Council Members
Members of the Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) are appointed by OHSU’s President and work together to enhance connection and collaboration across all schools and departments making recommendations for diversity-related initiatives for incorporation into the university’s existing diversity and affirmative action programs.
Council members are encouraged to address and make recommendations concerning the following issues, as well as others as they are identified including: increasing the recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty and employees, improving the campus climate, promoting the university’s mission, supporting diversity initiatives, and assuring quality service to diverse patients.
Council Membership
- Phyllis Beemsterboer, Ed.D.
School of Dentistry - Sima Desai, M.D.
Women in Medicine - Rachel Dresbeck, Ph.D.
Research Services - Martin Epson, M.D., M.T.S.
House Officers - Leslie Garcia, M.P.A.
Council Co-Chair
Center for Diversity & Multicultural Affairs - Vanessa Green, M.S.
Department of Science & Engineering - Jesika Gavilanes, M.A.
School of Nursing - Mariann Hyland, J.D., M.S.W.
Council Co-Chair
Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity - Iris Johnson, M.P.P.
Hospital - Norm Kalbfleisch, M.D.
GBLT Network - Jilma Meneses, J.D.
Central Services Services
- Valerie Palmer
Center for Research on Occupational & Environmental Toxicology - Renee Rice
AFSCME - Maria Elena Ruiz, Ph.D., R.N., FNP-BC
Faculty Senate - Samia Saad
Hospital - Steven Scott
Hospital - Linda Strahm, M.S.I.R.
Human Resources - Robert Vieira, Ed.D.
Academic Affairs - Kirsten Wall, M.A.
Human Resources - Dean Westwood, M.S.W.
Child Development and Rehabilitation Center - Xuemei Wu, Ph.D.
Research Institutes - Luai Zarour
Student Council
