Before we embark on a new year, I hope you will share in Diversity by Doing HealthTech’s 2022 success. As a community of “doers” dedicated to empowering women and people of color to rise within the ranks of health technology, we all know that it is possible and imperative to improve health outcomes through diverse innovation for diverse populations.
Over 150 volunteers dedicated their time and talent to ensure that the next generation is seen, heard and supported through DxD events this year. They are who makes all this achievable. The roots of DxD HealthTech grew from the vision of many, however I would like to call out a few founders including Paul Yock, Maria Sainz, and Mike Regan. Through their efforts, the tireless support of the entire team, and many of you, we were able to mentor and reach close to 300 students and young career professionals. Imagine, if you will, the impact that each of those individuals will now have within their own careers and their families as well as the community at large.
With the Summer Innovation & Exploration Series, 44 college student interns from underrepresented groups explored careers in medtech, built their networks for career and professional development, and interacted directly with executives in the industry who shared their “pearls of wisdom.” Or, as that generation might say – they dropped knowledge.
Our Speed Mentoring program continues to motivate early and mid-career professionals in their quest to gain knowledge from industry experts who share their wisdom about the importance of mentorship, true and inspiring stories about career development, and the keys to being your best you – through professional development.
New to DxD’s offerings this year was a program specifically for companies. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Series was derived after many conversations with small and mid-size companies with a true interest in going beyond business as usual.
To the companies who have committed not just their time and talent, but also treasure, via our affiliate program, we salute you for demonstrating your commitment to the work now and ahead.
Finally, as we conclude this year, we are busily putting the finishing touches on the Pathways In Health Technology program where we will introduce some incredibly talented community college students to exciting career possibilities through project-based work, medtech education and mindset training. I look forward to sharing more about this program in 2023.
Whether you represent yourself or an entire company, we invite you to continue to support and participate in our mission as we move forward. Your commitment is what makes all of this come to life and allows us to think bigger, broader, bolder while challenging ourselves to do better each day.
Thank you, DxD family, for all you helped with in 2022 – and all that we hope for in 2023!