We are pleased to announce that Leah Pimentel, MBA, the director of Diversity, Equity Inclusion (DEI) and Culture in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care has been named the co-director for Differences Matter: Build Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression Expertise by UCSF’s Office of the Executive Vice Dean. Differences Matter is a multi-year, multi-faceted School of Medicine initiative to make UCSF the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive academic medical system in the country. Over the next two years, Leah will play a pivotal role in identifying the competencies and training that UCSF’s faculty, staff, leaders, and learners need to build a more equitable and inclusive institution.
Leah is a San Francisco native who earned a degree in Business Administration from Sonoma State University and an MBA from Dominican University. She received her Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certification from UCSF and was the recipient of a 2022 Healthcare DEI Champions Award. Leah has over 15 years of experience in leading culture and operational change. She is also well versed in representing diverse backgrounds and brings values, creativity, and a sense of community into programs and business processes.
Leah’s innovative work as the department’s first director of DEI has been instrumental in the department’s vision for DEI and we are thrilled to see her share her expertise as co-director for the Differences Matter initiative. Please join us in congratulating Leah on this outstanding achievement!