Office of Inclusive Excellence | Milken Institute School of Public Health

Inclusion

Innovation

Belonging

Inclusive Excellence at Milken

The Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE) at the Milken Institute School of Public Health leads the charge in fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible community for students, faculty, and staff. At GWSPH, inclusion means creating a working and learning environment where each person can participate fully to achieve success and is valued for their distinctive skills and capabilities. We aim to create and nurture an environment in which all members of the school community are treated equitably, contribute fully to the mission, and embrace and model the school’s values.

Grounded in a commitment to addressing health disparities and systemic inequities, we strive to create a culture of belonging where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. Building and sustaining healthier communities through a diverse public health workforce is a priority, and rigorous research in diverse communities helps push forward the next generation of public health leaders. Through education, advocacy, and innovation, GWSPH empowers individuals to thrive and equips public health leaders to advance equity on a global scale.

Our Goals

Integrate Inclusive Excellence into Every Aspect of Public Health

Embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) principles into curriculum, research, and public health practice.
Equip students and faculty to address health inequities with innovation and cultural competency.

Foster a Culture of Accessibility and Belonging

Address barriers to accessibility in school spaces, communications, and programs.
Create spaces and initiatives that promote a sense of belonging for underrepresented groups.

Recruit and Retain a Diverse Community

Develop targeted recruitment and retention strategies for underrepresented and international students, faculty, and staff.
Increase access to scholarships, mentorship programs, and professional opportunities.

Empower the Community Through Education and Leadership

Provide training on accessibility, inclusive leadership, and anti-racism for all members of the community.
Support professional development through initiatives like "Train the Trainer" and mentorship networks.

Lead with Transparency and Accountability

Assess and share progress on DEIA goals regularly.
Serve as a central resource for DEIA information and advocacy at GWSPH.

Upcoming Events

Truth Be Told: The Art of Storytelling in Health Advocacy Workshop

Can you present an idea or a pitch within a 3-minute timeframe?

Do you know how to pack a punch into your storytelling? Do you know how to create your ASK for advocacy?

...Do you want to learn how?

Join the Milken Institute School of Public Health's Office of Inclusive Excellence for "Truth Be Told: The Art of Storytelling in Health Equity Workshop" on

Monday, February 24 from 11:00 - 1:00 pm in the Convening Center!

You will learn how to craft your own pitch, identify and use varying communication skills, and come away with a powerful 3-minute story that is both personal and effective in health advocacy.

Please RSVP here so that we are able to accurately plan for discussion groups, and provide food and drinks.

A digital flyer with a blue checkered background and yellow and black text promotes an event titled "Truth Be Told... Storytelling in Health Advocacy Workshop." The flyer highlights that free food will be provided. The event will take place on February 24, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Milken Convening Center. A yellow box in the upper right corner titled "Impactful Advocacy" asks, "Can you get your point across in 3 minutes?" It invites attendees to a storytelling workshop.

Where Are We Now?

Check out the DEIA Section from our 2024 CEPH Accreditation to see some of our past and current projects!

Title page of GWU CEPH Self Study Report

Check it Out!

GWSPH Community Resources

Academic Resources

Student Resources

Students in lab coats talking to each other

Faculty Resources

Staff Resources

A Message from the Director

“The Office of Inclusive Excellence is our way of ensuring that we are capturing everyone’s lived experiences, incorporating them into the cutting edge research and policy making decisions. There is no solution in public health where we do not include all communities, as well as recognize the unique struggles that different areas of our society face within public health.”

Rachel Thomas, MA
Director, Office of Inclusive Excellence