Welcome
Hello everyone 😊 – in our February 2024 edition of the JEDI @ IUPUI Newsletter, we extend our warmest greetings to the dynamic collective that propels our organization forward. JEDI serves as Indiana University’s DrPH program liaison for justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. This newsletter becomes a portal to explore the rich history of JEDI @ IUPUI, discover upcoming events, delve into member spotlights and more.
Together, we’ll embark on a journey grounded in JEDI’s values and motto i.e. “…. Every Hand Counts.” Stay engaged, stay inspired and stay tuned for the latest updates from our JEDI @ IUPUI family!
Warm regards,
Franklin ILOGHO
Communications Director – JEDI @ IUPUI
History
Formed in the spring 2021 semester, JEDI emerged as a collective initiative by DrPH students to address academic, professional, personal, and community challenges. Founded in March 2021, JEDI serves as an advisory bridge connecting students, faculty, and staff, with a commitment to promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education.
Previous accomplishments
- 4/7/2022 – JEDI leads discussion series, “Leadership Application of Equity Principles – Global Perspectives” for 2022 National Public Health Week
- 1/21/2022 – JEDI presents at the IUPUI Faculty Assembly
- 12/31/2021 –Interview with JEDI member, Keith Barnett, by December 26er
- 11/6/2021 – JEDI principles incorporated into DrPH Global Health Leadership coursework
- 11/6/2021 – JEDI-related content added to DrPH new student application, mission statement, handbook, and DrPH website
- 10/21/2021 – JEDI co-founder Ericka Thomas presents her work and reflections at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health – Our Voices: Diversity in Environmental Sciences Seminar Series
- 8/2021- JEDI mission statement created
Current accomplishments
- Created formal charter which depicts the purpose, organizational structure, and goals of JEDI
- Voted in first formal leadership team post-charter. Positions of office include president, vice president (intentionally left vacant for new cohort to fill), secretary, and communications director.
- Developed a 3-year strategic plan
- Advocated and assisted international students of Cohort 5 with better understanding of student visa requirements and creating an internal structure that avoids duplicative filing of new visas and incurring unnecessary fees
- Continues to explore ways in which to improve equity for international students of the DrPH program
- JEDI representation at the past two APHA 2022 and 2023 conferences. With members also presenting abstracts.
Black History Month
In February’s chill, we honor Black History Month, a beacon of resilience. From its roots in Carter G. Woodson’s vision to today’s strides, we confront injustices with courage. Today, we stand amidst achievements and reckon with persistent injustices, mindful that progress is both a marathon and a relay. As Maya Angelou once mused, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” In the future, unity promises to nurture equality’s blossoms, fostering a landscape where understanding and solidarity reign.
Embark on a journey of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Join us in fostering empowerment, understanding, and celebration. Uncover more within!
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly”- MLK Jr.
For more questions about JEDI @ IUPUI, please contact:
JEDI Student Group – jedi@iupui.edu
Tanya – namino@iu.edu
Jessica – jesshaf@iu.edu
Franklin – foilogho@iu.edu
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