Under the Programs to Enhance Diversity (PED) component of the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG), Huntsman Cancer Institute is tasked with developing programs, initiatives, and infrastructure to enhance the participation of underrepresented populations in the research workforce and cancer center leadership by supporting career-enhancing opportunities for faculty, staff, and learners from all backgrounds.
These programs are organized as part of a federally funded grant (NIH/NCI P30CA042014).
Our Goals
Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Office of Programs to Enhance Diversity is integral to our guiding principle to put the patient and community first as we strive to reduce the cancer burden in our state and region. In alignment with the requirements of our National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support Grant accreditation, our goals include the following:
People
Enhance the participation of trainees, faculty, and staff from groups nationally underrepresented in the cancer research workforce by leveraging unique opportunities within our catchment area.
Programs
Promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging to support early- and mid-career clinicians and researchers from diverse backgrounds in career development, mentorship, and advancement to leadership roles.
Practices
Leverage institutional commitment and infrastructure to advance equity in Cancer Center’s operations and policies.
Progress
Utilize quantitative and qualitative data for monitoring and evaluating progress toward enhancing diversity and belonging in the cancer research workforce, leadership, and advisory boards.
Programs and Initiatives
Chats for Change
A lunch-and-learn series, “Chats for Change," engages with members of the Huntsman Cancer Institute community in thought-provoking conversations. These sessions aim to foster positive and sustained improvement in interactions with colleagues from varied backgrounds.
Program Liaison Initiative
This initiative seeks to streamline communication, improve collaboration, create pathways, and cultivate leadership opportunities for early- and mid-career Cancer Center members.
Our Team
Gita Suneja, MD, MS
Senior Director
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Anna Marsden, MBA
Senior Manager
Sheila Sconiers, MEd
Talent Development Manager
Leslie Salamanca, MPH
Program Coordinator
Peter Monsivais
Administrative Manager
Resources
Land Acknowledgement
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah rests on Indigenous land that reflects the rich history of our state and region. We are committed to honoring, respecting, and protecting the story and the People of this sacred place.
