Two scientists do lab work together.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

At Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are committed to open and equal cancer care for all people, as well as to building and sustaining an environment in which physicians, faculty, staff, and trainees understand and embrace:

  • Diversity – individual differences based on national origin, language, race, color, disability, gender identity, age, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, sexual expression, education, veteran status and family structures
  • Equity – equal access to opportunities
  • Inclusiveness – fostering a sense of belonging and respect

Embracing these core values in creating a diverse workforce, training a new generation of cancer scientists and physicians, delivering clinical care and promoting the priorities of underrepresented groups is crucial to eliminating inequities in population health.

Our workforce engages in innovative research and continually works to optimize the efficacy and affordability of cancer care delivery for each member of the communities we serve. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiative demonstrates our commitment to this goal. DEI informs all aspects of our clinical care delivery, community outreach and engagement programs, research, education and training and more.

Montefiore and Einstein has a deep history of championing DEI issues. Through this foundation, we work continuously to develop and foster DEI. Under the guidance of DEI leadership and through our DEI committee and community liaisons, we continually monitor and evaluate our progress. Our overarching goal is to ensure that everyone who works at or interacts with our Cancer Center feels valued.

 

Diversity at our Cancer Center

We are proud to employ people from a variety of racial/ethnic, sexual orientation, gender expression, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds.

Read about the diversity of our current staff, researchers and faculty.

Teacher training students in lab work.
Teacher training a student.

Research & Education

The New York region and our local communities are home to some of the most ethnically diverse populations in the country. There are unique opportunities within New York and our catchment area to reach and serve diverse patient populations. We are also studying how to understand various social determinants of health present in the communities we serve that affect access to care.

Our DEI initiatives in areas of research and education include:

  • A quarterly roundtable on DEI and health equity
  • DEI as it relates to clinical trials
  • Research opportunities around and including DEI
  • Leadership and mentoring opportunities across the Cancer Center
  • Professional development, training, and mentorship opportunities for underrepresented groups in the Cancer Center Workforce 

DEI Leadership

Leadership for DEI at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center sets a tone and intention that reinforces our organization’s mission of DEI and is powerfully felt at every level of our cancer enterprise.

Maria Soledad Sosa, PhD

DEI Associate Director

 

Maria Soledad Sosa, PhD
 

Appointed Associate Director for DEI, Dr. Soledad Sosa directs initiatives to enhance diversity, equity and inclusivity throughout the Cancer Center. She works closely with members of the DEI Committee and leadership in such areas as Community Outreach and Engagement, Cancer Research Training and Education, Cancer Epidemiology, Prevention & Control Program, and Clinical Affairs. Collaboration occurs with Montefiore’s Human Resources DEI Division, the Office of Community and Population Health, and Einstein’s Office of the Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Soledad Sosa also works in multiple ways to encourage and increase participation among people from underrepresented groups throughout the Cancer Center.

Edward Chu, MD, MMS

Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center Director

 

Edward Chu, MD, MMS
 


Since becoming director of the Cancer Center in 2020, Dr. Chu has made significant changes to who is at the helm, including the formation of the most diverse senior leadership group since we received National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation in 1972.

Montefiore Einstein Community Cancer Screening 2022

DEI principles inform and shape all aspects of our Cancer Center, including critical outreach and support programs for our neighbors in one of the nation’s most vibrant and diverse communities—the Bronx.

Two medical doctors working on a centrifugal machine

DEI Committee & Community Liaisons

Meet the people who play such a crucial role in ensuring that our DEI goals are shared and applied throughout Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center–and are woven into the fabric of care we provide to our Bronx community.

Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center Women's Task Force

Women’s Initiative Network

The Women’s Initiative Network works alongside DEI Leadership to promote gender equality in recruitment, retention, and career development at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, and to eliminate bias across all aspects of the working environment.

Patient using her Laptop device.

Contact Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center

Connect with a member of our Cancer Center team.