On September 12th, 2023, The Office of Belonging Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (OBEDI) hosted a MEDSTEP (Mentoring and Educating Diverse Students to Excel as Physicians) Empowerment Lunch to discuss the topic of Belonging. Over thirty students attended this event designed for first-year medical students. Over lunch, Dr. Tracey Guthrie, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Physiatrist delivered an effective presentation on the topic of Belonging and engaged the students in dialogue around how systems, connections, and self reflection all play a role in a sense of belonging. Empowerment Lunches are designed to encourage fellowship, to support students' growth, and development together, so they can thrive at Brown! Future topics will include learning how to navigate the academic environment, financial wellness and coping with failure.

The Brown Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Faculty Association (JEDI FA) set sail on September 17th, 2023 as part of a "Let's get outside" series.  The Center for Workforce Recruitment and Retention launched the series to encourage members of the JEDI FA to get outside of the day to day and continue to expand and explore places where those who have had a history of marginalization have not always been given access or told they do not belong. Whether that is access to an executive coach, our own happiness/joy, or sailing on the Narragansett bay. The OBEDI JEDI FA intends to do it.

Dr. Carla Moreira, one of the lovely Brown Minority Housestaff Association (BMHA) advisors and Brown Vascular Surgeon, hosted a welcome party on Saturday August 5th to celebrate the start of the new academic year. Residents and fellows of color attended from a variety of programs including surgery, ob/gyn, pediatrics, psychiatry, and dermatology. It was a great opportunity to meet outside, expand the community, and eat delicious food from La Gran Parada. Please email bmha@listserv.brown.edu if you would like to hear about future events including our next homecoming event in the fall!