The ACBS DEI Committee is excited to share an update on the JEDI work that has occurred over the last two years. In January 2023, 5 teams of volunteers had their first meetings (Researcher Support, Membership Development, Training, Leadership and Governance). Teams met for all of 2023 to brainstorm and create proposals of activities/programs for each of their areas for ACBS to execute in service of the JEDI Project Goals below:
- Identifying and dismantling any policies or procedures in the organization that marginalize or disenfranchise any portion of our membership, by assessing barriers to promoting justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Promoting the development of a robust, diverse, and inclusive community that welcomes its members and maintains an inclusive and supportive space for all.
In late 2023, draft proposals were reviewed and feedback was provided by several ACBS Board members and a DEI consultant. All proposals were submitted to the ACBS board in early 2024 and in April of 2024, several projects were approved for further exploration and development.
The DEI Committee is now tasked with supporting the proposed group or person responsible for executing, managing, and/or maintaining the approved projects. Stay tuned for updates from the DEI Commitee as the work progresses.
We would like to thank all of the JEDI Team volunteers for their time and commitment to this important JEDI initiative!
Governance (Review current policies and procedures for obstacles to DEI goals and facilitate evidence-based revision): Sandi James, Vincent Ramos, Dan Rosen, Christina Sguazzin
Leadership (support upcoming leaders in ACBS, mentorship): Sandra Georgescu, Emma Hosey, Dayna Lee-Baggley, Meg McKelvie, Brian Pilecki and Alison Stapleton
Membership development (recruitment, retention in line with DEI goals): Gabrielly Lima, Jason Luoma, Jessica Parrish, and Debbie Sorensen
Researcher support (to support ACBS member’s DEI research goals): Rachel Garcia, Kaitlynn Gokey, Ching-yee LAM, Jiayin RUAN, Gabrielle Torres, and Wenqian ZHAO
Training (improvement in training techniques and opportunities, mentorship, career advancement in line with DEI goals): Matt Boone, Liliane de Aguiar-Rocha, Lou Lasprugato, Mytien Le, Lucia Loureiro, Chris Parthemos, Emily Thomas
If you would like to join the DEI Committee to support the continued development of the JEDI projects, please submit your interest here.