Staff Advancing Diversity & Inclusion Committee (SADI)

SADI Come As You Are!

Welcome to the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Staff Advancing Diversity & Inclusion (SADI) Committee website!

SADI was created in 2015 by University of Minnesota Medical School (UMMS) Staff who recognized a need for DEI opportunities for staff, a sometimes forgotten group between faculty and students. The mission of SADI is to identify, create, and support initiatives that advance the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion for UMMS staff, on the Twin Cities, Duluth and (future) Saint Cloud campuses.

The SADI Leadership Committee and Subcommittees are dedicated to providing valuable learning and engagement opportunities, resources, support options, and helping the Medical School move towards a more diverse and inclusive workforce to better serve our school and community. 

Since 2017, SADI has hosted various workshops and dialogue circles for staff on how to become a better ally, recognize implicit bias and microaggressions, understand privilege and advance racial equity, confront ableism and sexual harassment.

In 2020, in response to the murder of George Floyd, SADI recognized the greater need to provide a space for staff to engage in DEI work. We increased our presence at the UMMS. SADI volunteers represent 20 departments with 3 subcommittees that report to a leadership team.

SADI timeline 2023

Contact Us

If you're interested in getting involved with SADI, have questions, suggestions, or would like to collaborate, please reach out via email: [email protected]

Complete the form below if you wish to be added to the SADI email communication list. You will receive direct communication and information regarding upcoming Connect & Learn Discussions, events, professional development opportunities, workshops and more! You may unsubscribe at any time by emailing [email protected].

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Dean's Lecture Series:

Fostering Diversity & Inclusion for Staff in the Medical School

This presentation invites you to gain insights into SADI’s current initiatives and the impactful work carried out by its subcommittees. Discover how SADI works to foster a more inclusive and representative learning environment in the Medical School.

View the transcript here.

Presenters: Shawn Jarvis (He/Him), SADI Committee Chair, Maryanne Reilly-Spong (She/Her), SADI Co-Chair, Gina Finical (She/Her), SADI Co-Lead for Events and Education Subcommittee, Barb Daiker (She/Her), Chair of the SADI Recruitment and Retention committee, Shelby Gill (She/Her), SADI Communication Subcommittee Member, Derek Hersch (He/Him), SADI Affinity Groups Leader