Excellence Speaker Series: Dr. Kemi Doll

Location: Auditorium, Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC)
Virtual option: Available via Zoom (registration required)

Dr. Kemi Doll will deliver a keynote exploring Black-White racial inequity in endometrial cancer. She will also share insights from her work as a gynecologic oncologist and an advocate for equity in healthcare. Learn about Dr. Doll’s impactful research and efforts as the founding director of The GRACE Center and co-founder of the Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African Americans (ECANA).

Speaker Series Webinar Registration »

This year's symposium, “No One is Free Until We All are Free:” Activism, Advocacy, and Academic Freedom During Late-Stage Capitalism , will be held virtually on April 4-5, 2025. Dr. Ashley Farmer will serve as the keynote speaker.

This year's symposium will also feature a special self-care workshop as well as structured networking opportunities for our participants. Early-bird registration for the conference is available until March 1, 2025 and the first 10 registrants will receive a VIP Swagbox! Registration can be done at  bwsasymposium.vfairs.com.

Interested Black woman/femme owned business or organization that would like to be featured in the symposium's virtual exhibit hall please send an email at conference@blackwomensstudies.com.

Please sign up to contact Jessica S. Samuel to explore further about the sponsorship opportunities in person. You can also read her recent publication here.

Dr. Ruha Benjamin
2024 MacArthur Fellow and the Alexander Stewart 1886 Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University

Friday, April 4
5 p.m. Lecture | 6 p.m. Book Signing
Emerson Auditorium, Knight Hall

RSVP

The Office of Public Scholarship is pleased to celebrate its elevation to the Office of the Provost with a lecture by MacArthur Fellow Ruha Benjamin. In this lecture, Dr. Benjamin will take a transdisciplinary approach to public scholarship, inviting us into the world of biased bots, altruistic algorithms, and their many entanglements, and providing conceptual tools to decode tech predictions with historical and sociological insight.

Dr. Benjamin's new book, Imagination: A Manifesto, will be available for purchase and signing following the lecture.