Leora Lowenthal: Dr. Noel, thank you so much for joining me today and your willingness to answer some questions for this issue of Connections.  I know it has already been an exciting and challenging 18 months in this role and I’m looking forward to sharing more about that with our members.  As I noted in the timeline, the board recently voted to have the DEI Director join the Executive Committee, with the recognition that diversity, equity and inclusion are central to every aspect of our work.  You also chair a very active DEI committee.  Can you tell me a little about how you envision the work of the DEI Committee in relation to the larger organization?   

 

Lailea Noel: Thank you and yes, I’d be glad to. To begin, I'd like you to visualize a wagon wheel. The pie pieces of the wagon wheel represent the areas of focus for our organizational structure, such as membership development, policy, and advocacy, communication, education, and research. I see DEI as the outside rim of the wagon wheel. Our role is to collaborate and support each priority area in a way that holds us accountable as an organization to the goal of being as inclusive and equitable as possible. DEI touches all aspects of the organization. It is not an afterthought but part of the foundation of who we are. One of the primary ways we will answer the call to social justice in today's society is to work collaboratively with our colleagues to advance oncology research and practice.  

 

LL: Thank you so much, Dr. Noel, both for sharing your vision and providing us with such wonderful imagery.  As you know, I am also a fan of wheel images as they pertain to leadership.  I have always imagined the Executive Committee at the center of the wheel, collaborating with and supporting each priority area as we establish and work toward organizational goals. You have helped establish multiple high-priority goals for the organization; could you talk about one of those here?  

 

LN: When I joined the organization in 2012, I recall attending a conference that year and feeling a sense of dismay at the lack of diversity in the ballroom. Since then, I have spoken with many social workers of color, members of LGBTQIA+ communities, and those from small community-based programs with limited resources who have expressed feelings of not being heard, not seeing themselves at AOSW events, and not being invited into the room. I know that AOSW is a fantastic organization with many excellent resources for our membership. As I expect is true for you and the board as well, I would like to see these services and resources provided in a way that is equitable to all. Since we have been focusing on this as a priority, the conversation has changed and what we are hearing more often from members is “I feel included”, “I know my voice is appreciated”, and “I am looking for more ways to get involved”. We have a ways to go, but I am encouraged that we are moving in the right direction.  

 

LL: Again, my thanks, Dr. Noel, and yes, I agree that this is what I and the board expect and wish to see for AOSW.  I’m also very aware that for continued movement and sustainable change, we need the involvement and voices of our members. Our upcoming conference will be a wonderful opportunity to engage our membership in establishing future goals and priorities for AOSW.  Will there be ways for attendees to share their input and ideas?  

 

LN: Yes, and I’m glad you asked about that. During the opening reception on the Monday evening of the conference, we will provide our members the opportunity to give some thought to not only what current ways they incorporate DEI in their professional and private lives but what would be their personal call to action moving forward. How will they incorporate DEI in their professional and/or private lives? We will provide a space with a wall covered in paper, "a living wall," as you will. We hope people will write their thoughts on this wall. This is an opportunity for each of us to hold ourselves accountable for the work that needs to be done by the organization.  

 

LL: That is fantastic, and I am really looking forward to seeing what people contribute.  I also want to thank you again for the extraordinary leadership you provide and your willingness to spend this time with me today.  Even more so, I look forward to being together in New Orleans.