In this ongoing series, Emory Radiology team members reflect on and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion while also identifying opportunities for improvement. To learn more about This Is Us, or to submit your own story, visit https://med.emory.edu/departments/radiology/diversity/this-is-us/index.html.
^Member of the Emory Radiology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
^Member of the Emory Radiology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Nadia Vance
Senior Graphic Designer
I am happily married to another immigrant: my husband is from Venezuela. With both of us being immigrants, we can understand each other’s daily challenges, life priorities, and ways of living in the US really well. We prioritize different aspects of our heritages through languages, music, books, food, holidays, traveling, and, of course, through surrounding ourselves with various kinds of people. We are raising our daughter trilingual and with the understanding that the world is her home, not one particular country.
For me, being an immigrant means belonging to several cultures at the same time but not belonging to any particular one fully. This concept is hard to comprehend at first, as many immigrants try really hard to assimilate into the culture of their new home country. I did too. But as the years passed, I started seeing that I still do not fully blend into the US, and no longer belong to Russia either. Since then, my place is in-between, in the middle. Dual citizenship, dual thinking, friends from all over the world. It’s a challenging but exciting life.
I’ve trained myself to not pay attention to questions with unintentional microaggression, but sometimes it still hurts hearing, “Well, I’m sure you’re so happy you’re here and not in Russia!” I’d love for people to know: not all immigrants escape from their home countries, or dislike them, or want to hear how lucky they are they got out. A lot actually go back and visit often, love their motherland friends and families, really enjoy cultural aspects of life there. Every person is unique and their situation is unique.
Working at Emory Radiology, I see layers of diverse people among our faculty and staff. Many are like me, immigrants from all over the world; others are first or second generation of immigrants. So many stories, so many destinies and life paths. When I see true diversity around me, it makes me feel accepted and allows me to be myself, and this means everything! When one doesn’t have to waste the energy on assimilating and thinking of how others see them, they can be their best selves – productive, true, and creative.
Sometimes I fear being labeled or identified as Russian because there are so many stereotypes created by media: instead of me, Nadia, people may instantly and sometimes subconsciously see an illegal immigrant / mail order bride / Russian mafia member / Russian hacker / communist or escapee from communism/ Putin supporter or hater/ lover of vodka (the list can go on and on). All those preconcepts almost always result in microaggression towards me and definitely interfere with my further communication/interaction with those people.
I care about diversity, equity and inclusion because I believe that everyone has a right to be whoever they are or want to be without fear, need of explanation, or threat of non-acceptance. The world is a big place and it should be friendly to all of us, and it's up to every single human being to make it possible.
Senior Graphic Designer
I am happily married to another immigrant: my husband is from Venezuela. With both of us being immigrants, we can understand each other’s daily challenges, life priorities, and ways of living in the US really well. We prioritize different aspects of our heritages through languages, music, books, food, holidays, traveling, and, of course, through surrounding ourselves with various kinds of people. We are raising our daughter trilingual and with the understanding that the world is her home, not one particular country.
For me, being an immigrant means belonging to several cultures at the same time but not belonging to any particular one fully. This concept is hard to comprehend at first, as many immigrants try really hard to assimilate into the culture of their new home country. I did too. But as the years passed, I started seeing that I still do not fully blend into the US, and no longer belong to Russia either. Since then, my place is in-between, in the middle. Dual citizenship, dual thinking, friends from all over the world. It’s a challenging but exciting life.
I’ve trained myself to not pay attention to questions with unintentional microaggression, but sometimes it still hurts hearing, “Well, I’m sure you’re so happy you’re here and not in Russia!” I’d love for people to know: not all immigrants escape from their home countries, or dislike them, or want to hear how lucky they are they got out. A lot actually go back and visit often, love their motherland friends and families, really enjoy cultural aspects of life there. Every person is unique and their situation is unique.
Working at Emory Radiology, I see layers of diverse people among our faculty and staff. Many are like me, immigrants from all over the world; others are first or second generation of immigrants. So many stories, so many destinies and life paths. When I see true diversity around me, it makes me feel accepted and allows me to be myself, and this means everything! When one doesn’t have to waste the energy on assimilating and thinking of how others see them, they can be their best selves – productive, true, and creative.
