Health equity leadership is not performative, and now is the time to protect and invest in it as a professional and ethical imperative.
As conversations around DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) face increasing scrutiny and rollback, one must reaffirm the critical role that health equity leaders play within nursing academia. In the American Journal of Nursing article, “The Crucial Role of Health Equity Leaders in Nursing Academia,” I argue that health equity isn’t a side project, it’s fundamental to academic excellence, workforce sustainability, and better patient outcomes.
Health equity leaders are often tasked with the invisible labor of change: shaping inclusive curricula, responding to bias incidents, mentoring students of color, leading anti-racism efforts, and advancing institutional accountability. Yet they do so amid increased resistance and burnout, some without formalized support or protected time. Despite these challenges, our presence is transformative. Studies confirm that equity-focused leadership strengthens student belonging, increases retention of historically underrepresented faculty, and fosters institutional climates where diverse populations can thrive.
At the University of Maryland School of Nursing, leading the Office of Strategic Engagement and Impact, I remain committed to integrating UMB’s Core Values, especially Equity and Justice, combined with Discovery and Innovation, into every facet of my work as I reimagine what DEI work can look like in this new reality. Despite navigating political headwinds, I will continue to elevate diverse voices and uphold the mission: To shape the profession of nursing and the health care environment by developing leaders in education, research, and practice. The work of health equity leaders is not performative, it is visionary, strategic, and essential to the future of nursing.
Now is the time to support, fund, and protect health equity leaders. Health equity is not a trend. It is a professional obligation supported by the Code of Ethics for Nurses.
Disclaimer: Elm Voices & Opinions articles reflect the thoughts or opinions of their individual authors, and may not represent the thoughts or values of UMB as an institution.