Join us for a week of inspiration, connection, and celebration at Weill Cornell Medicine’s 8th Annual Diversity Week! Experience interactive events, thought-provoking conversations, and recognition of community members advancing inclusion, equity, and belonging.
It’s an honor to welcome you to our eighth annual Diversity Week at Weill Cornell Medicine, April 20 to April 24. This year’s theme, “Different Journeys, Shared Mission,” offers a terrific opportunity to share our personal narratives and unite behind our strategy to act with care for the future.
Every April, I look forward to this week as it’s filled with creative expression, open dialogue and important discovery advancing inclusion, equity, and belonging. It’s also an opportunity to learn new approaches for giving voice to those who require our advocacy and to improve access for those who seek our care.
Like its predecessors, Diversity Week 2026 is anchored by pillar events featuring luminaries from other campuses and recognizing the superb contributions of our community:
This year, the schedule includes a new Inclusion and Belonging Fair, offering 20+ interactive booths organized by WCM departments, employee groups and community partners on the second floor of the Belfer Research Building at 3 pm on Tuesday, April 21. I encourage you to participate in as many events as your schedule allows. Virtual options will make many events accessible throughout the week, and you can review the full schedule of events below.
Finally, join me in thanking Dr. Bender, Fanesse, and their teams for organizing such memorable events and partnerships. You can hear their vision for the future at a breakfast meet and greet on Tuesday, April 21 in the Belfer Research Building Skylight Lounge.
These activities and other work advancing culturally responsive care throughout the year fortify us to support the wellness and health of our community. When we jointly recognize the trail blazers, advocates and teachers, we support both individual careers and America’s preeminence in advancing biomedical science.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Harrington, MD
Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean, Weill Cornell Medicine
Provost for Medical Affairs, Cornell University
Welcome Message from Executive Director, Fanesse George
Dear WCM Community,
I am delighted to welcome you to our eighth annual Diversity Week at Weill Cornell Medicine. I am especially proud to represent the Office of Culture, Inclusion, & Employee Experience (OCIEE) in our first year co-hosting this special program alongside the Office of Faculty Engagement & Inclusion.
It’s easy to write the words “Diversity Week” on a calendar or to see it in a newsletter, but it means something entirely different for it to actually effect change and inspire a new perspective. As Executive Director of OCIEE, I see Diversity Week as both a celebration and a call to action for our staff, faculty, and students. Let's use this time to deepen our connections, strengthen our foundation of inclusion, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to advance equity across every facet of our institution.
This year’s theme, Different Journeys, Shared Mission, is a powerful reminder that while each of us brings a unique story, perspective, and lived experience to our work, we are united by a common purpose: to care, to discover, and to teach—both within our community and beyond.
I encourage you to engage fully in the week’s programming and to take every opportunity to learn from one another. I look forward to seeing you throughout the week.
Fanesse George, CDP
Executive Director, Office of Culture, Inclusion, & Employee Experience
Welcome Message from Associate Dean, Dr. H. Allison Bender
Welcome to WCM’s eighth Annual Diversity Week.
This year’s exciting schedule of events - from the keynote and awards reception on Monday to the Inclusion & Belonging Fair and fireside chat later in the week - reference the unique and intersecting paths that led each one of us to Weill Cornell Medicine. Our own lived experiences shape how we care for patients, how we approach science, and how we teach the next generation of physicians. Diversity Week honors these stories through this year’s theme, Different Journeys, Shared Mission.
This is my first Diversity Week as Associate Dean for Faculty Engagement
and Inclusion, a role that is new to WCM and one I’m proud to step into.
The purpose of this office speaks volumes about the institution’s
commitment to engaging you - the faculty - as a partner in shaping the
future of our institution.
I hope you’ll join us for as much of Diversity Week’s exciting events as
your schedule allows. Come with questions, come with colleagues, come
ready to connect with people across this institution whose work you
might not otherwise encounter.
See you on April 20th.
H. Allison Bender, Ph.D, ABPP-CN
Associate Dean for Faculty Engagement and Inclusion
Director of Neuropsychological Services
Professor of Neuropsychology, Department of Neurological Surgery
We are proud to welcome Dr. Joseph L. Wright, Senior Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer of the American Academy of Pediatrics, as the Elizabeth A. Wilson-Anstey Diversity Week Keynote Speaker for the 8th Annual Diversity Week. Anchored in this year’s theme, Different Journeys, Shared Mission, Dr. Wright will share powerful reflections from his personal and professional journey while exploring how individuals and institutions can move from intention to action in addressing inequity.
Using a “roots and leaves” approach, this keynote examines the deeper systems and histories behind today’s social inequities—inviting our community to better understand the past, present, and path forward.