Sometimes I fear being labeled or identified as Russian because there are so many stereotypes created by media: instead of me, Nadia, people may instantly and sometimes subconsciously see an illegal immigrant / mail order bride / Russian mafia member / Russian hacker / communist or escapee from communism/ Putin supporter or hater/ lover of vodka (the list can go on and on). All those preconcepts almost always result in microaggression towards me and definitely interfere with my further communication/interaction with those people.
I care about diversity, equity and inclusion because I believe that everyone has a right to be whoever they are or want to be without fear, need of explanation, or threat of non-acceptance. The world is a big place and it should be friendly to all of us, and it's up to every single human being to make it possible.
Krystal Archer-Arroyo^
Assistant Professor, Emergency and Trauma Imaging
I actively promote awareness and appreciation for my African American heritage because a lot of people don't believe Black people can be educated and/or professionals.
I appreciate Emory Radiology when it comes to DEI because the administration consciously works to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating a DEI committee and a vice chair to assess and implement change to create a positive and supportive work environment.
Sometimes I fear being labeled "Angry Black Woman" because of my energetic response to anything from open discussion to problem-solving.
Assistant Professor, Emergency and Trauma Imaging
I actively promote awareness and appreciation for my African American heritage because a lot of people don't believe Black people can be educated and/or professionals.
I appreciate Emory Radiology when it comes to DEI because the administration consciously works to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating a DEI committee and a vice chair to assess and implement change to create a positive and supportive work environment.
Sometimes I fear being labeled "Angry Black Woman" because of my energetic response to anything from open discussion to problem-solving.
Bill Small^
Professor, Abdominal Imaging
I am proud to be a learner because my experiences are very narrow as a consequence of being a product of an older generation. I am an adult with a privileged experience: I don't need any special preference because I already am white and male. That's what needs to change.
I have spent much of my adult working life at Emory/Emory Radiology and I value our culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a part of our working environment -- both with each other and with our patients. Everyone deserves an equal place and an equal chance to succeed and feel valued.
Professor, Abdominal Imaging
I am proud to be a learner because my experiences are very narrow as a consequence of being a product of an older generation. I am an adult with a privileged experience: I don't need any special preference because I already am white and male. That's what needs to change.
I have spent much of my adult working life at Emory/Emory Radiology and I value our culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a part of our working environment -- both with each other and with our patients. Everyone deserves an equal place and an equal chance to succeed and feel valued.
Janice Newsome^
Associate Professor and Director, DIvision of Interventional Radiology
I am proud of being a person of color, Black, a woman, because I inherited and embody the strength, toughness, boldness, and intestinal fortitude of generations of slaves who survived and paid the way forward for me to enjoy all that I now have. I hope to never, ever forget. I actively promote women in the field of IR, which is so male-dominated. I choose to embrace all aspects of my feminity and resist conforming to the dress code and masculine styles seen at professional meetings. I LOVE wearing bright colors, dresses instead of pantsuits, lipstick and heels. I want equity for the patients we have a responsibility to care for.
I appreciate Emory Radiology when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion because of its bravery to be one of the first to identify the problem with diversity and the leadership engaged in solutions for inclusion. The future of medicine in general and the specialty of IR depend on DEI. Our children deserve them; they must find the world a little better off because we cared and dared enough to change it!
Associate Professor and Director, DIvision of Interventional Radiology
I am proud of being a person of color, Black, a woman, because I inherited and embody the strength, toughness, boldness, and intestinal fortitude of generations of slaves who survived and paid the way forward for me to enjoy all that I now have. I hope to never, ever forget. I actively promote women in the field of IR, which is so male-dominated. I choose to embrace all aspects of my feminity and resist conforming to the dress code and masculine styles seen at professional meetings. I LOVE wearing bright colors, dresses instead of pantsuits, lipstick and heels. I want equity for the patients we have a responsibility to care for.
