The UF Health Cancer Center is pleased to announce that Tasha Graham, M.B.A., C-TAGME, has been named diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, manager.
Tasha previously served as a project manager and institutional coordinator in the department of graduate medical education in the UF College of Medicine, where she was involved in institutional DEI efforts. Her focus in that role was providing institutional oversight, support and administrative assistance to program directors and program coordinators. Tasha assisted programs with institutional updates and planning and coordinated Graduate Medical Education Committee meetings, Institutional Program Review Committee meetings and monthly program coordinator open forum meetings. She served on and administered support for several UF College of Medicine committees including the Graduate Medical Education Committee, Institutional Program Review Committee and Clinical Learning Environment Committee.
Tasha’s first position at UF was program coordinator in the division of hematology and oncology in the department of medicine. She has over five years of professional experience in the blood banking industry as a quality assurance project manager. She earned a master’s degree in business administration management in 2011. She also earned TAGME certification from the National Board for Certification for Training Administrators in Graduate Medical Education. Tasha is currently enrolled in the UF manager’s cohort program. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment at the UF Health Cancer Center and is passionate about increasing diversity and incorporating equity for all employees.
We asked Tasha a few questions as she begins her new role.
Q: What are some projects or initiatives you plan to implement in your new role as DEI manager for the Cancer Center?
A: Some of the initiatives I hope to implement are:
- Forming affinity groups for employees who have attended historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, to get together and network outside work
- Organizing NIH Diversity Supplement seminars to educate research students on how to apply for NIH Diversity funds
- Educating high school and college students interested in science professions about pathways to biomedical careers
- Setting up a mentorship guidebook/checklist for students and employees seeking guidance
- Forming a welcome committee for new employees
- Generating annual diversity statistical reports
- Creating an open forum to provide a safe space for employees to share stories and receive support for issues or problems related to DEI
- Spearheading recruitment efforts at HBCUs
- Participating in cultural and ethnic associations
Q: What are some of your goals when it comes to DEI for the Cancer Center?
A: My goals include increasing recruitment of minorities and women in the Cancer Center workforce. I would also like to educate youth about pathways to biomedical/research careers in science professions, develop mentorship guidance, and track and collect annual data on diversity. Additionally, I hope to plan multicultural events (first-generation college attendees, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Native American Heritage Month, LGBTQ Pride Month, ADA Month, incorporating DEI in Research Day events, etc.)
Q: Why is DEI important for the work the Cancer Center does?
A: It is important for the Cancer Center to embrace cultural differences in its leadership and workforce so it can provide the best possible research and treatments for the population it serves.
Q: What are you looking forward to in your new role?
A: I look forward to making a difference and fighting for equity and inclusion for all. I look forward to creating and building long-lasting relationship with the Cancer Center and the Gainesville community. I also look forward to open-mindedness, kindness and understanding that it is OK to be different. Additionally, I look forward to learning about different perspectives and cultures. I hope to make an impact on youth and create change.
“I look forward to making a difference and fighting for equity and inclusion for all.”
Tasha Graham, M.B.A., C-TAGME
Q: What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?
A: I enjoy spending family time with my kids, cooking/eating, shopping, traveling, planning events, home decorating and listening to music.
