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UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy’s Student Senate Hosts First-Ever Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week

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Mariava Phillips
February 23, 2023


Students participating in the “HB 96-Increasing Access to Hormonal Contraception” discussion during DEI Week and sharing what DEI means to them.

The inspiration for the inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Week, hosted by the Student Senate DEI Committee in partnership with other campus and pharmacy organizations, came from a desire to provide a holistic view of how pharmacists can effectively care for patients by considering all dimensions of a person’s identity.  

“We envisioned that DEI Week would open discussions about how words, actions and gestures impact relationships with patients and colleagues,” said Yuki Yang, Pharm.D. candidate and member of the Student Senate DEI Committee. 

A notable speaker line-up explored various DEI topics such as Race, CDK and eGFR, Access to Inclusive, Culturally Sensitive Mental Health in BIPOC Communities, HB-96-Increasing Access to Hormonal Contraception and Communicating with Spanish Speaking Patients. 

The student-led events reflect the goal behind Priority 1 in the School’s strategic plan, BEYOND – to create the most engaging culture.   

“DEI week reflects a level of authenticity in supporting the School’s strategic plan in fostering DEI in alignment with our vision and mission for excellence,” said Carla White, Pharm.D., associate dean of Organizational Diversity and Inclusion and assistant professor in the Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education. 

Another student senate leader, Kiara Bautista, Pharm.D. candidate, believes this is a way she can give back and share her experiences while advocating for patients whose health care providers may be unaware of their circumstances. Bautista shared, “I wanted to help facilitate a sense of belonging at Eshelman. As a Filipino immigrant, I often felt marginalized by health and education systems.” 

“I’m proud of them and motivated by them,” said Amanda Storyward, program manager of Organizational Diversity and Inclusion. “I walked by a board in the lobby where students wrote about what DEI means to them. Looking at their answers helps me to remember why we all need to be in this work together. I hope everyone sees this and is reminded that they are a part of what makes this School a better place and our work together will only continue to make everyone feel welcome here.” 

The speaker line-up included students, faculty and staff from both the Chapel Hill and Asheville campuses, as well as campus organizations and peer institutions. 

  • “Race, CKD and eGFR” with Wendy St. Peter, Pharm.D., FCCP, FASN, FNKF from the University of Minnesota. 
  • “Access to Inclusive and Culturally Sensitive Mental Healthcare in the BIPOC Community” with UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Director of Well-Being and Resilience and Associate Professor Suzie Harris, Pharm.D., BCPP, CPP, Esha Thakkar, Pharm.D. candidate and Ina Liu, Pharm.D., MS, BCPS. 
  • “HB 96-Increasing Access to Hormonal Contraception” with UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Regional Associate Dean Mollie Scott, Pharm.D. and Assistant Professor Amanda Savage, Pharm.D. 
  • “Communicating with Spanish Speaking Patients” with CAPS and Spanish Rx. 

The Student Senate DEI Committee collaborated with the following organizations to make the week of events possible:  

  • Student College of Clinical Pharmacy (SCCP) 
  • Global Engagement Organization (GEO) 
  • Carolina Association of Pharmacy Students (CAPS) 
  • Carolina Association of Pharmacy Students – Asheville (ACAPS) 
  • Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)  
  • College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) 

 

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