By Elva Diaz, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Professor, Department of Pharmacology
UC Davis School of Medicine
For the past two years, the Pharmacology Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE) Taskforce organized monthly discussions around key topics such as Experience and Understanding Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Race and Ethnic Imbalances in Scientific Citations, Inclusive Language and Teaching, Establishing an Inclusive lab, Culturally Competent Mentoring – these are just some examples (see below). These monthly activities took place via zoom and were attended by about 20 individuals on a regular basis. Individuals who attended all or almost all of the discussions were awarded ‘Certificates of Completion’ and recognized on the Department’s website. In addition, the IDARE Taskforce hosted a seminar speaker for the department’s ‘Frontiers in Pharmacology’ Seminar Series.
Examples of "Action Plan Challenge" topics (2021-2023)
This year the IDARE Taskforce is organizing a one-day department-wide retreat for faculty, staff, and students focused on community building on Friday May 10th. All faculty, staff, and students will be invited to attend and all employees will be excused from their daily responsibilities to promote attendance. The retreat will consist of research talks from trainees, ‘State of the Department’ address from the department chair, and roundtable discussions of topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. The retreat will end with a keynote speaker and reception. We will also incorporate community building activities throughout the day. The event will consist of research talks by trainees, community building 'get to know each other better’ activities, and keynote address with reception. The objective is to advance a climate that fosters inclusive excellence within the department. The retreat will solidify the department’s commitment to building a community of inclusive excellence and capitalize on the strides that we have made since the establishment of the IDARE initiative.
