When you think about diversity, equity and inclusion, what comes to mind? Perhaps belonging. “Belonging” is the feeling of safety and support when people have a sense of acceptance, inclusion and identity. Belonging doesn’t simply happen. A culture of belonging must be fostered with intentional actions.
Steven Player, PharmD, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at BJC HealthCare, has personally experienced feeling like he belonged and feeling that he did not. Player attended various schools that either celebrated diversity or chose not to. He also learned about providing care in a culturally competent manner.
“This week's theme is ‘Belonging is Intentional,’ and for me this means I can be my authentic self in alignment with our BJC Values of Compassion, Respect, Excellence, Safety and Teamwork every day here within BJC,” he says. “What this looks and feels like is that I can be confident in sharing those unique and special traits and experiences that make me who I am without fear of judgement or negative impressions. Instead, I and my colleagues practice the art of humble inquiry where we seek to learn more about one another and in the process build stronger connections — belonging. Here within BJC, we have begun the journey to prioritize belonging as a core tenant, measured through Our BJC Pulse on Belonging survey process, complete with post-survey action planning commitments.”
The BJC Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion invites team members to celebrate Diversity Week and its theme, “Belonging is Intentional,” Sept. 19-25. Community members are also invited to join a virtual panel discussion, “Creating Belonging Together.” The event will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21.
Leaders from non-profit and for-profit organizations from across the region will discuss equity, inclusion and health disparities to foster cross-sector collaboration. Participants will gain an increased sense of belonging and take away examples of tangible actions toward change. Register today! You can also submit a question for the panel when you register.
Panelists include:
- Dawn Gipson (she/her), Director of DEI Policy and Programming at Centene
- Dewitt Campbell (he/him), Program Director at The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) of Metropolitan St. Louis
- Kristin Mosley (she/her), Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at St. Louis CITY SC
- Schron Jackson (she/her), Director of Community Engagement and Customer Care at Schnucks
- Steve Parks (he/him), Director of Programs at Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP)
BJC is always looking for talented people to join our team. Learn more about BJC’s mission, vision and values to see how diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our identity, as well as the many other benefits of working for BJC.