Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG) hosted their 3rd Annual Equity Award ceremony—a time to stop and reflect on the Hospital’s values and to celebrate their efforts in striving for equity in all that they do.
These awards are an opportunity to highlight what “equity in action” looks like in daily work. They recognize the ways staff are improving care, reducing barriers, strengthening inclusion, and helping build systems that better serve patients, the workforce, and one another. They also help share examples that other teams can learn from and build upon.
This year’s recipients were selected for their impact on equity, collaboration, sustainability, and alignment with ZSFG values.
The first awardee was the Family Health Center, recognized for their work in eliminating health disparities.
The Health Workers Quality Improvement Team in the Family Health Center uses targeted outreach and routine data review to improve preventive care follow up and reduce disparities in outcomes for Black/African American patients.
The second awardee was the Trauma Recovery / Rape Treatment Center (TRC/RTC) Medical Forensic Team, recognized for their work in building a culture of inclusion and belonging.
This team improves access to timely, trauma informed forensic care through stronger language access, disability accommodations, and coordination across teams.
The third awardee was Norlissa Cooper, Administrator on Duty, Nursing Leadership, recognized for her consistent effort to ensure workplace equity.
Norlissa helped create the Nursing Research Symposium, which ZSFG has held two years in a row. Through her leadership, she expands access to mentorship, learning, and professional growth opportunities for our nursing staff.
The final awardee was Gillian Otway, Chief Nursing Officer, who received the Career Achievement Award.
Gillian’s longstanding commitment to equity-centered nursing leadership, mentorship, and staff development strengthens pathways into leadership across ZSFG. She has built an incredible nurse leadership team in every area of care who uphold our values and commitment to excellence.
“Equity and service is so deeply woven into the fabric of who we are at ZSFG. One of the things that I’m most proud of at ZSFG is our commitment to diversity. We continuously work to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We know that our various backgrounds, cultures, identities, and lived experiences are our strength. It makes us better caregivers. Better listeners. Better leaders. And better humans,” Gillian said. “Here at ZSFG, this work is personal to us. This work is foundational to who we are. Equity is to be seen, heard, respected, and cared for. It means lifting others as we climb.”
Equity work matters. It improves health outcomes, helps close gaps in care, strengthens communication and trust, improves access and follow up, and supports staff in providing safer, more compassionate care.
Congratulations to everyone who was recognized and appreciation to everyone at ZSFG for upholding the mission and values of equity, inclusion, and belonging.
