Dr Rashada Harry
Founder, Your Future, Your Ambition
Today we are privileged to engage, learn and experience differing cultures and backgrounds both in our everyday lives and in our places of work.
Healthcare is at the heart of every community both locally and globally. As an industry it responds to and represents a plethora of cultures, identities, backgrounds and perspectives and works as the heartbeat of humanity and global society.
As global communities unite to combat COVID-19, what is clear is diversity of perspective and thought is at the forefront of every decision, of every interpretation of medical and scientific data, that will shape the outcomes of humanity.
Previously deemed a nice-to-have within organisational culture, diversity today holds great value in all aspects of technological advancement and innovation.
The healthcare and science professions afforded an individual a career that would bring the opportunity to learn and provide rewarding, challenging experiences.
Finding representative role models
Long before the pandemic it was clear that the healthcare and science professions afforded an individual a career that would bring the opportunity to learn and provide rewarding, challenging experiences.
But what has stopped so many in their tracks is sometimes the lack of visible role models in senior positions that represent their diverse backgrounds, including the communities they serve.
Representation needs to exist in an authentic way for opinions to be shared openly, insights to be exchanged and for ideas to be listened to and heard. For many, entering a new role is the first footstep of opportunity for a longstanding career.
Therefore it is important that workplace cultures embrace the diverse perspectives represented in their workforce, to allow for new best practices, improved services to communities and an inclusive experience for all.