06/19/2025
Every Day, Not Just Juneteenth: Building a Culture of Continuous Equity
By Lillana Chavez, MOT, OTR
Featuring insights from Timothy Wilson, MA, ACHE of North Texas Board of Directors, Senior Healthcare Executive
In a powerful and deeply personal conversation, a healthcare leader shared profound insights about Juneteenth, leadership, and the critical importance of true inclusion in healthcare. His message is not just a reflection on history, but a bold call to action for emerging leaders and healthcare organizations.
Juneteenth: More Than a Moment of Remembrance
For this leader, Juneteenth is a sacred time of reflection and purpose. It's about honoring the incredible resilience of ancestors who endured unimaginable hardships while maintaining their humanity, joy, and faith. "They toiled, but kept their humanity in the wake of devastation," he explains. This day is a reminder that freedom, though delayed, ultimately prevails.
Transforming Healthcare: From Symbolism to Strategy
When it comes to truly honoring Juneteenth, the message is clear: healthcare leaders must move beyond symbolic gestures. Equity cannot be confined to employee resource groups or social media posts. Instead, it must be deeply embedded in: Quality metrics, Hiring decisions, Supplier diversity, and Leadership representation.
"Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not bad words," he emphasizes. "They are incredible because that's what you want in any organization."
A Powerful Moment of Cultural Awareness
Sharing a pivotal moment in his career, he recounted challenging a marketing booklet that perpetuated harmful stereotypes. By speaking up and demanding intentional representation, he demonstrated that leadership is about creating spaces where diverse voices are not just heard but valued.
What True Inclusion Really Looks Like
True inclusion goes beyond representation. It means:
- Clinical trials that reflect the full population
- Care plans that honor cultural context
- Leadership teams that mirror the communities they serve
- Policies that dismantle existing inequities
"Inclusion means excellence is possible without assimilation," he passionately states. "It's belonging with power." (*mic drop)
A Message to Emerging Leaders
To those just beginning their healthcare leadership journey, his message is both emotional and empowering:
"You are walking through doors that others had to break open. You carry the dreams of those never given a seat at the table. Don't shrink. Don't wait for permission. Lead with integrity and authenticity."
Closing with a powerful Maya Angelou quote, "I come as one, but I stand as 10,000," he reminds emerging leaders that they represent something much larger than themselves.
Inspiration for the Future
This conversation is a testament to the power of authentic leadership, cultural awareness, and the ongoing work of creating truly inclusive healthcare spaces. It challenges us to look beyond surface-level diversity and commit to meaningful, systemic change.
As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us be inspired to continue breaking barriers, amplifying marginalized voices, and creating environments where everyone can bring their full, authentic selves to work.
