Committee of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Newsletter
MEDICAL Q4 2025
Growing Together
BUILDING
MOMENTUM WITH NEW FACES
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is growing - and thriving!
This past quarter, we welcomed not one, not two, but SIX incredible new members to our team. Each brings unique experiences, perspectives, and passions that will enrich our conversations and strengthen our mission.
As we step confidently into our second year as a committee, these additions mark an exciting new chapter. Their diverse backgrounds and viewpoints will help us amplify our impact as we close out 2025 and set the stage for an even more inclusive 2026 Together, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered
To celebrate this milestone, we asked each new member to reflect on a powerful question:
What does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean to you?
Their answers are inspiring, thought-provoking, and a true reflection of why this work matters
Turn to page 2 to meet our five new members and discover what DEI means through their lens.
In this newsletter you can expect:
Introduction
Spotlight Corner Committee Insights
Education Corner
Cultural Picks
Cultural Calendar & Awareness
JUSTIN DORO
“AS A LOUD AND PROUD GAY MAN, DEI IS DEEPLY INGRAINED IN MY CORE BELIEFS GROWING UP IN RURAL GEORGIA, I EXPERIENCED FIRSTHAND THE LACK OF SUPPORT AND INCLUSIVITY FOR MYSELF AND OTHER QUEER INDIVIDUALS THOSE EXPERIENCES SHAPED MY COMMITMENT TO CREATING SPACES WHERE EVERYONE FEELS SAFE AND CELEBRATED. TODAY, I STRIVE TO FOSTER COMMUNITIES THAT EMPOWER LGBTQIA+ YOUTH TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES WITHOUT FEAR, AND EXTEND THAT SAME SUPPORT TO ALL MARGINALIZED GROUPS FOR ME, DEI IS ABOUT REMINDING HUMANITY THAT EVERY PERSON DESERVES TO LIVE WITH PRIDE IN WHO THEY ARE, WHERE THEY COME FROM, AND WHERE THEY ARE GOING ”
EROLLE GARNER
“FOR ME, DEI MEANS CREATING SPACES WHERE FULL IDENTITIES ARE SEEN, VALUED, AND PROTECTED FROM THE BIAS THAT WE OFTEN NAVIGATE DEI IS NOT A “BUZZWORD” BUT A NECESSITY FOR PROGRESS, ADDRESSING THE INTERSECTIONAL CHALLENGES WE FACE TO ACHIEVE JUSTICE AND FULL PARTICIPATION FOR ALL ”
MATTHEW KOSEMUND
“I’VE SPENT MOST OF MY ADULT LIFE IN HEALTHCARE SIMULATION, FROM MILITARY MEDICAL EDUCATION TO MANAGING SIMULATION CENTERS AND NOW HELPING SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS MODERNIZE WITH SIMCAPTURE I BELIEVE DIVERSE TEAMS WORK BETTER TOGETHER, BENEFITING BOTH REAL AND SIMULATED PATIENTS, BECAUSE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES BRING BETTER SOLUTIONS. TO ME, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION ARE ESSENTIAL PRACTICES: EQUITY ENSURES EVERYONE GETS A FAIR CHANCE TO LEARN AND SUCCEED, AND INCLUSION CREATES BELONGING THAT DRIVES PERFORMANCE AND INNOVATION MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS A DISABLED COMBAT VETERAN AND PARENT REINFORCES THAT STRENGTH COMES FROM UNDERSTANDING AND COLLABORATION, NOT SAMENESS DEI MATTERS BECAUSE IT BUILDS BETTER TEAMS, BETTER TRAINING, AND ULTIMATELY BETTER HUMANS BY CREATING SPACES WHERE PEOPLE ARE HEARD, VALUED, AND TRUSTED ”
SARA ROBERTINE
“DEI IS IMPORTANT TO ME BECAUSE MY IDENTITY SHAPES THE WAY I EXPERIENCE LIFE AS A MEXICAN WOMAN, I’VE BEEN IN VERY DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS WHERE MY PERSPECTIVE WASN’T ALWAYS ONE PEOPLE EXPECTED THAT GIVES ME A REAL AWARENESS OF HOW MEANINGFUL IT IS WHEN WORKPLACES CREATE SPACES WHERE EVERYONE FEELS INCLUDED, SEEN, AND UNDERSTOOD ”
LINSEY SHUPE
“I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT CREATING SPACES WHERE EVERYONE FEELS A TRUE SENSE OF BELONGING MY WORK IN DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IS INSPIRED BY A NATURAL CURIOSITY ABOUT PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCES AND STORIES UNDERSTANDING WHAT SHAPES THEIR PERSPECTIVES HELPS ME BUILD STRATEGIES THAT FOSTER FAIRNESS AND CONNECTION THIS WORK MATTERS TO ME BECAUSE I BELIEVE EVERY PERSON DESERVES TO FEEL SEEN, HEARD, AND VALUED AND THAT STARTS WITH LISTENING AND LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER ”
“DEI IS IMPORTANT TO ME BECAUSE I KNOW FIRSTHAND WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE ON THE OUTSIDE AFTER MOVING FROM YONKERS AS A CHILD, I WAS BULLIED FOR BEING THE NEW KID AND LEARNED TO MAKE MYSELF SMALL JUST TO AVOID STANDING OUT THAT EXPERIENCE DRIVES MY PASSION FOR CREATING A CULTURE WHERE DIFFERENCES ARE CELEBRATED AND EVERYONE FEELS SEEN HELPING OTHERS FEEL VALUED ADDS VALUE - NOT JUST TO INDIVIDUALS, BUT TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY I WANT TO HELP FOSTER AN ENVIRONMENT OF RESPECT AND INCLUSION, WHERE PEOPLE FEEL CONFIDENT AND COMFORTABLE BEING THEIR TRUE, AUTHENTIC SELVES, REGARDLESS OF THEIR BELIEFS, EXPERIENCES, CULTURE, OR BACKGROUNDS ” HEATHER VACARR
ucation Corner
OctoberisBreast CancerAwarenessMonth!
