Episode 4

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Published on:

2nd Aug 2023

Championing Healthcare Equality: A Conversation with Sam McClure and Aya Shuman

Championing Healthcare Equality: A Conversation

In this impactful episode of Room at the Table, host Betsy Cerulo speaks with Sam McClure, Executive Director of the Center for LGBTQ Health Equality, and Aya Shuman, Executive Director of the Institute for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Chase Brexton Healthcare. They discuss the complexities and importance of healthcare equality, sharing practical strategies to identify and dismantle systemic barriers. Sam and Aya offer deep insights into inclusive leadership, compassionate advocacy, and the ongoing need for intentional actions to achieve fairness and justice in healthcare. Join this essential conversation about equality and learn how you can actively support transformative change in your community and workplace.

Key Timestamps:

  • (00:00) Introduction: Defining healthcare equality and its significance.
  • (02:08) Unpacking the complexity of equality and systemic inequities.
  • (04:08) Chase Brexton's mission-driven commitment to addressing inequalities.
  • (05:48) Distinguishing equality from uniformity and understanding unique needs.
  • (07:30) Addressing disparities and inequalities in healthcare outcomes.
  • (12:00) Navigating discomfort as a catalyst for meaningful change.
  • (17:18) Small actions individuals can take toward equality.
  • (21:02) Leadership strategies for building equality in workplaces.
  • (27:00) Fostering inclusive organizational culture and sense of belonging.
  • (32:00) Common leadership mistakes in implementing equality and inclusion.
  • (37:00) Accountability, transparency, and measurable progress.
  • (40:00) Final thoughts on individual and systemic advocacy and action.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding Equality: True equality involves fairness and justice, tailored to meet individuals' unique needs.
  • Inclusive Leadership: Intentional leadership drives meaningful action and systemic change.
  • Advocacy and Action: Active engagement and addressing biases contribute significantly to transformative change.
  • Continuous Growth: Equality work requires ongoing learning, flexibility, and responsiveness to evolving challenges.

Resources & Links:

About the Guest:

Aya Shuman is a dedicated leader and advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the healthcare industry. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Institute for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Chase Brexton Health Care. Recognizing the importance of education and advocacy, Aya has been actively involved in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion beyond the confines of her organization. She frequently speaks at conferences, conducts workshops, and participates in community forums, sharing her expertise and inspiring others. 

Aya has received numerous awards and accolades for her transformative work, including the Healthcare Equity and Advocacy Leadership Award and the Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year. She holds a master's degree in Public Health, specializing in Health Policy and Management.

Sam McClure, the Executive Director of the Center for LGBTQ Health Equity at Chase Brexton Health Care, has dedicated their career to advancing the rights, well-being, and healthcare access for the LGBTQ community. They have spearheaded initiatives to increase cultural competency among healthcare providers, expand access to gender-affirming care, and address the unique healthcare needs of transgender and non-binary individuals.

Their contributions have been widely recognized, earning them accolades such as the LGBTQ Health Advocate of the Year and the Community Champion Award. Sam holds a master's degree in Public Health, with a specialization in LGBTQ Health, and possesses extensive experience in LGBTQ health advocacy and program development.

Tags:

Healthcare Equality, Inclusive Workplaces, Compassionate Leadership, Systemic Change, LGBTQ Health Equality, Advocacy, Inclusive Leadership, Organizational Culture, Social Impact, Sam McClure, Aya Shuman, Betsy Cerulo, Room at the Table Podcast, Heart centered workplace, Workplace culture, Equality, Leadership, 



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About the Podcast

Room at the Table: Building Culture by Breaking Barriers
Gather around the table for conversations about creating equitable and inclusive workplaces where leaders rise above mediocrity and teams thrive.
Gather around the table for insightful conversations focused on building heart-centered workplaces that thrive on equality, inclusive workplaces, and exceptional leadership. Betsy Cerulo (she/her) and her expert guests explore what it takes to transform workplace culture through thoughtful, meaningful dialogues that drive real social impact.
Each engaging episode of Room at the Table Podcast gets to the core principles of creating a heart-centered workplace. Through inspiring conversations, listeners will discover the critical role that inclusive workplaces play in achieving equality and enhancing workplace culture. Betsy and her diverse guests share powerful strategies to help leaders rise above mediocrity, fostering an environment of genuine inclusivity and significant social impact.
Whether discussing compassionate leadership, the impact of inclusive workplaces on employee satisfaction, or addressing burnout and stress management, each episode emphasizes practical ways to cultivate a thriving workplace culture. Betsy’s expert guests provide tangible advice on how to implement meaningful changes that support both individual and organizational growth, reinforcing the values of equality and heart-centered leadership.

Listeners will find rich, actionable insights on fostering emotional authenticity, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and supporting disability inclusion in inclusive workplaces. Each conversation highlights the transformative power of equality, effective leadership, and workplace culture that prioritizes empathy, respect, and community engagement.

Room at the Table also explores the powerful journeys of women in leadership, providing inspiration and guidance on how to break down barriers and achieve greater equality in the workplace. Episodes dedicated to navigating grief and loss underline the importance of compassion and understanding within heart-centered workplaces, reinforcing the value of empathy-driven leadership.

Economic empowerment and financial equality are also central themes, demonstrating how inclusive workplaces drive both organizational success and broader social impact. Leaders will gain valuable insights into leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion practices to build sustainable, thriving organizations that positively impact communities.

Room at the Table Podcast is essential listening for leaders and team members dedicated to cultivating heart-centered workplaces. Betsy Cerulo and her expert guests offer clear pathways for creating inclusive workplaces where equality is prioritized, leadership is impactful, and the overall workplace culture significantly contributes to positive social impact.

Subscribe now to Room at the Table Podcast and join a growing community committed to equality, inclusive workplaces, and leadership that transforms workplace culture into environments of empowerment, empathy, and enduring social impact.

About the Host:

Betsy Cerulo is the CEO of AdNet/AccountNet, a successful certified LGBTE, WBE and 8(a) management consulting firm focused on professional staffing and executive search, based in Baltimore, Maryland, and Co-Founder of the Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Betsy is the author of Miss Crabapple and Her Magical Violin, a children's book that was inspired by lighting up a dream for a child through their imagination. She is also a contributing author of two compilations: Women Living Consciously and Keys to Conscious Business Growth. Betsy lives in Baltimore with her wife, Susan, and their treasured Weimaraner, Grace Kelly. Their son and daughter-in-law, daughter, and three grandchildren complete the picture with lots of love, creativity, and laughter.

Company Website: https://www.adnetp3.com/
Personal Website: betsycerulo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsycerulo/
Shake it Off Leadership: https://books.google.ca/books/about/Shake_It_Off_Leadership.html?id=tZ3fxwEACAAJ&source=kp_author_description&redir_esc=y

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