Get To Know: Renee Hardman, MBA, SPHR | Broadlawns Celebrates Black History Month Awards and Recognitions February 24, 2023 This Black History Month, Broadlawns is celebrating by highlighting a few of the many amazing Black individuals who make an impact every day at our hospital. Renee Hardman, MBA, SPHR Job Title Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer & Vice President of Human Resources Tell us about what you do in a typical day. My role is to help enhance a culture where Broadlawns can attract and retain the best healthcare professionals. This includes a dual role of ensuring our culture is one where employees and patients are welcome and affirmed regardless of their ethnicity, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, race, age, culture, religious beliefs, disability, veteran status and socio-economic background. How long have you worked at Broadlawns? Eight (8) months. What attracted you to a career in healthcare? Healthcare is likely one of the most impactful industries you can be in. Being a part of dismantling the social determinants of health is both exciting and relevant. What do you like about working at Broadlawns? I love the family-oriented, patient-centered culture. Name a Black American you admire and think people should learn more about. One Black American I admire is U.S. Representative John Lewis. He dedicated his life to advancing the cause of freedom and equality in America. We are where we are because of his courage, strength and perseverance in the fight for civil rights. It is written that his last words were “Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.” - May 3, 2021. What does it mean to be an inclusive healthcare provider? To be an inclusive healthcare provider is meeting people where they are at – not being judgmental and breakdown the barriers to allow for health, justice and equality. What ways do you challenge/invite others to honor Black history, this month and beyond? I encourage folks to attend various Black History month activities, get out of your comfort zone and get to know people that are members of this community.