HBA Think Tank Solutions Summit Schedule

Dialogues for Inclusion: The Business & Societal Imperatives for Advancing the Marginalized Communities at Work 

This session will reflect on how global events and movements impact both the workplace and patient care, focusing on key areas: the importance of workplace inclusion, equity, and advocacy for women of color, especially at decision-making tables; the ongoing need for health equity and continued inclusion of women of color in all healthcare sectors; the importance of expanding the intersectionality lens to address the inequitable treatment of marginalized groups, particularly women; and the powerful contributions of Black and Brown women, whose impact across entrepreneurship, the boardroom, and education is crucial for building equitable, inclusive workplaces and healthcare policies. It’s time to stop giving lip service and start making real, meaningful change.

Keynote (Amal Masri) – When BIPOC Women Rise: The Ripple Effect of Fixing the Broken Rung 

In a time of DEI backlash and uncertainty, the broken rung - that crucial first step to management - remains the biggest barrier for women of color. The data is stark: after improvements in 2021 and 2022, Black women's promotion rates have regressed to 2020 levels, while Latinas now face their worst broken rung numbers yet. At current rates, it would take 48 years to reach true parity in senior leadership. But there's hope: Fix The Broken Rung's work reveals that targeted investment creates remarkable ripple effects throughout organizations. Through four stories, discover how supporting one BIPOC woman sparks waves of change across entire teams. Best of all? These transformative results require a smaller investment than you might think. Join us to learn how fixing the broken rung isn't just about advancing one person - it's about unleashing waves of untapped potential. 

Closing the Gender Health Gap: Driving Accountability through the [w]Health Index

Today's women face many disadvantages in healthcare—from a lack of funding and research into female diseases to drugs and devices being tested and designed for the male anatomy. The experience of care provided in this unequal healthcare system is leaving women feeling sidelined and inadequately supported. Kearney will speak about creating accountability in closing the gender health gap through the [w]Health index. The [w]Health Index is a new tool that aims to support organizations in taking action to advance the health of women by assessing current activities, comparing against peers, and learning from best practices to drive both health and business outcomes. 

From Insights to Action: An Interactive Dive into the Data

Join us for an interactive unveiling of the latest findings from the HBA Think Tank survey, A Focus on Belonging for Women in Healthcare. In today’s rapidly evolving social and political climate, organizations must find data-driven ways to foster belonging and support underrepresented professionals, including women of color.

Rather than a traditional presentation, this session invites you—our audience—to engage directly with the data. Through live polling, facilitated discussion, and real-time analysis, we will explore key themes, disparities, and the implications for the healthcare industry. Together, we will examine how organizations can leverage insights to drive meaningful action, ensuring that inclusion is not just a conversation but a measurable commitment. 

Come prepared to engage, reflect, and contribute as we turn data into dialogue—and dialogue into action.