I appreciate Emory Radiology when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion because of its bravery to be one of the first to identify the problem with diversity and the leadership engaged in solutions for inclusion. The future of medicine in general and the specialty of IR depend on DEI. Our children deserve them; they must find the world a little better off because we cared and dared enough to change it!
Elizabeth Krupinski^
Professor and and Vice Chair of Research
I am many things & the whole is greater than the sum of the parts: female, over-60 Baby Boomer, Polish, middle child, non-practicing mixed-religion marriage, immigrant grandparents, military brat, short, tomboy, nerd. All of these aspects of my identity have taught me a lot about diversity, equity, & inclusion and have influenced who & what I am today.
I want the following to change: Assumptions about what someone can/cannot do as a function of X aspect of who they are & the impact those assumptions have on people's courage & ability to make it through life.
I appreciate Emory Radiology when it comes to DEI because it is not just paid lip-service but is promoted, encouraged & held dear as a true value.
Professor and and Vice Chair of Research
I am many things & the whole is greater than the sum of the parts: female, over-60 Baby Boomer, Polish, middle child, non-practicing mixed-religion marriage, immigrant grandparents, military brat, short, tomboy, nerd. All of these aspects of my identity have taught me a lot about diversity, equity, & inclusion and have influenced who & what I am today.
I want the following to change: Assumptions about what someone can/cannot do as a function of X aspect of who they are & the impact those assumptions have on people's courage & ability to make it through life.
I appreciate Emory Radiology when it comes to DEI because it is not just paid lip-service but is promoted, encouraged & held dear as a true value.
Brittany Lewis^
Assistant Professor, Emergency and Trauma Imaging
As a queer Black woman physician, I understand the importance of staying true to myself with the hope of inspiring others to do the same. I am proud of my Black heritage because my ancestors were resilient and triumphant in an unjust society with all odds stacked against them and despite that reality, they managed to raise families and pass down rich traditions, culture, and values. As a queer person I am proud to be a part of a community that has tirelessly fought for equality and protection not just for the LGbTQI community, but for all humanity.
As I've experienced work environments across the country, I have never felt such a sense of community and inclusion as I have at Emory. The effort to obtain and reflect diversity at all levels at Emory was a major deciding factor to work and train here.
Assistant Professor, Emergency and Trauma Imaging
As a queer Black woman physician, I understand the importance of staying true to myself with the hope of inspiring others to do the same. I am proud of my Black heritage because my ancestors were resilient and triumphant in an unjust society with all odds stacked against them and despite that reality, they managed to raise families and pass down rich traditions, culture, and values. As a queer person I am proud to be a part of a community that has tirelessly fought for equality and protection not just for the LGbTQI community, but for all humanity.
As I've experienced work environments across the country, I have never felt such a sense of community and inclusion as I have at Emory. The effort to obtain and reflect diversity at all levels at Emory was a major deciding factor to work and train here.
Ashley Aiken^
Professor, Neuroradiology
I am a neuroradiologist and mom of three. I am proud to have been able to speak openly about the importance, but also the stress, of balancing my different roles. When I first started, a well-meaning mentor advised me, "Don't ever be the first to leave the reading room, don't ever tell them you are leaving early to care for kids. It's better to say that you have car trouble or you are going to the dentist."
I am proud that I decided in that moment to always be honest! About parent-teacher conferences, about needing to carpool (i.e., arrive at 8:30 some days) or attend the Valentine's Day breakfast at school. In those vulnerable moments, I found a work family who wanted to support me and who also needed my support for their life roles. In short, I found that this vulnerability slowly changed culture, where others felt more comfortable sharing how they needed help, too.
I fear being labeled "inflexible" or "less committed" because I am a mom first. I have always felt that I needed to work twice as hard, to be twice as productive so that I can show I am "all in" despite having some family conflicts. I am thankful that our Emory community, department, and leaders embraced a different model for success, allowed me to be "part time" and stay on track for promotion. I'm thankful for the individuals who believed in me when I felt so overwhelmed that I stopped believeing I could "do it all." I believe that I could not be where I am today in my career without their support and grace.
