Deputy Director, Health Equality Project
Human Rights Campaign Foundation
Shelby Dawkins (she/they) serves as the Deputy Director of the Healthcare Equality Project at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. In this role, Shelby is dedicated to ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups have access to inclusive healthcare. She collaborates with healthcare organizations to foster environments that are welcoming and supportive for both their staff and patients.
Shelby's commitment to equity has taken her from Ohio to the Nation’s Capital. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies with a focus on difference and diversity from The Ohio State University, and a master’s degree in healthcare administration with a focus on leadership and management from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.
An Ohio native, Shelby began her career in social services, which led to her specialization in health equity at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, James Cancer Center, and Solove Research Comprehensive Cancer Center. During her 11 years at OSUWMC, Shelby gained experience in patient care, operations supervision, administrative work, community engagement, and outreach. She also emerged as a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as health equity. From 2019 to 2013 she lead the organization's LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group.
Shelby's extensive experience in a large healthcare system has given her valuable insights into creating inclusive cultures for both staff and patients, benefiting the surrounding communities. Supported by her wife Sandra and their two children, Ahli and Noa, Shelby continues to advocate for equitable healthcare access for all marginalized populations, striving to ensure that future generations have better opportunities than the last.
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Ensuring LGBTQ+ Workplace Equity and Inclusion to Future-Proof Your Hospital or Health System (95H)
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
4:30pm – 5:30pm CT