DEI Progress Report
A Message from Crystal Braboy,
Chief People, Equity, and Culture Officer:
I am delighted to present to you our 2022 Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Report, a comprehensive overview of our organization's ongoing efforts and progress in fostering a more equitable and inclusive organization. I am proud to share this report, as it represents our commitment to transparency and accountability in the work of advancing equity within our organization.
Today's society presents us with both opportunities and challenges when it comes to promoting diversity and inclusion inside of our walls. While we have made significant strides since we began our DEI work as an affiliate in 2019, we must also recognize that the journey towards true equity requires an acknowledgement that slow and steady is the only acceptable pace, and also that a race+ lens that acknowledges the unique experiences of many marginalized communities must be applied. In particular, considering the outrageous and unacceptable current climate in this nation that regularly attacks the humanity of transgender adults and youth, we must urgently and explicitly address the pressing issues faced by the trans and gender non-conforming community, and use our voice and power to actively fight against the attacks on access to gender-affirming care that is occurring around this nation. This restriction on healthcare profoundly impacts the mental and physical well-being of individuals within this community, and it is our responsibility to ensure that their voices are heard and their healthcare needs are fully met here in Illinois, and beyond.