Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The BMS DEI Committee organized a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion retreat at the stately Glensheen mansion in Duluth, May 7, 2024, for an afternoon of community and learning. Matt Amundson, Learning and Development Manager,  joined us from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) from the University of Minnesota, Medical School, in the Twin Cities, to moderate the event.

The first part of the session focused on discussions about promoting “Workplace wellbeing” by creating a working space that is safe and inclusive for everyone. The activities opened the dialogue about sharing thoughts, concerns, and aspirations, taking into consideration everyone’s level of comfort. In other words, participants had the option to either share experiences openly with the group or think about it inwardly.

The second part of the retreat led us to the second activity about “Expanding on language to address microaggressions.” The theme encouraged passionate conversations in each group and the main points were shared collectively.

Overall, it was a fun DEI gathering, and approximately 45 to 50 faculty, staff, post-docs, graduate and undergraduate students participated in the event. The only low point was the weather. Not a ray of sunshine in sight! It was a rainy day, which did not allow us to play yard games or enjoy campfires and s’mores by Lake Superior, but we managed to keep the fun indoors with an array of board games, community, and a s’mores fare turned into a chocolate fondue! 

Kudos to the BMS DEI Committee for organizing the event. The Committee includes Natasha Adams, Jim Bjork, Melissa Cedars, Hina Durrani, Jon Holy, Sharon Kuo, Sarah Lacher (Chair), Austin Petersen, and Allie Zachwieja.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) for offering lunch. Last but not least, thank you to Matt Amundson for his endless energy, positivity, and excellence in moderating the discussions. It is no easy feat to listen to all the diverse voices and remain mindful of all sensibilities in a common space.