Medical College of Wisconsin
Medical College of Wisconsin Medical College of Wisconsin
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Office of Diversity and Inclusion

President's Inclusive Excellence Award

Office of Diversity and Inclusion announces 2023 President’s Inclusive Excellence Award recipients The purpose of the President’s Inclusive Excellence Award (PIEA) is to honor members of the MCW community who are making positive strides in advancing the health of MCW, our people, and the community we serve. Please see the President’s Community Engagement Award to honor accomplishments in community-engaged/ participatory research.  

 These recipients have excelled in the following areas: 

Significance: 

Each awardee has demonstrated the positive impact of fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion within MCW. Their leadership aligns with MCW's Excellence through Inclusion Strategy, making a difference in various aspects of our institution.

Innovation: 

The awardees have tackled complex challenges with innovative approaches, contributing to the operational excellence of MCW and addressing the diverse needs of our community.

Influence: 

These awardees have built enduring relationships and collaborations that have led to mutually beneficial actions and impactful outcomes through engagement with diverse stakeholders.

2023 President's Inclusive Excellence Award Recipients

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at MCW is delighted to announce the 2023 President’s Inclusive Excellence Award recipients. In 2023, MCW recognized three remarkable individuals and one student group who have exemplified the essence of inclusive leadership and profoundly impacted MCW and our broader community. Nominations for the 2024 President’s Inclusive Excellence Awards are being accepted internally and will be announced in the fall of 2024.

Saturday Clinic for Uninsured

The Saturday Clinic for Uninsured, spearheaded by Dr. Staci Young and Dr. Rebecca Lundh, has been a beacon of hope for the underserved in our community. This student-led initiative has shown unparalleled dedication to improving access to health care for the uninsured. By offering essential medical services, this group has made a substantial impact on the health and well-being of the community we serve.

Dr. Suma Thareja, Trainee

Dr. Suma Thareja's commitment to inclusive leadership and her innovative approach to addressing complex challenges in health care are truly commendable. Her contributions as a trainee not only have pushed the boundaries of traditional thinking but also have demonstrated her dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within MCW.

Ms. Abigail Goelzer, Staff

Ms. Abigail Goelzer embodies the values of inclusivity, people-first leadership and operational excellence in her role as a staff member. Her consistent efforts to support a thriving MCW community, especially in the areas of compliance and strategic partnerships, have had a profound impact on our institution's success.

Dr. Joni Williams, Faculty

Dr. Joni Williams has proven to be an exemplary faculty member who consistently goes above and beyond to advance MCW's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Her contributions across mission areas, including education, research and community engagement, have left an indelible mark on our institution.

2023 Recipient Testimonials

"It is truly an honor to be a recipient of the President's Inclusive Excellence Award. The Saturday Clinic for the Uninsured is committed to providing quality health care for those in need in our community. The faculty, student and clinical volunteers value each patient we serve, and it is a privilege to have worked with the clinic for many years." 

The Saturday Clinic for Uninsured

"Receiving the President’s Inclusive Excellence Award is both an honor and a reminder of the continuous work ahead. Our endeavors, from community-based participatory research to 'My Life, My Story,' are just the beginning of a journey towards a more inclusive health care landscape. This recognition fuels my passion to further innovate, collaborate, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.” 

Dr. Suma Thareja

“I am so excited to be a recipient of the PIEA award this year. It has truly been the honor of my education career to work in the Department of Radiology and to be in a place that sees value in the work of making health care a place where everyone feels they belong. The inclusion work I’ve done in my department this year has brought a great deal of meaning and joy to my life at MCW, and I’m so thrilled and grateful to be recognized with this award.” 

Ms. Abigail Goelzer, Staff

“I am honored to be a recipient of the 2023 President’s Inclusive Excellence Award! It is incredibly gratifying to be nominated and recognized for such a prestigious achievement! I am grateful! Thank you!” 

Dr. Joni Williams, Faculty

Past PIEA Recipients

all
2022
Dr. Leonard Egede, Professor of Medicine; Inaugural Milwaukee Community Chair in Health Equity Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin; Chief, Division of General Internal Medicine; Director, Center for Advancing Population Science (CAPS)
2021
  • Charlie Ann Rykwalder, MBA, Associate Department Administrator, Department of Pediatrics
  • Toni Gray, Program Manager, American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy
  • Alverno Devine, DDiv, Talent Planning and Development Consultant, Department of Human Resources
  • British Fields, MLS, M3 Student
  • Bill Wong, M4 student
2020
  • Reggie Moore, Injury and Violence Prevention Director, City of Milwaukee
  • Anne R. Quimby Mathias (posthumous), Director of Communications and Community Engagement, MCW Cancer Center
  • Terri deRoon-Cassini, PhD, MS, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care
  • Kristina Kaljo, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Research and Advanced Education
  • David J. Milia, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care
  • Melinda Stolley, PhD, Center Associate Director, Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology
2019
  • Linda Howard, MD Candidate, Class of 2020, Milwaukee Campus
  • Crystal Jushka, Undergraduate Outreach Coordinator, Office of Student Affairs and Diversity
  • Adrienne German, High School Outreach Coordinator, Office of Student Affairs and Diversity

Contact Us

Questions? Submit questions regarding the President’s Inclusive Excellence Award to: 

Office of Diversity and Inclusion

diversityinclusion@mcw.edu
(414) 955-8085