Bonnie Baker-Tattershall (left) and Lenesia Boddie (right)
In August 2022, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Department–led by Bonnie Baker-Tattershall as director and Lenesia Boddie as manager–was established.
In her role, Bonnie draws from her background and previous work in the Dayton community. “My parents were entrepreneurs and civil rights activists,” she said. “I am blessed to have worked as a janitor, TV reporter and producer, director of the Mathile Community Fund, and Community Engagement Manager at Kettering Health. Regardless of the assignment, I seek to connect diverse communities with services and opportunities that transform lives.”
Bonnie combines her experiences with her passion of advocating for supplier diversity and equal access to healthcare, and in 2022, Bonnie was recognized as Diversity Champion of the Year by the Dayton Business Journal.
Lenesia served in a variety of HR roles from 2016-2021, focusing on areas ranging from recruiting to on-campus support to employee relations cases. Time and again, she heard an undeniable gap: a sense of belonging.
Lenesia decided to put one of her favorite quotes by Mahatma Gandhi into practice, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Since there was no formal DEI program at that time, she began volunteering. “Many people I spoke to on this topic felt like they didn’t know where to start; I just wanted to start somewhere,” said Lenesia.
Her commitment paid off. She later received an opportunity to manage DEI at Kettering Health full time, and in 2022, she was highlighted as a young business leader through Dayton Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 program.
Through Cornell University’s Diversity and Inclusion for HR certification program, Lenesia learned proven strategies for systematically implementing and managing a large-scale DEI program. “The way Lenesia has structed the DEI program is grounded in evidenced-based best practices,” explained Bonnie.
The structure of our DEI program
Kettering Health’s DEI Department develops programs based on research from groups like the American Hospital Association, the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council, and other professional organizations.
A strong and sustainable DEI program requires more than just two people, so Lenesia works with seven committees: Branding and Awareness, HR, Clinical, Education, Belonging, Diversity, and Community Outreach and Supplier Diversity. The committees are managed by Kettering Health leaders who are subject matter experts in the group’s specific area of focus. In total, nearly 100 employees serve on the committees and help carry out the DEI team’s goals throughout the organization.
Reflecting on the progress made, Lenesia said, “A year ago, I was the only committee member. The growth is powerful and confirms that people are dedicated to this work.”
To continue building local connections, the DEI team also represents Kettering Health in the community. Bonnie serves on the boards of Good Neighbor House, Miami Valley Meals, Miami Valley Urban League, and Valens Solutions. The team also works with area churches as well as Homefull, Omega Hope Center, East End Community Center, Cassano Health Center, Gem City Market, and Sinclair Community College.
Why does DEI matter?
Research shows a culture of diversity is linked to positive patient experience, retention, innovation of thought, and employee engagement.
“We are one of the largest employers in the Dayton region,” said Lenesia “We have a social responsibility to make sure our communities know we are a diverse space.”
She continued, “We also have a responsibility to ensure that the people who work for us feel like this is a safe and welcoming environment where they can thrive and have room to grow.”
“Having a strong culture of inclusion and belonging is important to Kettering Health’s DNA as a faith inspired health organization where every patient, staff member, and community visitor should feel honored and valued in their interaction with us,” said Jonathan Duffy, executive director of Mission and Ministry and part of the DEI team.
Bonnie Baker-Tattershall (left), Jonathan Duffy (middle), and Lenesia Boddie (right)
Supporting DEI at Kettering Health
Stay up to date on education and volunteer opportunities, community events, and general updates with the monthly DEI e-newsletter delivered to all employees. If you have questions about Kettering Health’s DEI program or want to get involved, reach out to diversityequityinclusion@ketteringhealth.org
