Diversity & Inclusion
SRI Statement on Diversity and Inclusion
As a Society that is devoted to research in the service of women’s health and reproductive medicine we are united in the assertion that research excellence and productivity are directly linked to diversity in ideas, perspectives, approaches, and interpretations. Such diversity is generated from not only tolerance or acceptance, but primarily from celebration of several elements of diversity exhibited by our members and the larger community of reproductive scientists. We therefore respect, support, and seek to expand our diversity in educational background, professional status, country of origin or working environment, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, social/economic background, and physical or psychological ability.
We strive to generate and grow an internal environment of justice, honesty, and integrity that is inclusive of all the diverse elements of our community and seek to be a leader for diversity and inclusion in women’s health and reproductive science on a global level.
SRI Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
Chair: Shathiyah Kulandavelu, PhD - University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Vice President for Diversity and Structural Change: Genevieve S. Neal-Perry, MD, PhD - University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Nima Aghaeepour, PhD - Stanford University
Michelle Debbink, MD, PhD - University of Utah
Valeria Garcia-Flores, PhD - Wayne State University
Kirsty Pringle, PhD - University of Newcastle, Callaghan
Patricia Tereese Jimenez, MD - Washington University in St. Louis
Sandra Madueke-Laveaux, MD, MPH - University of Chicago
Amy Murtha, MD - Rutgers RWJ Medical School
Bo Rueda, PhD - Massachusetts General Hospital
Jie Yu, MD, MSc - Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Past Chair: Nardhy Gomez-Lopez, PhD - Washington University at St. Louis
Diversity Programs
Reduced Membership Rates for Developing Economies
SRI now offers a discounted membership rate of $50 for In Training and Associate members and $75 for Regular members who live in countries with a developing economy according to the World Bank.
Reduced Registration for Underrepresented Minorities
In an attempt to further diversify the Annual Meeting, SRI has introduced discounted Annual Meeting registration for 25 individuals who are underrepresented in their country or originate from a low-income, lower-middle-income, or upper-middle-income country. Applications are accepted once registration for the Annual Meeting opens, each fall.
SRI's Response to the Death of George Floyd
The leadership of SRI is deeply saddened by the profane and barbaric murder of Mr. George Floyd and the killings of other black and brown citizens in the United States while in police custody. We are deeply disheartened that nationwide protest is necessary for the voices calling for justice to be heard. We decry any politicization of these events in a manner that stigmatizes the oppressed and encourages further divisiveness among races.
The ongoing history of police brutality against communities of color, like the disproportionate deaths in black and brown communities due to SARS-CoV-2 and the shameful increase in maternal mortality in women of color in this country are all symptoms of a deep and complex syndrome: Racism. Those of us who enjoy the benefits of privilege have for too long left the work of rapprochement to people of color.
As for any disease, we need to approach and understand its roots in the very inception of human culture and its underlying mechanisms. We then need to focus our attention on prediction, prevention, and mitigation of the disease process.
To that end, the SRI is committed to education and engagement around issues of race, diversity, and equity. We are committed to do our part to diversify and enhance the cadre of clinicians and scientists focused on understanding reproductive tract diseases and pregnancy disorders in women of color. We are committed to improving the voice and efficacy of the scientific and clinical workforce, and we are committed to molding and shaping our society to one where this diversified workforce feels welcomed and valued.
It is time all of us rise to the call of justice in the name of science and women’s health. Without racial justice, there will never be an end to the glaring racial disparities in health outcomes that we observe every day in our daily work.
Ayman Al-Hendy, MD – Councilor
Ciera Arias - Administrative Coordinator
Elizabeth Bonney, MD, MPH – Past Councilor
Irina Burd, MD, PhD – Councilor
Morgan Derby - Program Manager
Asgi Fazleabas, PhD – Councilor
Nardhy Gomez-Lopez, PhD – Chair, SRI Diversity Committee
Michelle Holm, CMP - Meetings Manager
Thomas Jansson, MD, PhD – Councilor
Anne Krolikowski, CAE - Executive Director
Eun Lee, PhD – Editor of SRI 1st Alert
Stephen Matthews, PhD – Councilor
Carole Mendelson, PhD – President Nominee
Leah Miller - Associate Executive Director
Murray Mitchell, DPhil, DSc - Immediate Past President
Amy Murtha, MD – Councilor
Paul Rozance, MD – Secretary Treasurer
Nanette Santoro, MD – President-Elect
Jim Segars, MD – President
Jerry Strauss, MD, PhD – Past President Representative on Council
Virginia Winn, MD, PhD – Councilor