Awards for Diversity -Vendor Relations - About - Eskenazi Health
  • 2024

    • Kimberly McElroy-Jones, Ph.D., DMin, director of community partnerships for community health, was named an honoree for Black History Month by Radio One. Radio One expressed that they were “eager to celebrate and publicly recognize trailblazers in our local community whose conviction and dedication is an inspiration to us all.”
    • Kimberly McElroy-Jones, Ph.D., DMin, director of community partnerships for community health, was honored with an Achievement in Public and Community Service award at the Center for Leadership Development (CLD)’s 44th Annual Minority Achievers Awards & Scholarship Gala (MAAG), which celebrates accomplishments of minority professionals, community leaders and CLD scholars. She was honored for using her role to act as “a fierce advocate for those who have been underserved in the past” and for her drive to “repair inequities.” McElroy-Jones was also praised for ensuring that “discriminatory ideas and practices that have contributed to current disparities are aired.”
    • Scott Morris and Eric W. Schmidt were honored with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Service Member Patriot Award. The award honors Schmidt and Morris for being supportive supervisors of Major AJ Moir and other members of the Guard and Reserve.
    • Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC) was named in Forbes’s 2024 America’s Best Employers by State: (Eskenazi Health is the HHC’s public hospital division.) Forbes, partnering with Statistica, surveyed more than 160,000 employees (in organizations with 500+ people), asking whether they’d recommend employers as well as organizations in their industry and those they knew through family and friends. Employees’ opinions of the organization’s DEI efforts factor into the determinations.
    • The Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health was selected among nearly every college and many leading employers in the country by the National Association of Colleges and Employers for the Chevron Innovation Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement for innovative programs that drive impact in the college career services field. The Fehribach Center provides a paid internship program and professional development for college students with physical disabilities at Eskenazi Health and other area employers.
    • Eskenazi Health has been named as one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare.” This is the fifth time that Eskenazi Health has received this prestigious recognition. Becker’s Hospital Review’s list, which is determined by both nominations and editorial research, awards organizations that offer “robust benefits packages, professional and personal development opportunities, diverse work environments and the resources necessary for work-life balance.” 
    • Emily R. Earle, a clinical education program coordinator at Eskenazi Health, has been named as one of CAREERS & the disABLED magazine’s Employees of the Year for her professional and advocacy efforts on behalf of people with disabilities in the workplace and in the community. 
    • Eskenazi Health has been recognized as a High Performer in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. The designation is part of the 2024 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), an annual survey conducted by the HRC Foundation. The survey evaluates health care facilities across the nation for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and best practices related to LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. Eskenazi Health was among 462 facilities across the nation that earned an LGBTQ+ Equality High Performer designation. This is the eighth year Eskenazi Health has been recognized on the HEI.
  • 2023

    • Christina Cheeks, performance improvement consultant and member of the young professionals committee and diversity task force, was named as one of five finalists for the 2023 ELEVATE Volunteer of the Year award. Presented by United Way, the award is given to a young professional volunteer whose unselfish and dedicated service has made a meaningful and lasting impact in Central Indiana and has demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and commitment to a nonprofit organization.
    • Katasha Butler, PharmD, was honored as one of Praise Indy’s Indianapolis Black History Makers for her work recruiting pharmacy students from five historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for the Eskenazi Health Pharmacy Residency Program as a member of the Pharmacy Leadership Team.
    • Kimberly Lawrence-Curry of Specialty Care Services was chosen as the WTLC, Praise Indy, & Hot 100.9 Women’s History Month Honoree in recognition of her leadership and service as a role model to the community.
    • Lisa Harris, M.D., Eskenazi Health CEO, was honored at the National Minority Health Day Luncheon for Eskenazi Health’s efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.
    • Eskenazi Health received an African Diamond Award from the African Council of Indiana in recognition of efforts to champion the cultural and economic development of the African community in Indiana.
    • Levi Funches, M.D., staff physician at Eskenazi Health, was awarded the Dr. Chaniece Wallace Award for Advocacy and Equity during the 2023 Indiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (INAAP) Pediatric CME Conference. The award recognizes a physician who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to advocacy or policy change on behalf of traditionally underserved or at-risk pediatric populations, including championing initiatives to change the practice of pediatrics to more equitably serve these populations.
    • Eskenazi Health was recently included in Forbes magazine’s list of “America’s Best Employers by State.” This is the second consecutive year that Eskenazi Health has been recognized by Forbes as one of Indiana’s best places to work. Employees assessed working conditions, diversity, compensation packages, development opportunities, etc. in an anonymous survey and were asked whether they’d recommend their employer.
    • Neha Patel, M.D., a hospitalist at the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital, was named ACP (American College of Physicians) Indiana Outstanding Women Physician of the Year. ACP Indiana honors an outstanding woman physician with a distinguished career in areas of exceptional patient care, medical education and/or research.
    • Eleazar Montalvan-Sanchez, M.D., resident in internal medicine at Eskenazi Health and IU School of Medicine, won the Indiana Latino Health Contributor of the Year honor at the Indiana Latino Expo awards gala. The award honors both his medical achievements and his contributions to the advancement of Latinos in Indiana.
  • 2022

