Vision

JEDI-WeST envisions an inclusive and diverse environment at KSOM where all constituents (learners, staff, and faculty) are respected, valued, encouraged and supported to thrive in pursuit of solving the most intractable health problems afflicting humanity.

Mission

The mission of JEDI-WeST is to support and develop programming, policies, and practices that create an inclusive and diverse community at KSOM.

Values

JEDI-WeST values align with USC’s six unifying values of integrity, open communication, excellence, well-being, accountability and diversity, equity & inclusion.

Background

In the fall of 2020, Interim Dean Rao charged Dr. Ricky Bluthenthal with leading an important new initiative for the Keck School known as JEDI-WeST: Justice through Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Well-being and Social Transformation. The JEDI-WeST committee believes that the Keck School has an ethical imperative to build a foundation of psychological safety for ALL members of the HSC community—especially those from historically minoritized groups—and to develop a culture that appreciates, respects, and values diverse individuals because they are necessary to achieve the excellence to which our school aspires.

By uniting and coordinating KSOM’s current initiatives from the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Office of Social Justice, Center for GEMS, and Office of Well-being, JEDI-WeST strives to achieve greater visibility, influence and impact. JEDI-WeST is working to accomplish its mission through programs and policies that encourage faculty/staff/learner engagement, professional development and mentoring, departmental and interdisciplinary partnerships and collaboration, and community outreach & service. Additionally, JEDI-WeST intentionally coordinates efforts with existing and future University-wide equity, social justice and well-being initiatives and goals.
Expected outcomes from JEDI-WeST include: 1) Creating a space of belonging for all employees and learners, especially those in historically marginalized groups, 2) Assisting in the recruitment of a diverse workforce and student population by demonstrating a commitment to inclusion, 3) Supporting employee well-being, psychological safety, engagement, retention and professional fulfillment, 4) Providing leadership development and career promotion, 5) Strengthening community partnerships, and 6) Encouraging innovation within the HSC community.