Creating Equity In STEMM

Access, Advocacy, and Action: José R. Sánchez on Equity in Healthcare

In this inspiring episode, host Jinja Birkenbeuel of Birk Creative talks with José R. Sánchez, a visionary healthcare leader whose life’s work is grounded in equity, compassion, and community impact. As President and CEO of Humboldt Park Health in Chicago, Mr. Sánchez has led one of the most transformative turnarounds in safety-net hospital history—redefining what equitable care can look like for all. With more than four decades of experience in healthcare leadership, Mr. Sánchez has championed access and innovation at every level. Under his direction, Humboldt Park Health became the first hospital in the Midwest to receive Health Equity Certification from The Joint Commission and opened a state-of-the-art Wellness Center serving the heart of its community. A two-time honorary doctorate recipient, Mr. Sánchez continues to be a powerful voice for advocacy, access, and action in healthcare. 🎧 Production: CPASS Foundation 🎬 Post-Production & Music: Brittany Nuñez, Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, CPASS Foundation Opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not reflect those of any corporation or brand.

Barbershops, Churches, and the Healthy Built Environment — featuring Dr. Monte Oyd Harris

In this thought-provoking episode, host Jinja Birkenbeuel of Birk Creative talks with Dr. Monte Oyd Harris, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, healthcare executive, and visionary whose work bridges medicine, architecture, and culture. As Corporate Medical Denials Director at HCA Healthcare and Adjunct Lecturer in Architecture at Howard University, Dr. Harris explores how the spaces we live, learn, and heal in impact our collective well-being. With a medical degree from Case Western Reserve University and fellowship training from the University of Michigan, Dr. Harris brings over two decades of clinical experience to his mission of advancing health equity through innovative design and cultural connection. From barbershops to churches, he’s redefining what it means to build healthier, more inclusive communities. 🎧 Production: CPASS Foundation🎬 Post-Production & Music: Brittany Nuñez, Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, CPASS Foundation Opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not reflect those of any corporation or brand.

The Power of Representation: Dr. Tina Bobo on Building a Diverse Nursing Workforce

In this inspiring episode, host Jinja Birkenbeuel of Birk Creative talks with Dr. Tina Bobo, a passionate nursing leader, educator, and advocate for equity who is transforming the future of healthcare through representation and mentorship. As Director and Assistant Professor of the Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Program and Nursing Workforce Diversity Program Coordinator at Lewis University, Dr. Bobo is dedicated to preparing the next generation of nurses to lead with excellence, empathy, and purpose. From her early studies at UNC-Chapel Hill to her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Lewis University, Dr. Bobo’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to access and advancement for underrepresented students. Her work ensures that nursing remains not just a profession—but a powerful pathway to equity and belonging in healthcare. 🎧 Production: CPASS Foundation 🎬 Post-Production & Music: Brittany Nuñez, Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, CPASS Foundation Opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not reflect those of any corporation or brand.

Championing the Underserved: Dr. Keith Ferdinand on Health, Heart, and Hope

In this inspiring episode, host Jinja Birkenbeuel of Birk Creative talks with Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand, a nationally renowned cardiologist, educator, and public health advocate whose life’s work centers on equity, access, and compassion in care. As the Gerald S. Berenson Endowed Chair in Preventive Cardiology and Professor of Medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Ferdinand has dedicated his career to improving cardiovascular outcomes in underserved communities. From his early days at Howard University College of Medicine to his leadership as former Chair and Chief Science Officer of the Association of Black Cardiologists, Dr. Ferdinand has shaped national dialogue around preventive cardiology and health justice. Recently honored with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Cardiology, his story is one of heart, hope, and healing for all. 🎧 Production: CPASS Foundation🎬 Post-Production & Music: Brittany Nuñez, Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, CPASS Foundation Opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not reflect those of any corporation or brand.

Healing Over Hate: Dr. Frederick Beavers on Legacy, Leadership, and Equity in Surgery

In this powerful episode, host Jinja Birkenbeuel of Birk Creative talks with Dr. Frederick P. Beavers, a distinguished vascular surgeon, educator, and equity advocate whose career embodies both medical excellence and moral courage. As Chief of Vascular Surgery in Washington, D.C., and Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery at Georgetown University, Dr. Beavers mentors future surgeons with a focus on skill, empathy, and integrity. From his roots on Chicago’s South Side to his defining moment caring for a patient with a swastika tattoo, Dr. Beavers’ story reveals how compassion, legacy, and justice can guide a life in medicine. This is an unforgettable conversation about healing over hate—and leading with humanity. 🎧 Production: CPASS Foundation 🎬 Post-Production & Music: Brittany Nuñez, Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, CPASS Foundation Opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not reflect those of any corporation or brand.