Baker and Hodges recognized for inclusivity and equity efforts with Carolina Nursing HOPE Award

Congratulations to the UNC School of Nursing 2021 HOPE (Helping Other People Excel) award winners, faculty member Dr. Eric Hodges and Darlene Baker, Assistant Director of EISLE. The HOPE Award is given to faculty or staff in recognition of cultural sensitivity, demonstrating and creating a safe environment for individual expression and encouraging thoughtful consideration of diversity issues. Both recipients have worked diligently to foster an inclusive and diverse environment for all.

Dr. Hodges nominators stated that he “has actively worked to broaden our lenses in understanding our systemic racism and implicit bias. Eric has led many of our courageous dialogues and has created a safe space for us to dive into difficult issues.”

Ms. Baker’s work to help others excel is based on her work with students. Her nominator states that “she promotes inclusiveness through her interactions with students. Darlene is committed to fairness across all students and is sensitive to assuring we have diversity of skin tones in manikins.”

Dr. Hodges and Ms. Baker are champions for diversity and inclusion in different ways but their efforts represent the philosophy of the Office of Inclusive Excellence in that all members of the SON have a part to play in creating a diverse, safe, welcoming environment.