Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Genetic counselors work in a multitude of specialties, in an array of settings, across a variety of platforms. Yet, despite the profession’s commitment to supporting a culture of diversity, 90% of genetic counselors identify as caucasian/white.
National Initiative
As a National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) state chapter, WIGCA strongly believes in creating a culture of equity and inclusion across our state and national organization within and surrounding the genetic counseling profession.
The 2022 - 2024 NSGC Strategic Plan includes the following
Strategic Area of Focus 2: Justice, equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
Develop, implement and operationalize a sustainable organizational structure and culture that supports justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within NSGC
Efforts will include:
Operationalize structures, policies, and practices that support an organizational culture of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within NSGC.
Establish and support a culture of accountability around justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within the profession.
Engage, retain and support a greater percentage of diverse identities within the genetic counseling profession.
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.)
The National Society of Genetic Counselors released its J.E.D.I Action Plan in 2022.
The six areas of focus are:
Communication & Transparency
Education & Training
NSGC Annual Conference
Partnership & Outreach
Policy & Changes
Wide-sweeping Changes
To read more details about the plan as well as updates on the organization’s progress, visit https://www.nsgc.org/JEDI
J.E.D.I. Resources
The Minority Genetic Professionals Network was created by the Western States Regional Genetics Network to address the limited racial and ethnic diversity among medical genetic professionals.
The Alliance to Increase Diversity in Genetic Counseling, is a consortium of five graduate genetic counseling programs working together to achieve this goal. This innovative program will offer an opportunity for a total of forty students, full two-year scholarships, educational fellowships, mentorship, and a curriculum focused on diversity and inclusion in their Master of Science in Genetic Counseling degree at one of the participating programs over the next five years.
Practicing and aspiring genetic counselors with disabilities and chronic illnesses have started to connect through periodic meetings, Slack channels, and more. Send an email to get connected with the group.
Are you aware of other resources? Let us know!