B3.02 - Roundtable: Diverse Perspectives on Equitable Workforce Development in Maternal and Child Health Initiatives

Brief Abstract Summary: Gain actionable insights into enhancing training, research, and workforce development in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) with a focus on health equity. This presentation outlines strategies to address critical challenges, such as maternal mortality, while moving beyond traditional, outsider approaches that overlook community strengths. Recognize the importance of a community-led approach, where faculty from diverse and minority-serving institutions share their expertise and lead initiatives. Learn how to protect and empower junior and minority faculty through supportive mentorship models. Discover the need to align administrative demands with the realities of faculty engaged in community development and DEI efforts, emphasizing patience in meaningful progress. Explore how to elevate student training by centering their lived experiences, integrating real-world applications with theoretical frameworks.

Detailed abstract description: As maternal and child health (MCH) has been historically recognized as a public health issue, it is important to move towards actionable strategies to address critical MCH challenges. Recognizing the unique needs of diverse and minority-serving institutions (MSIs), this presentation outlines strategic recommendations to enhance training, research, and workforce development in Maternal and Child Health (MCH), focusing on health equity and aligning with the Maternal and Child Health Bureau's strategic plan. Faculty from these institutions possess invaluable insights into their communities' challenges and strengths. We will discuss the importance of leveraging community strengths, emphasizing a community-led approach, and fostering collaboration among faculty to create a supportive culture that empowers individuals to share expertise and lead initiatives.
Key topics will include, (1) Strategies for protecting faculty, particularly junior and minority faculty, who often face exploitation. (2) Advocacy for mentorship models prioritizing genuine support over transactional relationships, ensuring that faculty are seen as individuals rather than mere instruments for funding opportunities. (3) Recognize the structural challenges within resource-limited ecosystems. (4) Emphasize that administrative requirements should reflect the realities faced by faculty engaged in community development, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Attendees will understand the importance of patience in community development, acknowledging that meaningful progress often requires time beyond conventional grant cycles.
As for student training and development, we will highlight how students are at the forefront of social change. By centering students' lived experiences and encouraging the integration of real-world applications with theoretical frameworks, we can create relevant and impactful learning experiences. Ultimately, we will explore how these strategies can drive transformative change in MCH. Attendees will be equipped with practical tools and insights to advance health equity and strengthen community engagement within their institutions. Together, we can build a more equitable future for maternal and child health.