Tired of attending yet another presentation? We’re flipping the script. No slide decks. Nothing to prepare. Let’s have an honest conversation. Join Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s director of JEDI-B, Raffy Luquis, in partnership with the Community Health Equity & Engagement in Research (CHEER) team, to offer you “Amplifying Lion Voices,” a quarterly seminar series to amplify underrepresented voices in health research and across the Penn State community by highlighting areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging that make us stronger and better together. 

There are many unique characteristics that fall under the larger umbrella of diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, age, religion, nationality, disabilities, military/veteran status, economic background and other identities. Diversity fosters innovation in research, knowledge production and classroom learning; greater creativity in decision-making; and better preparation of students for work and citizenship in an increasingly global society. Amplifying Lion Voices was launched in 2023 to encourage a culture that celebrates the unique attributes and cultural underpinnings that support successful careers and collaborations across Penn State.

“A critical goal of the ALV series is to promote dialogue and encourage innovative collaboration across diverse researchers, faculty, staff, and students," Luquis said. "By amplifying diverse perspectives, we can foster belonging and an inclusive environment across Penn State.”

The CHEER team said they are thrilled to partner on the Amplifying Lion Voices series.

“We see this as a natural extension of our foundational goal to create a culture that embraces inclusivity," said Jennifer Poger, director of CHEER. "Giving our underrepresented minority faculty and staff a platform to elevate their voices and speak intimately about the synergistic collide of their personal and professional backgrounds sparks collaboration, innovation and belonging.”

Last quarter, ALV featured Sophia Allen, assistant professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine, and recipient of several National Institutes of Health awards. Allen’s teaching and educational interests include formal lecturing, research training, and mentoring master-level and doctoral-level students in health disparities research. As the daughter of parents born in another country (Barbados, West Indies), she was raised to value education and place it in high regard as it was the key component to a successful career in science. Watch this inaugural session here.

Join us as we amplify Alexis Santos, assistant professor of human development and family studies, and demography at Penn State College of Health and Human Development on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 12-1 p.m.

Registration is available here.