In the wake of decades of underrepresentation, the Black healthcare community in Florida is forging a new path—one that goes beyond opening doors and focuses on building the foundation for a lasting legacy. This is not just a call for diversity. It’s a charge to institutionalize equity, empowerment, and ownership across every level of the healthcare ecosystem.
The truth is, we’ve made progress—but not enough. While more Black professionals are entering the healthcare field, far too few are being positioned to lead. We see Black talent in hospitals, public health agencies, clinics, and boardrooms—but the pipeline to power is fragile, underfunded, and scattered. Florida cannot afford to let this moment slip into symbolism.
What Must Change?
We must shift from passive inclusion to active investment:
The good news is that some programs in Florida are showing what’s possible. UF Health’s targeted leadership tracks, Jackson Health’s inclusive hiring goals, and AdventHealth’s DEI investment strategies provide promising models. These are more than stories—they’re proof of concept. They remind us that innovation is not out of reach—it simply needs to be prioritized.
NAHSE Florida stands ready to lead this transformation. We believe that by aligning policy, mentorship, education, and visibility, we can stop managing gaps and start building bridges to generational leadership.
This is our moment. Not to be invited in—but to shape the system.
Let’s go from pipeline to power. Together.