What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissuesofthebreast Therearemanydifferenttypesofbreastcancerthatcanaffectbothwomenand men The early detection of breast cancer through annual mammography and other breast exams is thebestdefenseagainstreceivingalate-stagebreastcancerdiagnosis
KeyStatistics&FactsAboutBreastCancerInTheUnitedStates
1in8women,orapproximately13%ofthefemalepopulationintheUS,willdevelopbreastcancer intheirlifetime
TheaverageageofUS womendiagnosedwithbreastcanceris62yearsold
The average age of Black women diagnosed with breast cancer is 60 years old, compared to an averageageof62forwhitewomen.
Blackwomenare40%morelikelytodiefrombreastcancerthanwhitewomen
Overall,Hispanicwomenhavea20%lowerincidencerateofbreastcancerthanothergroups.
Hispanic women are more likely than white women to be diagnosed with breast cancer at later stages,whenitismoredifficulttotreat
Asian and Pacific Islander women are more likely to be diagnosed with localized (earlier stage, moretreatable)breastcancerthanothergroups
AsianandPacificIslanderwomenhavethelowestdeathratefrombreastcancer
Awarenessisthefirststepinmakinginformedchoicesaboutbreasthealth.
Sources: AmericanCancerSociety(cancerorg)
Women’s Health Webinar - Presented by Dr. Angela Flippin from CIGNA!
This session was very informative! The webinar provided an overview of breast cancer screening, including risk factors, recommended screening timelines, diagnostic tools, breast density, investigational technologies, and how women can advocate for their own breast health. If you missed it, please click on the link to view the recorded webinar!
CIGNA - WOMEN’S HEALTH WEBINAR RECORDING
Mental Health Awareness Week
With Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 5-11) and World Mental Health Day on October 10 as key observances, we aim not only to raise awareness but to encourage action: opening lines of communication, reducing stigma, and creating spaces where all voices feel heard and supported.
Please click on the link to view pre-recorded webcasts and Mental Health Resources provided by CIGNA
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Spotlight Corner
Veterans Day Through a DEI Lens: Honoring Service, Building Community
As we observe Veterans Day (USA)/Remembrance Day (Canada) on November 11th, we are reminded of the profound impact military service has on individuals and communities and how organizations like Laerdal can foster belonging and purpose for those who have served This year, we reflect on Veterans’ Day through the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), guided by insights and reflections from veteran and fellow Laerdal team member, Matthew Kosemund.
