The Real DEIL Recognition

Recognize The Real DEIL (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader)  

The Real DEIL Award Program focuses on our people, by highlighting employees at various levels and in many different areas of MUSC who are owning and sharing DEI work and principles. It will recognize the grassroots programs, actions and initiatives that make an impact within the direct area or department, but the program's impact may not have spread across the entire MUSC Enterprise yet. These contributions could be occasional or continuous in nature. The primary goal of the MUSC Real DEIL program is to focus on employees who are owning and sharing diversity, equity and inclusion work and principles, with a secondary goal to help elevate the culture of One MUSC by celebrating these diversity initiatives on an individual level to help inspire others to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in their roles. The Real DEIL Awards will be complimentary to the already established Earl B Higgins Awards.  If the work and impact of the REAL DEIL award  programs' recipients continue to grow, they may later be recognized by the Earl B. Higgins Award. The Earl B. Higgins Award recognizes the significant and sustained contributions to MUSC. Both awards, the

Real DEIL and the Dr. Earl B. Higgins, are recognized, administered and supported by the Office of Equity.

Nominate a Real Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader by completing this electronic form. If you have questions regarding this recognition, please contact DaQurta Wright, Ed.D., Director, Assessment, Culture, Engagement and Operations. 

Previous Awardees: 

2024 Winners

Delisa G. Brown, PhD 

Assistant Professor
College of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Dr. Brown began leading initiatives at MUSC with the NIH-funded DART program at MUSC, mentoring students and delivering seminars on health disparities. Dr. Brown's commitment to community impact led her to secure a clinical psychology internship at MUSC during her doctoral studies, initiating impactful DEI work. Her research, recognized with awards like the NIAAA Diversity Supplement, focuses on racial discrimination's impact on alcohol use among African Americans, pioneering culturally tailored interventions. Beyond research, she chairs MUSC's Community Engagement Committee, advocates for DEI principles, mentors students, and engages her community through initiatives like a family-oriented podcast and church involvement.       

 

Theresa Skojec, MA, LPC

Program Manager
Trauma Resilience and Recovery Program
College of Nursing

Theresa, a dedicated PhD scholar, has volunteered on various DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) projects and now leads the implementation team. Her commitment to education aligns with her goal of better serving her community and improving the lives of those she interacts with. Notably, Theresa serves as the Diversity and Inclusion Champions of Excellence Chair at CON (the organization’s name). In this role, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment within the organization.

Anne Marie Guerriero, M.Ed.   

Coordinator
Undergraduate Program
College of Nursing

Anne Marie, an influential figure in the nursing program, warmly welcomes and trains students. She actively supports the Office of Equity initiatives, emphasizing the importance of diversity in nursing. Anne Marie’s unwavering passion for training new nurses shines through each semester. She encourages nurses to view patient care from multiple perspectives, setting an example for her students. Notably, Anne Marie takes the time to know each student individually, providing comfort and support during challenging times. Her advocacy and influence make her an essential part of the nursing community. 

David Howell, MBA 

Leadership Excellence System Manager
MUSC Health Human Resources

David has been dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives since the mid-2000s, with a strong focus on student and employee education since 2007. Upon joining MUSC, David has served our student body and enterprise staff in various capacities, including as an instructor, system educator, and currently as a Leadership Excellence Manager. He actively contributes to DEI efforts as a member of our Safe Zone Advisory Council and Leadership Training Team and as a co-facilitator for Launch, a program for new leaders. David's leadership roles at MUSC allow him to establish a strong foundation for individuals new to our enterprise, fostering an inclusive environment for all.

Douglas Johnson, M.S.

PhD Candidate, Biomedical Sciences – Microbiology/Immunology
Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) Scholar

Douglas is dedicated to advancing public health in various communities and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. He collaborates with the Office of Equity to offer insights and seize opportunities that promote multiculturalism. His research focuses on enhancing health outcomes in diverse populations, contributing positively to the broader MUSC community. Douglas actively engages with students, serving as a mentor and motivational speaker, emphasizing perseverance. Despite his ongoing Ph.D. pursuits, he remains an advocate for his community, actively participating as a guest speaker in the Office of Equity Summer Youth Program, inspiring and supporting diverse students.

2023 Winners 

Noni Langford 

Urban Farm Manager
Special Projects Coordinator                                                                               

Noni actively champions Inclusive Excellence initiatives at MUSC. Noni passionately advocated for the preservation of the Urban Farm, emphasizing its significance for MUSC and the Charleston community, especially during COVID. Noni leveraged her influence to redesign and ensure the Urban Farm's continuity with broader reach and enhanced inclusivity.

Janet Bolds

Program Coordinator, Cancer ICCE Administration
MUSC Health Hollings Cancer Center

Janet has promoted diversity in our patient population by pushing for our mobile unit to go to diverse socioeconomic and cultural places in the state. She has continuously been intentional in how we market or build relationships in these communities.

A. Sharee Wright, MD, RPVI, FACS

Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery
Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Department of Surgery

Recognized for collaborating with other individuals on creating the diversity wall that will showcase diversity in not only the department of surgery, but the diverse events going on around campus as well.

Keller Lee

Fiscal Analyst & Accountant
College of Medicine Surgery Administration Division

Recognized for collaborating with other individuals on creating the diversity wall that will showcase diversity in not only the department of surgery, but the diverse events going on around campus as well.

Zahi R. Jurdi, DHA

Assistant Professor
Director, Master of Health Administration Division
Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management
College of Health Professions

Recognized for the ethical leadership that he brings to his class in the RMHA and EMHA programs. Dr. Jurdi educates students on healthcare disparities, by providing updated and supported evidence. In his class he discusses how to address patient and staff discrimination in a healthcare setting, and why it is critical that teams are equitable, and inclusive.

Gina Koppenaal

Executive Intern, Office of Equity
Masters of Healthcare Administration '24                                                                                                                                                                                           

Recognized for being engaged with MUSC equity and inclusion efforts since starting graduate school in the College of Health Professions, Fall 2022. Gina has assisted in creating inclusive educational modules for students and staff.

Parneet Grewal, MBBS

Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, College of Medicine
Recognized for educating and training neurology trainees, raising awareness and building skills to mitigate the impact of pervasive inequities.

2022  Inaugural Winners

Jonah Burrell, BSN, RN
Registered Nurse II, Institute of Psychiatry 3-North
Recognized for championing LGBTQIA+ inclusion through education and community engagement. 

 

Demetress Adams Ludd, LMSW

Social Worker III
Tobacco Treatment Program
MUSC Health Florence and MUSC Health Marion

Recognized for creating allyship and camaraderie amongst the team and advancing DEI throughout the organization.