Following the keynote, we’ll kick off the Celebration of Diversity with an energizing dance performance led by teaching artists from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Join us to celebrate the outstanding WCM community members whose leadership, advocacy, and everyday actions continue to shape a more inclusive and equitable community.
Keynote speech: Monday, April 20, 2026, 1:00 PM - 1:45PM | Uris Auditorium |In-Person Attendance Highly Encouraged
Celebration of Diversity and Ailey Performance: Monday, April 20, 2026, 2:00PM - 3:00PM | Griffis Faculty Club
RSVP here
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Linnie Golightly for a special Fireside Chat during Diversity Week! Join us as Dr. Golightly shares reflections on her legacy at WCM, her approach to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Belonging, and pearls of wisdom for continuing this important work. She will also discuss her current role as the Provost/Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs of CUNY School of Medicine and offer insights on leadership in academic medicine.
This intimate conversation with Dr. Heidi Bender, Associate Dean of Faculty Engagement and Inclusion, and Fanesse George, Executive Director of the Office of Culture, Inclusion & Employee Engagement, promises a candid dialogue about the challenges, opportunities, and progress in creating a more inclusive and equitable community. Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from a trailblazer and connect around our shared commitment to DEIJB.
Date & Time: Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Location: 1300 York Ave., Estabrook Lecture Hall, A-250 | In-Person Attendance Highly Encouraged
RSVP here
Bring your curiosity, your colleagues, and your energy to one of Diversity Week’s most dynamic experiences! The Inclusion & Belonging Fair brings together the Staff Equity & Inclusion Council (SEIC), WCM departments, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and our community partners for an afternoon filled with connection, discovery, and community celebration.
Stop by the tables to learn about the wide range of initiatives, programs, and resources available across WCM. Explore how teams across WCM are advancing inclusion, strengthening belonging, advocating equity, and creating meaningful impact every day.
Date & time: Tuesday, April 21 | 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Location: Belfer Research Building, 2nd Floor | In-Person Attendance Highly Encouraged
RSVP here
Continue the excitement on Tuesday as Diversity Week unfolds and join us for breakfast and meet and greet with Dr. Heidi Bender and Fanesse George! Stop by to learn about the Office of Faculty Engagement & Inclusion, and the Office of Culture, Inclusion & Employee Experience, explore their executive partnerships, hear about key initiatives, and get a firsthand look at their vision for a more inclusive and connected community within and beyond WCM.
Come hungry for some sweet treats — and for inspiration!
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Location: Belfer 2nd Floor, Skylight Lounge | In-Person Attendance Only
RSVP here
2026 Pioneer of Diversity Awards & The Jessica M. and Natan Bibliowicz Award for Excellence in Mentoring Women Faculty
Weill Cornell Medicine invites nominations for the 2026 Pioneers in Diversity Awards and The Jessica M. and Natan Bibliowicz Award for Excellence in Mentoring Women Faculty, recognizing faculty, staff, students, trainees, and postdoctoral fellows whose leadership, service, and advocacy strengthen diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across our community.
Honors a student demonstrating outstanding commitment to community service and support for underserved populations.
Recognizes a resident or postdoctoral fellow advancing public health advocacy and health equity.
Celebrates a faculty member committed to mentorship and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Honors a faculty member or alumnus demonstrating exceptional community engagement and service.
Recognizes a staff member whose work strengthens a culture of inclusion, service, and belonging at WCM.
Recognizes outstanding WCM faculty who demonstrate commitment to advancing the academic careers of women.
We’d love to hear from you!
If your team would like to propose a session or activity, sign up here to submit your event and join us in creating an inspiring, engaging Diversity Week.
Dr. Joseph L. Wright
Senior Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Uris Auditorium In-Person Attendance Highly Encouraged
Griffis Faculty Club In-Person Attendance Highly Encouraged
Belfer 2nd Floor, Skylight Lounge In-Person Attendance Only
Belfer Research Building, 2nd floor In-Person Attendance Highly Encouraged
Estabrook Lecture Hall, A-250. 1300 York Ave., In-Person Attendance Highly Encouraged
Visit the HUB each day to learn more about Diversity Week, ask questions, engage in interactive activities, and pick up swag!
Follow @WeillCornell, use #WCMDiversityWeek
and tweet about what sessions you will be attending, who you are excited to see and what you learn.
Office of Faculty Engagement and Inclusion
engagementinclusion@med.cornell.edu
https://inclusion.weill.cornell.edu
Office of Culture, Inclusion & Employee Experience
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Office of Culture, Inclusion & Employee Experience
