Learning from Black team members at Grand River Hospital for Black History Month!

Leslie Davis

I'm Leslie Davis. I am an Education Practice Lead for the Medicine Program at Grand River Hospital. My journey with Grand River Hospital began in the year 2000, starting as a part-time float nurse at the Freeport site location. After two years, I transitioned to the inpatient surgical unit, dedicating 14 years to working full-time.

In a pivotal moment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,

I had the privilege of contributing to the Clinical Extern Project as a Clinical Extern Coordinator. This experience allowed me to actively engage in the development of effective strategies for integrating Clinical Externs into the hospital setting. It was a rewarding endeavour that showcased the resilience and adaptability of healthcare professionals during challenging times.

Maya Angelou, a Black historic leader, holds a special place in my heart. I draw inspiration from her wisdom and find strength in one of her profound quotes: "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." This affirmation resonates with me and serves as a guiding principle in navigating both my day-to-day activities and life's broader challenges.

I am pleased to see that Grand River Hospital is taking steps toward educating the organization on the challenges faced by the Black community within the healthcare system. The establishment of the Black Resources Group-Grand River Black Health Professional Collective reflects a commitment to fostering connections between the organization and the Black community we serve.

Mestawot Lemma

Greetings, I am Mestawot Lemma, an enthusiastic Environmental Service Worker, currently in my third year of service at Grand River Hospital. Originally from Ethiopia, I embarked on my Canadian adventure in 2009 with a childhood dream of working in a hospital setting. In 2021, this dream came true as I joined Grand River Hospital, bringing with me valuable experience gained from working in Retirement and Nursing homes.

One of the aspects I cherish most about my role is the friendships among my coworkers and the broader Grand River Hospital team. The friendly work environment is something I take pride in, and it further motivates me to contribute my best to the Environmental Service team.

At Grand River Hospital, I am grateful for the opportunity to directly engage with patients and provide a clean safe environment for their overall well-being. Knowing that my efforts contribute to their comfort brings me great satisfaction.

In addition to my daily duties, I find inspiration in the words and deeds of Oprah Winfrey, a Black leader I deeply admire. Oprah's commitment to helping everyone, regardless of their background, resonates with me. Her quote, "It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you – always," is an attitude I carry with me in my life journey.

As I continue my work at Grand River Hospital, I am dedicated to upholding the values of a clean environment, safety, and compassion for the patients’. Being a part of the healthcare community and contributing to the well-being of patients is not just a job for me; it's a fulfillment of a lifelong dream

Andre Watkis

My name is Andre Watkis. I work in the Child and Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry department as a social worker. I have worked at Grand River Hospital for over a year and identify as Afro-Caribbean. I like working at Grand River Hospital because of the interesting patients that I get to meet and having the opportunity to support the improvement of their unique presentations.

To me, Black Resistance means being exceptional despite all the negative messages and stereotypes that are typically directed at the Black community. Black Resistance is important as it helps to maintain the spirit of the Black community and bolster their resilience.

A Black health professional who has demonstrated Black Resistance is Dr. Onye Nnorom, a Black primary care physician who has dedicated her career to advocating for equity within the healthcare system. She accomplishes this by teaching medical school students, hosting an international podcast and advocating for race-based data.