Statement from Aaron Kowalski, JDRF Chief Executive Officer:
“JDRF’s mission is and always has been to discover cures and improve the lives and health outcomes of people burdened with type 1 diabetes (T1D) — here, and around the globe.
Or, as I like to say, our goal is ‘people with T1D, doing better.’
We are enthusiastic about JDRF’s numerous contributions to advancements in research, advocacy and community engagement that today, empower people with T1D to ‘do better’ by living longer, healthier lives.
We also know all too well that T1D does not discriminate — it is a disease affecting all races and ethnicities. At the same time, we recognize that within the T1D community, inequities disproportionately affect the health and well-being of diverse populations.
As the largest nonprofit funder of T1D research, JDRF must strengthen its efforts to improve health outcomes for diverse populations burdened with diabetes. A recent report from the CDC shows a nearly 30% increase in T1D diagnoses in the United States, with youth cases growing most sharply among people of color.
JDRF strongly believes in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) as the cornerstones of our ‘People First’ culture. Organizations that prioritize DEIB create a more equitable culture for their communities, produce more innovative ideas, and enjoy optimal business outcomes.
We will not rest until there are cures, prevention therapies and treatments that are affordable and available to all members of the T1D community.”
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
JDRF is dedicated to improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across our organization — internally and externally.
In early 2020, we launched a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force
Recruitment for this task force, across national and chapter staff, was interrupted by staff furloughs in the wake of COVID-19, but committee leadership continues to drive this work. Among the critical topics the task force will address are ways to ensure:
- Our organizational staff and volunteer leadership are more diverse
- Our events and activities are welcoming to all communities
- Our public education reflects the reality that T1D is a disease affecting all races and ethnicities
- Our programs better serve those of diverse races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses
- All dimensions of diversity will have representation and a voice at JDRF
- We build ongoing programs to increase understanding and inclusion through education, affinity groups and celebrations
Members of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force
- Bala Balasubramanian– National Office, Chief Information Officer
- Erika Shorter– National Office, Human Resources
- Karen Abrahamson– National Office, Fundraising Programs
- Lily Anderson– Chapter, North Carolina
- Carmen Ashley– JDRF Global Mission Board
- Amanda Baldwin– Chapter, Minnesota & Dakotas
- Terri Barbee – National Office, Human Resources
- Cassandra Bazile– National Office, Research
- Lori Benning – National Office, Advocacy
- Krystal Dunlap– Chapter, Michigan and Northwestern Ohio
- Shannon Dutton – National Office, Community Engagement & Strategic Alliances
- Miles Hutchinson-Keane – National Office, Marketing and Communications
- Mikayla Llanos– Chapter, Mountain West
- Pedro Montenegro– National Office, Advocacy
- Elena Purdy– National Office, Advocacy
- Yadira Richards– National Office, Change Management
- Raquel Rivera– National Office, Data and Technology
- Laura Rosseisen– Regional Director (Region 3 Chapters)
- Heather Stombaugh– National Office, Leadership Giving
- Jaclyn Toll– Chapter, Mid Atlantic
- Karis Tsolomitis– National Office, Community Engagement & Strategic Alliances
Questions about JDRF’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force? Contact Ericka Shorter (eshorter@jdrf.org)
Our Commitment to Diversity in Research Funding
As an institution, JDRF seeks to promote gender equality and increase diversity, in all of its forms, throughout its programs. Studies have demonstrated that often subtle, unconscious, and implicit biases exist in academic science, which have the potential to negatively impact outcomes in review processes. To that end, please be aware of potential implicit biases when reviewing, scoring and discussing candidates and applications throughout the review process so that we can work together to combat their potential negative impact.
A Message to Our Community about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
JDRF is committed to addressing health disparities experienced by members of the T1D community.
Read about JDRF’s commitment to delivering tangible results for Black Americans living with T1D.