Diversity Latest Stories

Friday, Jan 3, 2025
Creating Safe Spaces: Simulation Training Helps Future NPs Discuss Sexual Health with Empathy, Skill
Clinicians need practice getting comfortable broaching the topic of sexual health. UR Nursing researchers and simulation educators are helping NP students start the conversation.
Creating Safe Spaces: Simulation Training Helps Future NPs Discuss Sexual Health with Empathy, Skill
Clinicians need practice getting comfortable broaching the topic of sexual health. UR Nursing researchers and simulation educators are helping NP students start the conversation.

Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025
UR Nursing Research Champions Family Caregivers
Family caregivers don’t always receive the care they need for their own health. Here’s how UR Nursing researchers hope to change that.
UR Nursing Research Champions Family Caregivers
Family caregivers don’t always receive the care they need for their own health. Here’s how UR Nursing researchers hope to change that.

Thursday, Oct 3, 2024
UR Nursing Recognized with Top Diversity Award for 8th Consecutive Year
The School's eighth Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award is a testament to ongoing work being done to incorporate principles of DEI across its education, research, and practice missions.
UR Nursing Recognized with Top Diversity Award for 8th Consecutive Year
The School's eighth Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award is a testament to ongoing work being done to incorporate principles of DEI across its education, research, and practice missions.

Wednesday, Jul 17, 2024
Seven UR Nursing Alumni, Faculty Recognized as Top Diversity Leaders by NBNA
The National Black Nurses Association recognized several UR Nursing alumni in its inaugural class of Academic Diversity Leaders in Nursing.
Seven UR Nursing Alumni, Faculty Recognized as Top Diversity Leaders by NBNA
The National Black Nurses Association recognized several UR Nursing alumni in its inaugural class of Academic Diversity Leaders in Nursing.

Friday, Apr 12, 2024
Bettering Black Maternal Health Outcomes: UR Nursing Alumna Dr. Kamila Barnes Discusses Nurses’ Role
It’s important for nurses to understand that they have the power to make changes that improve outcomes, said Barnes, a longtime maternal health and reproductive justice advocate.
Bettering Black Maternal Health Outcomes: UR Nursing Alumna Dr. Kamila Barnes Discusses Nurses’ Role
It’s important for nurses to understand that they have the power to make changes that improve outcomes, said Barnes, a longtime maternal health and reproductive justice advocate.

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024
What Does Health Equity Really Mean? UR Nursing Experts Break It Down
Two nursing and public health leaders define health equity, community-engaged research, population health, and social determinants of health in their own words.
What Does Health Equity Really Mean? UR Nursing Experts Break It Down
Two nursing and public health leaders define health equity, community-engaged research, population health, and social determinants of health in their own words.

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023
UR Nursing Receives 7th Consecutive Excellence in Diversity Award
UR Nursing was one of 15 nursing schools across the U.S. to be recognized as a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion.
UR Nursing Receives 7th Consecutive Excellence in Diversity Award
UR Nursing was one of 15 nursing schools across the U.S. to be recognized as a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Saturday, Oct 7, 2023
Mitchell Wharton Inducted as Fellow of American Academy of Nursing
Mitchell Wharton, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, CNS, ACRN, AAHIVE, an accomplished educator, researcher, and clinician at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing’s 2023 class of fellows at the academy’s annual Health Policy Conference on Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C.
Mitchell Wharton Inducted as Fellow of American Academy of Nursing
Mitchell Wharton, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, CNS, ACRN, AAHIVE, an accomplished educator, researcher, and clinician at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing’s 2023 class of fellows at the academy’s annual Health Policy Conference on Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C.

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023
Guest Essay: Celebrating the Right to Feel Joy in My Identity
Peter Bertoldo, staff diversity officer, reflects on all the wonderful things that happened when he found a sense of belonging in the LGBTQ+ community.
Guest Essay: Celebrating the Right to Feel Joy in My Identity
Peter Bertoldo, staff diversity officer, reflects on all the wonderful things that happened when he found a sense of belonging in the LGBTQ+ community.

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023
Guest Essay: This Pride Feels Different
Staff diversity officer Jonathan Wetherbee reflects on his first Pride Month as a father, and how growing political division has made this year's Pride feel different.
Guest Essay: This Pride Feels Different
Staff diversity officer Jonathan Wetherbee reflects on his first Pride Month as a father, and how growing political division has made this year's Pride feel different.

Thursday, Jul 27, 2023
In the Name of Pride
The UR Nursing Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion talks about the origins and significance of Pride Month for its summer newsletter.
In the Name of Pride
The UR Nursing Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion talks about the origins and significance of Pride Month for its summer newsletter.
Tuesday, Jul 25, 2023
From High School to Health Care: East High Partnership Creates Pathway for Teens
A collaboration with East High is introducing Rochester teens to the possibilities within a nursing career and expanding diversity in the health care workforce.
From High School to Health Care: East High Partnership Creates Pathway for Teens
A collaboration with East High is introducing Rochester teens to the possibilities within a nursing career and expanding diversity in the health care workforce.