    • Nicole Harper, vice president of revenue cycle services and interim chief financial officer and chief strategy officer at Eskenazi Health, received the 2022 Minority Achievers Award in the “Professions” category at the Center for Leadership Development’s Annual Minority Achievers Awards & Scholarship Gala.
    • The Indiana University-Bloomington Division of Student Affairs’s Schreck Community Award was given to the Gregory S. Fehribach Center for its interactions with students and for its ability to foster the mission, vision and values of the Division of Student Affairs.
    • Donna Burks, RN, associate chief nursing officer at Eskenazi Health Center, was recognized by the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE) at the Women in Leadership celebration.
    • Eskenazi Health was named Indiana’s top hospital for health equity by the Lown Institute. The Lown Institute evaluated more than 3,000 hospitals throughout the country. Metrics included inclusivity, pay equity, avoiding overuse, clinical outcomes and cost efficiency.
    • Andrew Lodolo, manager of the inpatient pharmacy, was honored as part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis inaugural 36 Under 36 cohort, which includes professional and philanthropic leaders in the Indianapolis Jewish community.
    • The Eskenazi Health LGBTQ+ Victim Advocacy Initiative was recognized with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Harry Benjamin Institutional Advocacy Award, which is presented to an individual or group who has contributed significantly to the promotion of transgender health and rights through education and/or advocacy work.
    • Eskenazi Health Center West 38th Street was designated an Age-Friendly Health Systems Participant by the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, a grant program under the Health Resources & Services Administration, for integrating age-friendly care into the primary care environment.
    • Eskenazi Health was named as one of the best hospitals to work for in the state of Indiana by Forbes. Among the survey questions employees were asked (anonymously) included those about remote-work benefits, the wage gap for women and initiatives around diversity, equity and inclusion.
    • The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, the Center for Black Literature & Culture and the Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee recognized the following from Eskenazi Health with the Dr. George H. Rawls Award: Broderick Rhyant, M.D., chief provider executive of Eskenazi Health Center Forest Manor; Glenda Westmoreland, M.D., Eskenazi Health senior care physician; Clark Simons, M.D., service chief of general surgery at Eskenazi Health; Patricia Treadwell, M.D., Eskenazi Health physician; and Virginia Caine, M.D., director of the Marion County Public Health Department.
  • 2021

    • Lisa Harris, M.D., CEO of Eskenazi Health, was recognized with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) 2021 Indiana Person of Achievement Award. The ADL Person of Achievement Award was established to recognize individuals and companies who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to community, justice and equal opportunity for all. Each year the ADL honors those whose involvement in business and community programs brings together people of all races, religions and ethnic backgrounds to join in the fight against bigotry and discrimination.
    • Eskenazi Health was named Indiana’s top hospital for social responsibility by the Lown Institute. The Lown Institute evaluated 3,010 hospitals throughout the country. Metrics included inclusivity, pay equity, avoiding overuse, clinical outcomes and cost efficiency.
    • Saura Fortin, M.D., chief medical officer for Eskenazi Health Center, was recognized as the recipient of the Indiana Latino Contributions in Health of the Year award from the Indiana Latino Expo.
    • Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Stabilization Treatment and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) program was honored with the Noble Partnership Award as part of Noble’s Annual Awards. The Noble Partnership Award honors individuals, businesses and organizations that champion the Noble mission in at least one of these areas: forming productive partnerships to promote Noble’s vision and impact; providing media coverage of issues affecting people with disabilities; furthering of inclusive educational opportunities; fostering of inclusion within the community; and/or advocating for the rights and needs of people with disabilities.
  • 2020

