The Department of Pediatrics Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The University of Chicago Department of Pediatrics is committed to developing a diverse workforce and nurturing a climate of cultural awareness and inclusivity in order to ensure that our faculty, staff, and house staff achieve their full potential. Our tripartite mission and service to our patients and community can only be fully realized through recruiting, supporting, and retaining exceptionally talented individuals of different races, ethnicities, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and ages. As a Department, we are committed to providing education, building programs, and enhancing processes for recruitment, mentorship, and advancement for all department members. Our ultimate goal is to create an equitable, inclusive, and diverse working environment that benefits not only our members, but also our patients, their families, and the community we serve.
As efforts increase we are asking for more volunteers to join committee, please apply, send inquiries or ideas to pediatricsinclusion@bsd.uchicago.edu.
What culture do you most identify with? My family is Irish, English, and German. We have been here for 150+ years at least. So we don’t celebrate any cultural traditions.
Other Identity groups: Women, American, Heterosexual
H. Barrett Fromme, MD - Professor, Section of Hospital Medicine
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What culture do you most identify with? Asian Indian
Other identity groups: Brown, American, heterosexual, Spiritual
What do you hope to accomplish in the D&I Committee? I hope to continue our existing work in increasing the minority representation in the Department of Pediatrics by fostering a culture that actively supports and promotes diversity.
Madan Kumar, DO - Assistant Professor, Section of Infectious Dieases
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
What culture do you most identify with? Puerto Rican culture
Other identity groups: Woman, Mixed race, brown, Floridian, American, heterosexual, Christian
What do you hope to accomplish in D&I Committee? Develop a pervasive culture of inclusivity within the Department so that each department member's voice is heard and respected regardless of title, race, gender, or cultural background. This will provide a platform for development of a diverse talent and ensure success of our department's tripartite mission.
Niurka Vazquez, Executive Administrator, Department Leadership
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What culture do most identify with? Black culture
Other identity groups: African American, Afro-Caribbean, Woman, Heterosexual, Christian
What do you hope to accomplish in the D&I Committee? To contribute to the development of tangible support for underrepresented groups and a truly inclusive culture that purposefully seeks and utilizes the voices, vision, and expertise of diverse groups.
Rochelle Naylor, MD -- Assistant Professor, Section- Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Preferred Pronouns - She/Her/Hers
What culture do you most identify with? LGBTQ, Woman, American
What do you hope to accomplish in D&I Committee? I hope to work to improve the culture of inclusivity in the Department of Pediatrics for every member including faculty, staff, and trainees. I want all members to feel seen and heard for the unique talents and perspectives that each of us provides regardless of title, race, gender, or cultural background.
Wendy Darlington, MD, MAPP, Assistant Professor, Section of Hematology Oncology
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What Culture do you most identify with? Black Culture
Other identity groups: Woman, Black, Creole, Chicagoan, Heterosexual, Spiritual
What is your favorite quote? “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” - Angela Davis
What do you hope to accomplish in the D&I Committee? My hope is to bring a perspective from not only an administrative role but as a black woman in an administrative role at a large University Medical Center. I want to be a positive example for black women & women of color looking to work in a corporate or academic setting while helping them become successful in navigating the various obstacles that come with it.
Tiphani Lenoir, MHA - Fellowship Coordinator, Department of Pediatrics
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What culture do you most identify with? Indian
Other identity groups: Woman, Brown
What is your favorite quote? “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” - Angela Davis
What do you hope to accomplish in D&I Committee? Work towards developing a diverse and inclusive culture within the Department so that it creates a welcoming environment for all individuals regardless of title, race, gender, or cultural background.
Kanika Mittal, MS, Director of Operations - ECHO Chicago
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