Friday, Mar 17, 2023
PhD Candidate Martez Smith Receives UR Presidential Diversity Award
Martez Smith, a sexual health researcher and social worker who has dedicated his life to HIV care and prevention, is a recipient of the Change Maker Award
PhD Candidate Martez Smith Receives UR Presidential Diversity Award
Martez Smith, a sexual health researcher and social worker who has dedicated his life to HIV care and prevention, is a recipient of the Change Maker Award

Wednesday, Oct 26, 2022
Essay: Wear Your Nationality Like a Flag
The featured guest essay in our Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness' Fall 2022 newsletter is from Dr. Maria Quiñones-Cordero, assistant professor of clinical nursing
Essay: Wear Your Nationality Like a Flag
The featured guest essay in our Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness' Fall 2022 newsletter is from Dr. Maria Quiñones-Cordero, assistant professor of clinical nursing

Wednesday, Oct 26, 2022
The Roots of Intersectionality
How the School of Nursing community can incorporate intersectionality into our event planning, education, and overall work
The Roots of Intersectionality
How the School of Nursing community can incorporate intersectionality into our event planning, education, and overall work

Thursday, Oct 13, 2022
School of Nursing Receives 6th Consecutive Excellence in Diversity Award
For the sixth year in a row, the University of Rochester School of Nursing has received the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
School of Nursing Receives 6th Consecutive Excellence in Diversity Award
For the sixth year in a row, the University of Rochester School of Nursing has received the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.

Monday, Jul 25, 2022
UR Nursing Alumni, Faculty Win Local, National Black Nurses Association Awards
School of Nursing students, alumni, and faculty earned awards from the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) and its Rochester chapter (RBNA).
UR Nursing Alumni, Faculty Win Local, National Black Nurses Association Awards
School of Nursing students, alumni, and faculty earned awards from the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) and its Rochester chapter (RBNA).

Wednesday, Jun 1, 2022
Take Pride in Rochester, NY
The University of Rochester School of Nursing’s Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CoDEI) presents a comprehensive guide to participate and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Take Pride in Rochester, NY
The University of Rochester School of Nursing’s Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CoDEI) presents a comprehensive guide to participate and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Thursday, Apr 28, 2022
Diversity Feature: A History of Muslims in America
The Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness shares a history of Muslims in America and their extensive existence in the formation of this nation.
Diversity Feature: A History of Muslims in America
The Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness shares a history of Muslims in America and their extensive existence in the formation of this nation.

Monday, Feb 28, 2022
Wharton Co-Authors Article on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Academic Nursing
Achieving equity within health care starts with the increase of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioners in academic nursing.
Wharton Co-Authors Article on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Academic Nursing
Achieving equity within health care starts with the increase of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioners in academic nursing.

Tuesday, Dec 21, 2021
The Nguzo Saba: Guiding Principles for Kwanzaa and Beyond
You may have some familiarity with the existence of Kwanzaa, however its origins and practices may be obscure. Unlike the religious foundations of Christmas and Hanukah, Kwanzaa is a secular, cultural holiday that begins the day after Christmas and lasts until New Year’s Day. It is also a relatively newer holiday, established in 1965, by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a former activist who became a professor of African Studies at California State University-Long Beach, and a prolific scholar on African and African American culture and Afrocentric philosophies.
The Nguzo Saba: Guiding Principles for Kwanzaa and Beyond
You may have some familiarity with the existence of Kwanzaa, however its origins and practices may be obscure. Unlike the religious foundations of Christmas and Hanukah, Kwanzaa is a secular, cultural holiday that begins the day after Christmas and lasts until New Year’s Day. It is also a relatively newer holiday, established in 1965, by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a former activist who became a professor of African Studies at California State University-Long Beach, and a prolific scholar on African and African American culture and Afrocentric philosophies.

Monday, Oct 18, 2021
UR School of Nursing Receives Fifth Straight Health Professions HEED Award
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has received the 2021 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the UR School of Nursing has been chosen for this honor.
UR School of Nursing Receives Fifth Straight Health Professions HEED Award
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has received the 2021 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the UR School of Nursing has been chosen for this honor.

Monday, Jun 28, 2021
CoDEI Seeks Nominations for Student Diversity Engagement Award
The Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Rochester School of Nursing is seeking nominations for the Student Diversity Engagement Award. The award will acknowledge a deserving nursing student for significant work that they have done related to diversity, equity, and/or inclusion.
CoDEI Seeks Nominations for Student Diversity Engagement Award
The Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Rochester School of Nursing is seeking nominations for the Student Diversity Engagement Award. The award will acknowledge a deserving nursing student for significant work that they have done related to diversity, equity, and/or inclusion.

