Becker’s Hospital Review has named Sanford Health’s Natasha Smith to the 2024 edition of its “Hospital and health system chief diversity, equity and inclusion officers to know” list. It is the second consecutive year Smith has been chosen for this recognition.
The list honors DEI leaders who are spearheading initiatives that cultivate safe, forward-thinking health care environments where all individuals feel embraced, appreciated and secure. Their efforts support diverse populations and advance health equity within their organizations and communities. The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list and curated it to highlight the great work of DEI officers from hospitals and health systems across the nation.
Smith serves as the head of diversity, equity and inclusion at Sanford Health. She is responsible for leading DEI strategy for the nation’s largest rural health care provider. Under her leadership, the DEI office has conducted over 100 inclusivity trainings at Sanford Health’s four major medical centers. Trainings focus on gender-affirming care, culturally relevant care, unconscious bias, microaggressions, empathy-building and psychological safety.
During Smith’s tenure, she has created a new DEI site with resources for employees and leaders, coordinated an annual DEI celebration throughout Sanford, and expanded benefits for same-sex marriages and domestic partnerships across the Sanford footprint.
“We have a diverse group of employees throughout Sanford Health, and Natasha has been instrumental in creating a culture where every member of the Sanford Family feels welcome and valued,” said Ashley Wenger-Slaba, senior vice president of employee experience, education and workforce relations at Sanford Health. “Through trainings and education along with making DEI resources available for employees, she has inspired individuals across various departments and regions of the organization to collaborate in making Sanford Health a better place to work.”
Read the full list of individual profiles of all officers.
Learn more
- LGBTQ+ patients can find high-quality care at Sanford Health
- Sanford works to provide culturally competent care for all
- Sanford leaders share strategies at rural health conference
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Posted In Awards & Recognition, Community, Company News, Here for all. Here for good., Inclusion at Sanford, Leadership in Health Care, News, People & Culture
