President’s Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award 2023
The recipient of this year’s President’s Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award is LaConda Fanning, PsyD, Director of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Early Assessment and Mentoring Program, Associate Director of the Britt Pre-Faculty Development Program and GME Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at EVMS.
The award was presented Nov. 15 during the 2023 EVMS Service & Recognition Awards Ceremony, held at Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
“I would like to thank all of my EVMS colleagues who nominated or supported my recognition,” says Dr. Fanning. “DEI is a part of everything we do. To cultivate the change we want to see, remember, let the change begin with me.”
The President’s Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award recognizes outstanding efforts by EVMS staff and faculty to advance EVMS’ mission to promote health equity through their tireless work, which may include community outreach and engagement, trainee, staff and faculty recruitment and development, clinical and scholarly endeavors and by creating an inclusive climate at EVMS.
Dr. Fanning has been instrumental in bringing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training to Graduate Medical Education programs — and, in partnership with Diversity and Inclusion — expanding those efforts across EVMS and to other healthcare facilities in Hampton Roads. Her leadership in this area has led to measurable outcomes in recruitment, education and quality improvement and shaped for the better the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“At EVMS, we believe that diversity of ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds and vibrant life experiences are critical to advancing excellence in our education, patient care and research,” says Mekbib Gemeda, EdD, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at EVMS. “We are committed to fostering an environment where people are supported, valued, and recognized.”
View the complete list of award winners.
View the event photo gallery.
Pictured at top (from left): Dr. Mekbib Gemeda, Dr. LaConda Fanning and Dr. Alfred Abuhamad.