J.E.D.I. Champion of the Month: Sterling Kelly
August's J.E.D.I. Champion is Sterling Kelly. Sterling Kelly exemplifies selfless service to both the LBGTQIA+ community and the LifeBridge Health community at large. As co-chair of the LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group, Sterling takes on the responsibilities of striving to achieve Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) Top Performer status for our hospitals, organizing educational events and learning sessions related to LGBTQIA+ issues, coordinating the LifeBridge Health presence at Baltimore Pride, and so much more -- all in addition to his work as a talent acquisition consultant. LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group Co-Chair PJ Dominiski has this to say: "Sterling will help tackle any issue facing LGBTQIA+ patients and team members alike at LifeBridge Health. His compassion, drive and commitment to promoting more inclusive spaces in our organization vastly exceed the expectations of his role. He is owed a debt of gratitude not only by LGBTQIA+ team members, but by the entire LifeBridge Health system that is made better and stronger for his efforts."
Q1: How long have you been with LifeBridge Health and what is your current role?
A: 15 years. Talent acquisition consultant.
Q2. You bring so much passion to the work you do…what motivates you?
A: Knowing that it’s going to make a difference in someone’s life. Every time a care giver reaches out to thank me for providing educational opportunities that help them provide more compassionate care for members of the LGBTQ community it reassures me that I’m helping team members care for our community.
Q3. As chair of the LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group and a talent acquisition consultant at Northwest Hospital, what are some of your aspirations for the LifeBridge Health Community?
A: I’d like to see all LifeBridge Health facilities receive HEI (Healthcare Equality Index) designation and truly become a system where the community feels welcome and accepted.
Q4. Since starting at LifeBridge Health, what have you found most rewarding?
A: Seeing the focus on diversity and inclusion continue to grow. Witnessing the progress and all the work that’s been done has been one of the most rewarding things for me.