UPMC Receives Prestigious Award for Diversity and Inclusion Initiative

By: Harry "Quincy" Nolan & Molly Catlos

UPMC has been selected as a 2023 Catalyst Award recipient for significantly increasing representation of women and people of color in executive roles. UPMC is one of only two organizations receiving this global award and is the first health care recipient since 2011.

UPMC exceeded its five-year (2016-2021) workforce demographic goal by achieving a 96% increase in representation of people of color and made a significant advancement — a 19% increase — in representation of women in executive roles.

“Simply put, representation matters. We know first-hand that a diverse workforce is paramount to reducing health disparities, building trust, and breaking down barriers related to health care,” said Dr. James E. Taylor, UPMC chief diversity, inclusion and talent management officer. “Seeing is believing. People need to see themselves in leadership roles to sustain and enhance our diverse workforce. Having broader representation — at all levels — ensures we have the knowledge, critical thinking, agility, and innovation required of a health system that now leads better and works toward building a more equitable future.”

UPMC will be honored at the Catalyst Awards Conference & Gala on Thursday, March 30, in New York City.

The award is a global recognition of organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that drive representation and inclusion for women. Winning initiatives show proven, measurable results that benefit women across a range of dimensions, among them race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, generation, nationality, disability and Indigenous peoples. This year’s theme, Accelerating Equity on All Fronts — So Women Thrive, urges leaders to build more gender-equitable workplaces from the frontlines to the C-suite.

The Hartford, a Fortune 200 insurance company, is also receiving a Catalyst award.

“The Catalyst Award-winning initiatives from The Hartford and UPMC are testaments to what is possible when DEI is prioritized at every level,” said Lorraine Hariton, Catalyst president and CEO. “With intentionality, commitment and innovation, these initiatives are accelerating equity and serving as models for others to do the same.”