Professor, Neuroradiology
I am a neuroradiologist and mom of three. I am proud to have been able to speak openly about the importance, but also the stress, of balancing my different roles. When I first started, a well-meaning mentor advised me, "Don't ever be the first to leave the reading room, don't ever tell them you are leaving early to care for kids. It's better to say that you have car trouble or you are going to the dentist."
I am proud that I decided in that moment to always be honest! About parent-teacher conferences, about needing to carpool (i.e., arrive at 8:30 some days) or attend the Valentine's Day breakfast at school. In those vulnerable moments, I found a work family who wanted to support me and who also needed my support for their life roles. In short, I found that this vulnerability slowly changed culture, where others felt more comfortable sharing how they needed help, too.
I fear being labeled "inflexible" or "less committed" because I am a mom first. I have always felt that I needed to work twice as hard, to be twice as productive so that I can show I am "all in" despite having some family conflicts. I am thankful that our Emory community, department, and leaders embraced a different model for success, allowed me to be "part time" and stay on track for promotion. I'm thankful for the individuals who believed in me when I felt so overwhelmed that I stopped believeing I could "do it all." I believe that I could not be where I am today in my career without their support and grace.
Sam Marie Engle
Communications Coordinator
I am proud to be a person with disabilities (celiac, anyone?) and a trauma survivor. That may sound strange, so let me be clear. I didn't ask to have my body stolen, violated, or to nearly lose my life. I don't celebrate the rapist or the doctors who disbelieved me, committed me to the psych ward, and subjected me to weeks of maltreatment punctuated by the ridiculous pronouncement that I never again would be an independent, whole woman. My pride comes from surviving them, from saving myself.
My scars are both visible and deeply hidden. You can see the slashes on my forearm, the same arm's neuromuscular weakness. Every October, although I smile at the cerulean sky and its crinoline clouds, rejoice at the crunch of leaves beneath my feet . . .until they trigger the dark storm inside my head: I'm back on the same sidewalk that both doomed and saved me. Waves of fear and sadness slam the breath from me, steal peace and pieces from me for patches at a time. PTSD does that. It only happens a few weeks each year now, instead of every day and night. I'm proud of that progress.
I distrusted doctors for a long time afterward, feared men in general. I recently was asked how I could work in health care given what happened to me. I can because I know so many doctors, work with them here, who are good and kind people, life-saving people. What is a life built on fear and anger? Prejudice of any kind corrodes the soul who harbors it. I didn't survive to die a slow death of hate. The actions of some don't, can't define an entire category of person.
Sometimes I fear being seen as damaged goods, being discounted as mentally ill, but then I remember how far I've come and I rejoice. Those are labels others try to stick on me but they aren't me. I am a survivor.
Communications Coordinator
I am proud to be a person with disabilities (celiac, anyone?) and a trauma survivor. That may sound strange, so let me be clear. I didn't ask to have my body stolen, violated, or to nearly lose my life. I don't celebrate the rapist or the doctors who disbelieved me, committed me to the psych ward, and subjected me to weeks of maltreatment punctuated by the ridiculous pronouncement that I never again would be an independent, whole woman. My pride comes from surviving them, from saving myself.
My scars are both visible and deeply hidden. You can see the slashes on my forearm, the same arm's neuromuscular weakness. Every October, although I smile at the cerulean sky and its crinoline clouds, rejoice at the crunch of leaves beneath my feet . . .until they trigger the dark storm inside my head: I'm back on the same sidewalk that both doomed and saved me. Waves of fear and sadness slam the breath from me, steal peace and pieces from me for patches at a time. PTSD does that. It only happens a few weeks each year now, instead of every day and night. I'm proud of that progress.
I distrusted doctors for a long time afterward, feared men in general. I recently was asked how I could work in health care given what happened to me. I can because I know so many doctors, work with them here, who are good and kind people, life-saving people. What is a life built on fear and anger? Prejudice of any kind corrodes the soul who harbors it. I didn't survive to die a slow death of hate. The actions of some don't, can't define an entire category of person.
Sometimes I fear being seen as damaged goods, being discounted as mentally ill, but then I remember how far I've come and I rejoice. Those are labels others try to stick on me but they aren't me. I am a survivor.