Friday, May 21, 2021
CoDEI: Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In the May issue of our CoDEI newsletter we celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration initiated by Congress in 1979 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week that was expanded to the full month of May in 1992. This year we recognize the significance in uplifting the voices, experiences, challenges as well as celebrations of our colleagues, friends, neighbors and community members who are of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, as we stand in solidarity against the rash of anti-Asian hate crimes that have been fueled by ignorance, fear and dangerous social and political rhetoric.
CoDEI: Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In the May issue of our CoDEI newsletter we celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration initiated by Congress in 1979 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week that was expanded to the full month of May in 1992. This year we recognize the significance in uplifting the voices, experiences, challenges as well as celebrations of our colleagues, friends, neighbors and community members who are of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, as we stand in solidarity against the rash of anti-Asian hate crimes that have been fueled by ignorance, fear and dangerous social and political rhetoric.

Friday, Feb 26, 2021
CoDEI: Celebrating Black History Month
Many Americans recognize February as a time to celebrate Black History Month, but do you know the origins of this celebration?
CoDEI: Celebrating Black History Month
Many Americans recognize February as a time to celebrate Black History Month, but do you know the origins of this celebration?

Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020
Nurses Take Leadership Role on AC6 Diversity Committee’s Inclusion Efforts
Embracing diversity and promoting inclusion and education is a way of life for Golisano Children’s Hospital’s AC6 Pediatric Practice. Spearheaded by nurses, the practice created a collaborative, interdisciplinary diversity committee more than 15 years ago to better serve patients and families.
Nurses Take Leadership Role on AC6 Diversity Committee’s Inclusion Efforts
Embracing diversity and promoting inclusion and education is a way of life for Golisano Children’s Hospital’s AC6 Pediatric Practice. Spearheaded by nurses, the practice created a collaborative, interdisciplinary diversity committee more than 15 years ago to better serve patients and families.

Monday, Oct 5, 2020
UR School of Nursing Honored with Fourth Consecutive HEED Award
For the fourth straight year, the UR School of Nursing was honored with the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
UR School of Nursing Honored with Fourth Consecutive HEED Award
For the fourth straight year, the UR School of Nursing was honored with the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Friday, Sep 27, 2019
Nursing PhD Student Martez Smith Honored for Contributions to LGBTQ Community
Martez Smith, LMSW, a University of Rochester Provost Fellowship Recipient and third-year graduate student in the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s PhD program, was recently honored with two prestigious awards for his contributions to the LBGTQ community.
Nursing PhD Student Martez Smith Honored for Contributions to LGBTQ Community
Martez Smith, LMSW, a University of Rochester Provost Fellowship Recipient and third-year graduate student in the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s PhD program, was recently honored with two prestigious awards for his contributions to the LBGTQ community.

Thursday, Oct 11, 2018
School of Nursing Repeat Winner of Excellence in Diversity Award
For the second straight year, the University of Rochester School of Nursing has been selected to receive the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The UR School of Nursing is one of 11 schools of nursing across the country – and the only one from New York or New England – to be awarded the only national honor recognizing U.S. medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, osteopathic, and allied health schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
School of Nursing Repeat Winner of Excellence in Diversity Award
For the second straight year, the University of Rochester School of Nursing has been selected to receive the Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The UR School of Nursing is one of 11 schools of nursing across the country – and the only one from New York or New England – to be awarded the only national honor recognizing U.S. medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, osteopathic, and allied health schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Tuesday, Oct 9, 2018
Reifenstein Appointed to New Diversity Education Role
Karen Reifenstein, a prominent leader in the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s diversity efforts, has been appointed to a new role linking diversity and inclusion initiatives across the Medical Center.
Reifenstein Appointed to New Diversity Education Role
Karen Reifenstein, a prominent leader in the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s diversity efforts, has been appointed to a new role linking diversity and inclusion initiatives across the Medical Center.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Diversity Feature: The Changing Face of Nursing
At the vanguard among its peers in higher education, the University of Rochester School of Nursing makes it a top priority to create a learning environment that mirrors the changing demographics of the world outside its walls. Meet some of the students, faculty, staff, and alumni whose life experiences contribute to the school’s inclusionary culture and broaden the spectrum of health care professionals who will care for tomorrow’s patients.
Diversity Feature: The Changing Face of Nursing
At the vanguard among its peers in higher education, the University of Rochester School of Nursing makes it a top priority to create a learning environment that mirrors the changing demographics of the world outside its walls. Meet some of the students, faculty, staff, and alumni whose life experiences contribute to the school’s inclusionary culture and broaden the spectrum of health care professionals who will care for tomorrow’s patients.

Wednesday, Jan 31, 2018
Wetherbee Recognized with Presidential Diversity Award
Jonathan Wetherbee, an eloquent and passionate advocate for a more welcoming and accepting campus community, was honored earlier this month with the 2018 University of Rochester Presidential Diversity Award.
Wetherbee Recognized with Presidential Diversity Award
Jonathan Wetherbee, an eloquent and passionate advocate for a more welcoming and accepting campus community, was honored earlier this month with the 2018 University of Rochester Presidential Diversity Award.