Introducing the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Georgetown Lombardi

January 5, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

Enhancing diversity and participation in cancer research is of utmost importance to us at Georgetown Lombardi, the National Cancer Institute, and for the common good. Thus, I am pleased to officially introduce the Georgetown Lombardi Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and its team.

Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and these efforts are led by Dr. Kristi Graves as the Associate Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The DEI Office builds upon institutional activities across the cancer center to increase the diversity of cancer center membership, leadership, committees and pathway activities, increase engagement in cancer research, and work toward a culture of inclusion.

Within the Georgetown Lombardi 2021-2026 Strategic Plan, the Georgetown Lombardi DEI Office follows a strategic plan that aligns with efforts at Georgetown University Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Health. The aims of the Georgetown Lombardi DEI Office are to establish the infrastructure for DEI activities and metrics and evaluate, develop and implement strategies to enhance and promote equitable participation, inclusion and leadership of individuals from backgrounds underrepresented in cancer research. The DEI Office will benefit from the guidance of the DEI Advisory Council and the Early Career Leadership Council. Both councils have membership representation from across our consortium partners and community advisors.

The Georgetown Lombardi DEI Office will collaborate closely with other key components of our cancer center, including with Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC), Community Outreach and Engagement (COE), and our Research Program leaders and other senior leaders at Georgetown Lombardi. We are pleased to support the work of the DEI Office to promote a culture of belonging and inclusion through funding opportunities, supporting successful programs and facilitating access to DEI-related resources.

I invite you all to visit the Georgetown Lombardi DEI Office webpage to learn more about the office, educational resources, upcoming DEI initiatives, and funding opportunities.

Sincerely,

Louis M. Weiner, MD
Director, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Director, MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute