Second Equity in Caregiving Convening - March 28, 2024

Following the success of our first community convening, we had the honor of hosting the second Equity in Caregiving Convening on March 28th at UMass Chan Medical School. This event provides a platform for clinicians, caregivers, and community members to speak about their experiences and engage in insightful dialogue. This Equity in Caregiving convening is funded by a grant through the National Institute of Nursing Research. 

Introduction by Dr. Jennifer Tjia 
Empowering Message by Dr. Brian Gibbs

The convening was inaugurated by Dr. Jennifer Tjia, co-Principal Investigator on the Equity in Caregiving Project, where she recounted a personal caregiving anecdote, which served as the inspiration for launching this initiative.Following Dr. Tjia’s poignant introduction, Dr. Brian Gibbs, Vice-President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at UMass Memorial Health, led a compelling session of affirmations and shared his own caregiving experience with a loved one. After his moving address, Dr. Gibbs welcomed the combined caregiver and clinician panel, comprising of Ms. Shawna Curran (family caregiver), Ms. Mari Gonzalez (family caregiver), Ms. Nancy McCool (Palliative Care Social Worker), and Dr. Jeeva Subramanian (Primary Care Doctor).

Valerie Zolezzi-Wyndham moderating the Clinician and Caregiver panel

Attendees listening to Dr. Gibb’s powerful message
Amanda Shea, from the Office of Patient Advocacy, sharing a comment during the Q&A session 
Nancy McCool speaking about her experience with caregivers

Listening to the heartfelt stories from both caregivers and clinicians was truly inspiring! We thank Ms. Curran, Ms. Gonzalez, Ms. McCool, and Dr. Jeeva for their courage in sharing these impactful caregiving stories. After the Q&A sessions with caregivers and clinicians,  Dr. Susan Desanto-Madeya, co-Principal Investigator, proceeded to close the event with a note of appreciation for attending and engaging in a rich and meaningful dialogue.  Dr. Desanto-Madeya encouraged attendees to share their stories through our initiative.

Dr. Jennifer Reidy (left) and Benetta Kuffour (right) conversing during the networking hour  
Dr. Desanto-Madeya (left) and Robert Layne (right) speaking during the networking hour

We extend our thanks to everyone who attended our convening as we eagerly look forward to the next one. We would like to thank Marybeth McCaffery, Valerie Zolezzi-Wyndham, and Lisa McDowell for being an instrumental part of planning this event. After the convening, attendees had opportunities to network and continue the dialogue about their caregiver experiences.

Dr. Brian Gibbs (left) and Ms. Emmanuella Asiedu (right) during the networking hour 
Mari Gonalez (second to left), Shawna Curran (first to the left), Dr. Jennifer Tjia (first to the right), Valerie Zolezzi-Wyndham (second to the right) 
The research team with Sruthi Tanikella (third to the left), Francesca Troiani (second to the left), Dr. Desanto-Madeya (first to the left), Edgard Granillo (first to the right), Vennesa Duodu (second to the right), Dr. Jennifer Tjia (third to the right) 
Dr. Desanto-Madeya presenting a vote of thanks