Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is committed to embracing the diversity of our staff, faculty, trainees, students, patients and families and creating an environment of inclusion.

At Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion works to fulfill our mission to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – FOR ALL and to achieve our Diversity Agenda.

We know that the best way to have a lasting impact is to create systems, policies, processes and practices that live on. Our five Culture Commitments inspire us to achieve our 2025 Bold Goal aimed at achieving: Transformative Equity in healthcare, leadership, workforce, learners and community.

In the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

We create a space where ALL belong

Through affinity/system resource groups and our staff council, we provide safe spaces for people who are traditionally underrepresented to speak up and be heard. Teammates can share experiences, learn ways to do things differently, and help drive change in our organization. These groups plan and host many classes and events throughout the year to help teammates learn about others who are different from themselves and provide opportunities to build community.

We work as one team to make great things happen

We encourage teammates to work together to support change and inclusion within their areas of influence. Each of our departments has an Inclusion Chair to help lead change efforts. We also provide professional development and education to help individuals and teams grow in cultural competence and humility. This includes classes, events, and Lunch and Learns throughout the year; We Ask – We Care initiative; WAKE Active Bystander Training, Annual Leadership in Color conference, Be Brave series and Safe Zone in Medicine training. We also encourage and support Human Resources’ efforts to train leaders how to reduce bias in their recruiting, hiring and management efforts.

We earn trust in all that we do

The Office of DEI works with community partners and groups within our organization to build trust, health and wellness in diverse and vulnerable communities. This includes local churches and community organizations, Faith Health, Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI), Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Women In Medicine and Science, the Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Programs in Community Engagement, the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, and our Racial Equity Task Force.

We innovate to better the now and create the future

As an academic learning health system, we are committed to lifelong learning and innovation. We work to find new and better ways to build diverse, equitable learning and work environments that promote education, teaching and research, and attract and keep top talent.

We drive for excellence – always

We base our work on research, the best available data and continuous improvement. We seek to lead in everything we do. We inspire each other to be great, and we make every experience matter for everyone.

Our Leadership and Team

Julie Ann Freischlag, MD, FACS, FRCSEd (Hon), DFSVS, MAMSE

Chief Academic Officer, Advocate Health
Chief Executive Officer, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Wake Forest University

Mick Fisher, MA

Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

Brenda Latham-Sadler, MD, FAAFP

Vice Chief Academic Officer, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Clinical Professor, Family and Community Medicine
Affiliate, Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity
Wake Forest School of Medicine

Montez Lane-Brown, MPH

HR Manager, Office of DEI

L'Oréal Neal, MBA

HR Program Manager, Office of DEI

Jakki Opollo, PhD, RN, MSN, MPH, NEA-BC

Vice President, Talent Initiatives & Regional Chief Diversity Officer

Voices for All

Affinity/System Resource Groups

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist embraces the diversity of our teammates, providers, faculty and students and works to create an environment of inclusion. Our affinity/system resource groups offer our teammates opportunities to come together based on a common identity or experience, speak up and be heard, learn through mentorship, and understand the resources available within our health system and the local communities.

Benefits of Affinity/System Resource Groups at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

Read the Transcription

Julie Ann Freischlag

At Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, we are dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating spaces where all belong, and our affinity groups are an important way we actively bring this commitment to life. I'm proud to share that we have nine affinity groups and counting across our organization to represent shared identities, interests, and goals. These include a Hispanic/Latinx Affinity Group, LGBTQ and Allies, our Veterans Society, African American/Black and Allies, our White Affinity Group for Racial Equity, our Indigenous Peoples, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Jewish, and Muslim Affinity Groups. These groups are truly inclusive. Membership is voluntary, and all teammates are welcome to participate regardless of identity or experience. Since starting just a few years ago, we have seen the positive impact affinity groups have had on team and engagement, professional development, cross-collaboration and community outreach. Our goal is to continue growing membership and engagement. One recent success was when our groups came together to donate more than 150 pounds of food to Brenner's Children's Pantry and clothing to Faith Health ministries for our patients. Affinity groups also serve another purpose. They help shape our organization's culture, strategic priorities and diversity inclusion initiatives that lead to positive outcomes. They bring together diverse perspectives to weigh in on initiatives. Cascade information. Enhance our culture and boost engagement, recruitment and retention. From hosting cultural events, volunteering in the community, and collaborating they work together to make great things happen. As leaders, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen and support our affinity groups as executive sponsors. This is like being a mentor or coach who champions the interest of the group, helps navigate barriers and makes connections. I encourage all senior leaders to consider serving in this role. The Office of Diversity Equity Inclusion will provide you with support, resources, and guidance. Being an executive sponsors also a rewarding way to connect with teammates. I'm so proud of the work our affinity groups are doing to improve our organization and the communities around us. I encourage you to get involved as an executive sponsor. Giving just a small amount of your time will make a big difference. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support.