Center for Gender Equity in Medicine and Science

Mission

Achieve a climate of gender equity and safety for all at the Keck School of Medicine (KSOM), working in close collaboration with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the KSOM and the University and with an intersectional approach.

Gender discrimination and sexual harassment have a detrimental impact on many facets of our organization, ranging from loss of talented faculty and diverse perspectives to negative patient outcomes.

The establishment of the Center for GEMS provides a clear path forward to effect culture transformation that goes beyond mere compliance. Please join us in supporting a culture that promotes integrity, respect and diversity.

Establish processes and practices to achieve gender equity in recruitment, faculty development, and across the career pipeline

Achieve and sustain equal pay regardless of gender and as provided by law

Achieve and sustain equitable representation in leadership for all, regardless of gender

Create and sustain a culture that supports diversity, psychological safety and belonging for all, and is intolerant of sexual harassment and gender discriminationCreate and sustain a culture that supports diversity, psychological safety and belonging for all, and is intolerant of sexual harassment and gender discrimination

Serve as a body to ensure transparency and data-informed approaches to meet these goals

Maria Maldonado, MPH, MPAP, PA-C

Director
maria.maldonado@med.usc.edu

Daphne Walker, MD

Leader of Equity & Representation Working Group
daphne.walker@med.usc.edu

William Mack, MD, MS

Co-Leader of Leadership Development Working Group
william.mack@med.usc.edu

Grace Kung, MD

Co-Leader of Leadership Development Working Group
gkung@chla.usc.edu

Alberto Vallejo, PhD

Co-Leader of Gender & Power-Based Harm Working Group
alberto.vallejo@med.usc.edu

CharRita Cox-Beaman

Co-Leader of Gender & Power-Based Harm Working Group
coxbeama@med.usc.edu

Elizabeth O’Toole, MSPH

Associate Director, Keck School Culture Initiatives
elizabeth.otoole@med.usc.edu

Brandi Montanez

Coordinator, JEDI-WeST, GEMS & Office of Well-being
brandi.montanez@med.usc.edu

Advisory Board

The GEMS Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to the GEMS Leadership Team and helps to support the mission of the Center. View current roster here.

Members of the Advisory Board are selected based on their roles at USC and their active participation increases opportunities for cross-collaboration and helps to ensure greater alignment across the institution. The Advisory Board meets semi-annually.