    • The Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health was presented with the prestigious David R. McKinnis Community Partner Award during the 14th Annual Indiana INTERNnet Impact Awards Luncheon.
    • Larry Markle, director of the Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health, was the recipient of the Inspiring Mentor Award at the 2020 Indianapolis Inspire Awards.
    • Jeanne Dickens, M.D., geriatric psychiatrist with Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, received the Center for Leadership Development’s Director’s Award. 
  • 2019

    • Eskenazi Health has been named in Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2019 list of the “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare” for the fourth consecutive year. The organizations featured were chosen for their benefits offerings, wellness programs, commitment to diversity and inclusion, professional development opportunities and environments that promote employee satisfaction and work-life balance.
    • Curtis Wright, M.D., CEO of Eskenazi Medical Group, was named a 2019 Champion of Diversity by Indiana Minority Business Magazine.
    • Clark Simons, M.D., service chief of general surgery at Eskenazi Health, was awarded the Dr. Joseph T. Taylor Excellence in Diversity award. Dr. Simons achieved this award for his work in developing the Male to Male program, a mentoring program for aspiring minority male physicians, and for his work in helping underrepresented youth prepare for medical careers.
    • Christia Hicks, vice president of Eskenazi Health Human Resources, was recognized by the Center for Leadership Development (CLD) for her efforts at Eskenazi Health.
    • Larry Markle, program director for the Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health, received an award from the Association on Higher Education & Disability (AHEAD).
    • Juan Carlos Venis, M.D., received the Business Leader of the Year Award from by Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce at the inaugural Excellence in Business Awards Gala.
    • The Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association (IFLTA) Awards Committee awarded the 2019 Rep. Robert Behning Distinguished World Language Advocate Recognition to Eskenazi Health Multicultural Affairs and Gloria King, the department’s leader. The recognition stated that Eskenazi Health Multicultural Affairs is exemplary for its provision of language services and its role in championing diversity and supporting the community.
  • 2018

    • Eskenazi Health has been named in Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2018 list of “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare” for the third consecutive year. The organizations featured were chosen for their benefits offerings, wellness programs, commitment to diversity and inclusion, professional development opportunities and environments that promote employee satisfaction and work-life balance.p
    • Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber, M.D., FACP, Barbara F. Kampen Scholar in Women’s Health, received the 2018 Bertha Van Hoosen Award from the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA). The award honors one or more women physicians who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to women physicians and students through AMWA.
    • The Eskenazi Health Gender Health Program was selected as a remarkable project and will be included in America’s Essential Hospitals VITAL 2018 abstracts guide for the Gage Awards.
    • Eskenazi Health was included on the Forbes Magazine list of 2018 Best Employers for Women. Eskenazi Health was also ranked as the 11th best for women’s hospital employer.
    • The Eskenazi Health Gender Health program was awarded the Hulman Award in the “Innovative Public Health Program” category, provided by the Indiana Public Health Association. This award recognizes an Indiana corporation and/or business leader who focuses on health promotion activities or programs related to improving health outcomes in the community.
    • Lisa Harris, M.D., CEO of Eskenazi Health, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2018 list of “143 Women Leaders of Hospital and Health Systems.”
    • Curtis Wright, M.D., CEO of Eskenazi Medical Group, was recognized with the 2018 Accomplished Achievement Award by the Center for Leadership Development for all the work he has done to positively affect the lives of minority youth in Central Indiana.
    • The Indianapolis board of the Minority Health Coalition honored Eskenazi Health Midtown with the Community Supporter Award for its work to promote minority health.
  • 2017

    • Janine Fogel, M.D., was honored as a NUVO Cultural Vision Award visionary for her work creating the Eskenazi Health Transgender Health & Wellness Program.
    • Gregory S. Fehribach, a member of the Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County Board of Trustees, was named the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award recipient at the 2017 Champions of Diversity celebration.
    • Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber, M.D., was selected as a 2017 Woman of Influence by the Indianapolis Business Journal.
    • Eskenazi Health has been named in Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2017 list of “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare.” The organizations featured were chosen for their benefits offerings, wellness programs, commitment to diversity and inclusion, professional development opportunities and environments that promote employee satisfaction and work-life balance.
    • Eskenazi Health CEO Lisa Harris, M.D., was recognized with Character, an award presented by the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.
  • 2016

