The Emory University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences values an inclusive environment dedicated to promoting a culture offering brave spaces in which faculty, staff and learners are provided the opportunity to connect, network, support and raise awareness based on shared identity (e.g. race, heritage, ethnicity). These affinity groups are formed to reduce isolation and increase respect for differing reference points. They are vital for creating an inclusive and supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences. These groups serve as a platform for individuals from various backgrounds to discuss and address the unique challenges and biases they encounter, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. By promoting open dialogue and education on cultural competence, these affinity groups enhance the ability of all members to provide equitable and effective mental health care. Additionally, they play a key role in shaping curricula and research priorities to better reflect and address the needs of diverse populations. The presence of such groups enriches the learning experience, encourages mentorship and supports the recruitment and retention of diverse talent, ultimately contributing to a more just and comprehensive approach to mental health care.
For general questions about departmental affinity groups or to start a new affinity group, please contact Erica Marshall-Lee.
The following groups are available. You can get involved by contacting the individuals listed below.
Faculty
Women of Color Psychology Faculty Collective | Chanda Cottingham Graves
The Women of Color Psychology Faculty Collective (WOCPFE) is a group of psychologists at Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences formed with the intention of providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration, support, advocacy and solidarity for Women of Color (WOC) interests in academia. This collaborative advocates for the advancement of WOC through mentoring, community engagement, project collaboration, training, professional development and financial intelligence. As a collective, we work toward equity, inclusion and empowerment of WOC in academia by supporting and advocating for each other and those in our community. We are committed to educating the public, fighting prejudice and stigma and lifting the voices of WOC.
Our Vision within this Collective is:
- To fellowship in Sisterhood
- To create a network that embraces the value of Ubuntu (I am because you are): to share resources and opportunities
- To provide a safe community to live out mission and values
- To celebrate, support and solidify the place of WOC in academia
- To foster relationships and growth of WOC from high school to early career
- To support WOC defined more broadly and specifically across the country
- To increase leadership, promotion, retention and mentorship of WOC in academia
- Provide a supportive space to talk about issues that impact WOC in academia
- To provide a space that embraces diverse cultural perspectives and explore how that informs our work as women and POC
- Create opportunities for women of color and to create a pipeline of mentors and females beginning their careers in academia
- To identify and reduce barriers for WOC in academia
- To reduce disparities and gaps for WOC in academia (e.g. leadership, promotion, compensation, funding)
Learners
- Men In Psych | Donovan Ellis and Nick Thompson
- BIPOC | Justin Williams and DeJuan White
- AAPI | Milena Armani
- Latinx | Alexandra Perez