INCLUSION

ISN’T JUST A

GOAL; IT’S A

JOURNEY.

AND ACHE OF

SOUTH

FLORIDA IS

LEADING BY

EXAMPLE

BUILDING A

CULTURE OF

INCLUSION

How ACHE of South Florida Leads by Example

by Sandra Tadros

At ACHE of South Florida, a chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives,

diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a core value that shapes everything the chapter does. From

board representation to community outreach, the chapter is committed to fostering an

environment where diversity is celebrated, equity is promoted, and every member feels a true

sense of belonging.

Here’s a look at how ACHE of South Florida is making a difference, including key takeaways for

leaders looking to enhance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) in their own

organizations.

1. Diverse Leadership, Stronger Chapter

ACHE of South Florida’s board is a mosaic of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and genders.

This diversity at the leadership level isn’t just symbolic—it actively influences the chapter’s

strategies and initiatives, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives are considered in decision-

making.

Key Takeaway: Diversity in leadership fosters stronger, more inclusive decision-making. Consider

how your organization’s leadership reflects the diversity of the community you serve.

better decisions

with diversity

87%

Source: Larson, E. (2022, October 12). New research: Diversity + inclusion = Better Decision Making at work. Forbes.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/eriklarson/2017/09/21/new-research-diversity-inclusion-better-decision-making-at-

work/#:~:text=To%20topline%20it%2C%20our%20research,making%20and%20better%20business%20performance%3

A&text=%E2%80%A2-,Inclusive%20teams%20make%20better%20business,to%2087%25%20of%20the%20time.&text=

Teams%20that%20follow%20an%20inclusive,with%201%2F2%20the%20meetings.

4. Broadening the Membership Base

2. Intentional Event Planning

3. Engaging All Career Levels

The chapter’s commitment to DEI&B extends to its educational programming. ACHE of South

Florida deliberately chooses topics that address diversity and inclusion in healthcare. Events like

“Inclusive Leadership in Healthcare” and “The Needs of Today’s Healthcare Consumer” aren’t just

educational—they’re opportunities to highlight the importance of diverse perspectives in

addressing today’s healthcare challenges.

Key Takeaway: Integrate DEI&B into your event planning by selecting topics that resonate with

diverse audiences and ensuring your speakers reflect the diversity of your community.

Recognizing that nearly 30% of its members hold director-level positions, ACHE of South Florida

introduced a roundtable event specifically for these professionals. This initiative not only addressed

their unique challenges but also underscored the chapter’s commitment to inclusivity across all

career stages.

Key Takeaway: Inclusivity isn’t just about race or gender—it’s also about recognizing and

addressing the needs of different career levels within your organization.

ACHE of South Florida has successfully expanded its reach beyond traditional hospital settings,

engaging healthcare leaders across the entire care continuum. This focus has significantly

diversified the chapter’s membership, with industry professionals now making up over 13% of the

chapter—more than double the national average.

Key Takeaway: To build a truly inclusive organization, look beyond traditional membership pools

and engage professionals from a variety of sectors and backgrounds.

Healthcare Finance Information

Technology Consumer

Staples

Collaboration is key to ACHE of South Florida’s DEI&B success. The chapter partners

with local chapters of organizations like the National Association of Health Services

Executives (N.A.H.S.E.) and the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives

(NALHE) to amplify its DEI&B efforts and engage with a broader community.

Key Takeaway: Partnerships with like-minded organizations can enhance your DEI&B

initiatives and extend your reach into the community.

Final Thoughts: A Model for Others to Follow ACHE of South Florida’s approach to DEI&B

offers valuable lessons for other chapters and organizations. By prioritizing diversity in

leadership, being intentional with program/event planning, and broadening their membership

base, they’ve created a vibrant, inclusive community that serves as a model for others.

Whether you’re part of a professional association or leading a team in your organization,

these strategies can help you build a more inclusive culture—one where everyone feels valued

and empowered to contribute.

Sandra Tadros is the DEI Chair for ACHE of

South Florida and the Senior Administrative Officer at

the Desai Sethi Urology Institute and Executive Health at

the University of Miami Health System. In her latest

article, she explores strategies for building a culture of

inclusion. Her insights are informed by her extensive

experience in healthcare administration and dedication to

advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within

professional environments.

5. Celebrating Cultural Milestones

6. Collaborative Community Engagement

From Black History Month to International Women’s Month, ACHE of South Florida uses its platform

to celebrate the rich diversity of its members and the community. These celebrations are more than just

posts—they’re a way to acknowledge and honor the varied experiences that make the chapter stronger.

Key Takeaway: Recognizing and celebrating cultural milestones can help create a sense of belonging

among your members, strengthening their connection to your organization.