    • Broderick Rhyant, M.D., chief physician executive at Eskenazi Health Center Forest Manor and associate chief medical officer of Eskenazi Health Primary Care, received the Center for Leadership Development Achievement in Professions Award. 
    • Wallace McLaughlin, Ph.D., president and CEO of Fathers and Families Center, was honored at the 36th annual Center for Leadership Development Minority Achievers Award and Scholarship Gala in the category of “Achievement in Public and Community Service. McLaughlin has served as the founder and president/CEO of Fathers and Families Center for more than 20 years and has assisted more than 10,000 young fathers move toward family stability and economic mobility. Fathers and Families Center is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with Eskenazi Health.  
    • John Thompson, president and CEO of Thompson Distributing Company Inc. and board member for the Eskenazi Health Foundation, was honored with the junior achievement award at the Junior Achievement of Central Indiana’s annual Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame Awards Gala. This honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the corporate and civic community.
    • Eskenazi Health has been featured in Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2016 list of “150 Great Places to Work in Health Care.” The organizations featured were chosen for their benefits offerings, wellness programs, commitment to diversity and inclusion, professional development opportunities and environments that promote employee satisfaction and work-life balance.
    • Jessica Barth, vice president of legal affairs and chief counsel of Eskenazi Health Legal Services, was recognized by the Indianapolis Business Journal as a 2015 Woman of Influence.
    • Jennifer Holt, clinical supervisor of Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center Older Adults Services (OAS), was awarded the Patriotic Employer Award from the Secretary of Defense. Holt was nominated by Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center OAS community support specialist Bridget Johnston, an Army Reservist, who was deployed. During that process, Johnston felt that Holt was instrumental in supporting her in her Reserve duties.
    • Eskenazi Health was honored as the recipient of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Above and Beyond Award. This award, presented by ESGR state committees, recognizes employers at the local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing their Guard and Reserve employees with additional, non-mandated benefits such as differential or full pay to offset lost wages, extended health benefits and other similar benefits.
    • Gloria King, leader of Eskenazi Health Multicultural Affairs, was awarded the Indiana Latino Leader in Health award by Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb at the Indiana Latino Expo.
    • Donna Burks, RN, Eskenazi Health, was named one of 12 minority professionals recognized for exhibiting excellence in the medical field at the annual Golden Laurel Professional Reception.
  • 2015

    • Congratulations to Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber, M.D., chief physician executive of the Eskenazi Health Center Primary Care - Center of Excellence in Women’s Health, for being recognized by the Women's Fund of Central Indiana for her leadership in inspiring women to get a "seat at the table." 
    • Gloria King, EdD, Eskenazi Health Multicultural Affairs, was presented the Community Health Champion Award by the Black Nurses Association (BNA) at its annual luncheon on Oct. 29. The BNA is a voluntary professional nursing organization dedicated to improving the health of African Americans and ethnic populations. 
  • 2014

    • Lisa Harris, M.D., chief executive officer of Eskenazi Health, was named a 2014 Torchbearers by the Indiana Commission for Women. Torchbearers are women who have stepped forward as leaders by breaking down barriers to women’s full participation. These women become lasting legacies for us all by overcoming immense challenges with courage, perseverance and compassion.
    • Lisa Harris, M.D., chief executive officer of Eskenazi Health, was named a 2014 Touchstone Award winner by Girls Inc. Indianapolis for her community achievement and excellence as a role model throughout the Indianapolis area. 
    • Julia “Grandma” Lawrence, 82, was one of 11 people recognized for her outstanding service during a recent United Way diversity award ceremony. In the past year, Lawrence has volunteered 1,248 hours of her time by taking the bus four times a week to help children be less fearful about going to the doctor’s office. Lawrence has been a volunteer with Eskenazi Health for 20 years. Since then, her service has amounted to 22,464 hours. 
    • Eskenazi Health was the recipient of the 2014 Employer Award during the Access and Inclusion Awards Ceremony on July 30 by the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability. Eskenazi Health was selected as a winner for its Expanding Internships for Students with Disabilities program, a paid internship program for students with disabilities aimed at preparing students for careers in diverse fields. 
  • 2013

    • NUVO awarded a Cultural Vision Award to Eskenazi Health and the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital. Cultural Vision Awards go to individuals and organizations in Indianapolis who are bringing cultural innovation to the community and making it a better place for all to live.
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