The History and Meaning of Veterans Day
Veterans Day (USA)/Remembrance Day (Canada) originated as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. It became a legal holiday in 1938 (USA), and 1921 (Canada). The day was renamed Veterans Day in the USA in 1954 to honor all U.S. military veterans living and deceased who served honorably in any branch of the armed forces It is important to distinguish Veterans Day from Memorial Day (USA), which honors those who died in military service As Matthew shared, Memorial Day can be emotionally complex for veterans, often evoking feelings of guilt and grief. “Memorial Day should be about respecting and remembering the fallen,” he said. “Veterans Day is the time to thank those who served and many of us truly appreciate that support ”
Matthew Kosemund on Service, Purpose, and Laerdal
After leaving the military, Matthew sought a sense of purpose and community akin to what he experienced in service He found that at Laerdal “Laerdal’s mission of improving patient safety and healthcare equality resonated deeply,” he explained “It offers a way to continue serving others without the military’s focus on conflict ” He emphasized that Laerdal’s status and legacy of being family owned, and its humanitarian goals set it apart. “I believe Laerdal would prioritize human welfare over profit. That aligns with my values and makes me proud to be part of the organization ”
Lessons from Military Life
Matthew’s military experience shaped his understanding of DEI “The military exposed me to people of different races, cultures, and beliefs. We were united by shared goals,” he said. “That taught me the importance of moving beyond cliques and building genuine inclusion around a common mission ”
How You Can Support Veterans
Be patient: Do not press veterans to share if they are not ready Offer genuine connection: A simple check-in means more than probing questions
Celebrate service: Thank veterans for their contributions and honor their experiences
Build inclusive spaces: Create community around shared purposes, not just shared identity
Advocate: Veterans are part of every community, advocate for services and organizations that support veterans
Did you know that Indigenous people serve in the US Armed Forces at five times the national average, and have served with distinction in every major conflict for over 200 years? (NICOA, 2025)
Within that population, women comprise nearly 20% of all Indigenous service members, a figure higher than the overall female percentage in the US military (RUBICON, 2021)
In 2023, about 309% of all veterans had at least one disability The US Department of Labor's data for the September 2024–August 2025 period indicates that 57% of veterans in the labor force have a disability (USDL, 2025)
Photo by Piestewa Family/Getty Images A Few Facts About Veteran Populations
Education Corner
Dia de los Muertos: Honoring Life & Legacy
The Dia de los Muertos holiday is filled with beautiful symbols, traditions, and imagery Every detail represents something significant and special in the remembrance of loved ones
Originating in the Aztec Empire, the Day of the Dead was a celebration of Mictēcacihuātl, the Lady of the Dead, who protected the bones of past lives and symbolized renewal After Spanish colonization, the tradition merged with All Saints and All Souls Day, evolving into today’s Día de los Muertos The iconic La Catrina, created by artist José Guadalupe Posada, reminds us that death unites everyone a celebration of heritage, remembrance, and the enduring bond between the living and the dead. The University of KS
Standing Together for Safety & Support
October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month A time for our community to reflect, act, and support those impacted by intimatepartner and family violence Domestic Violence Prevention Office
This month’s theme “With Survivors, Always” reminds us that true inclusion means safety, respect, and solidarity for all, within and beyond our organization D
Resources: https://www.dvawareness.org/WithSurvivors? utm source=chatgpt.com
Cultural Picks
Recipe
Bring a Bit of Native America to Your Table! In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we would like to share a delicious recipe, ‘Three Sisters Soup’ made from three staple agricultural crops: corn, beans, and squash More info here
Podcast
NY Crime Victi Legal Help is an online resource that connects you with legal help on issues related to your housing, family, and more check out the podcasts they list regarding Domestic Violence Awareness
Movie
Coco paints a beautiful depiction on Mexican culture and Dia de los Muertos
Book
The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal - and offers new hope for reclaiming lives. An important read in honor of Mental Health Awareness Week
Image from Mountain Lake PBS
Committee Insights
As we close out the year, the DEI Committee wants to reaffirm that we are still here, active, and committed to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued and supported Your perspective helps shape our initiatives, events, and priorities, and we want to make sure our efforts continue to reflect what matters most to you
Please take a few minutes to complete the Year-End DEI Feedback Form. Your responses will guide our planning for 2026 and help us better understand what you’d like to see more of in the coming year
Thank you for your voice, your engagement, and your continued partnership in building an inclusive workplace for all. Let’s keep the momentum going!
https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/5GDM7YL
Multi-Cultural Calendar and Awareness
October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 1: Yom Kippur (Jewish holiday)
October 10: World Mental Health Day
October 11: National Coming Out Day (LGBTQ+)
October 13: Indigenous Peoples' Day (United States) and Thanksgiving (Canada)
October 16: Bosses' Day
October 20: Diwali (Hindu festival), Spirit Day (LGBTQ+ anti-bullying), and National Youth Confidence Day
October 21: Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh)
October 22: Birth of the Bab (Baha'i) and International Stuttering Awareness Day.
October 23: Birth of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i)
October 31: Halloween
November 11: Veterans Day
November 16: International Day for Tolerance
November 19: International Men’s Day
November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 28: Thanksgiving Day
November 29: Native American Heritage Day
December 1: World AIDS Day.
December 3: International Day of People with Disabilities
December 9: International Genocide Prevention Day
December 10: International Human Rights Day
December 14: Hanukkah.
December 18: International Migrants Day
December 25: Christmas
December 26: Kwanzaa.
Thank you for reading!
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee’s mission is to foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Laerdal Medical, acknowledging that our unique perspectives, individuality, and differences enhance our collective strength
Please continue to share your feedback with the DEI Committee through this anonymous form: Click Here
Native American Heritage Month
Kwanzaa