
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
At Wellstar, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging support our mission of enhancing the health
and well-being of every person we serve. Embracing and respecting the unique aspects of our patients,
employees, and the communities where we all live reflects our values
of serving with compassion, pursuing excellence and honoring every voice.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Wellstar
Wellstar Health System’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (ODEIB) is responsible for the system-wide design, development, strategic planning, and implementation of actions to impact workforce diversity, a culture of inclusion, building cultural competence, promoting health equity, improving community engagement, and enhancing supplier diversity.
When we speak a common language, we learn and grow together.
CEO Commitment Statement
Wellstar Health System is committed to putting people at the center of everything we do. We call it PeopleCare. It is who we are, from fulfilling our mission to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where all patients and team members feel valued and heard. It is also where we do not tolerate racism and discrimination of any kind.
To provide the best workplace for our team members, one where everyone belongs, we continue to prioritize and advance the Wellstar Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program to positively impact patients, team members, and the communities we serve - both today and into the future. Under the leadership of Le Joyce Naylor, Wellstar's Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, we remain steadfast in our commitment to six key areas of focus - creating workforce diversity and a culture of inclusion, building cultural competence, promoting health equity, improving community engagement, and enhancing supplier diversity.
I am proud to be part of the Wellstar team, and I am proud of the great diversity, equity and inclusion work happening across our healthcare system.
We recognize that addressing health disparities and standing against all forms of racism and discrimination are part of a journey. Therefore, we pledge to the Wellstar Health System family to continue our commitment to learn, educate and drive positive change for communities and our teams as we all work together to build a more just and equitable world.
Sincerely,
Candace L. Saunders
President & CEO
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Commitment Statement
When we lead with respect and embed equality at every level of our organization, we improve health outcomes, job satisfaction and quality of life for our patients, team members and communities we serve. It declares, "I see you," and everyone deserves to experience this profound sense of belonging.
Wellstar Health System Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) upholds the importance of our core value of honoring every voice and is committed to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive and feel like they belong.
Our efforts and work in elevating DEI throughout the health system are intentional. We earnestly listen to team members, patients and their families and respect their lived experiences.
The office is responsible for creating the strategic framework to advance DEI, integrate best practices throughout the system and evaluate progress. Our priorities and partnerships sustain our endeavors as we create, develop and implement initiatives to improve workforce diversity, increase cultural competency, strategically impact health equity, elevate community engagement and support supplier diversity.
We value the unique perspectives, backgrounds and ideals of all who come through our doors to seek and provide healthcare. By leveraging our similarities and differences, collectively, we create healthier communities and an engaged, diverse workforce that learns and grows while providing our patients world-class healthcare.
At Wellstar, we believe the opportunity to have the best in healthcare belongs to everyone.
Sincerely,
Le Joyce Naylor
Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
Workforce Diversity

Business Resource Groups and Inclusion Councils
Business Resource Groups (BRGs) and Inclusion Councils (ICs) represent Wellstar by serving as ambassadors and champions of the health system’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. Their strategic programming for physicians and team members builds cultural competency and increases awareness of the healthcare and wellness needs of our diverse patient, team member and community populations. ODEIB supports and advises the system-wide Business Resource Groups and location-specific Inclusion Councils.
Our Business Resource Groups:
|
Our Inclusion Councils:
|
What is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging?
DiversityRefers to characteristics that make us unique. These include but are not limited to gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, age, generation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, language and accent, disability, education, military status, job role, job experience, thinking style, and personality.
Equity
Refers to the practice of ensuring fairness in access and opportunity. Equity allows for everyone to reach their full potential. Equity should not be confused with equality, which does not always show up as the same treatment and opportunity for all.Inclusion
Refers to how we intentionally include and leverage those differences in our relationships, processes, and actions to create an equitable, healthy, and high-performing organization. Inclusion enables individuals to feel safe, respected, engaged, motivated, and valued for their contributions and who they are.Belonging
Refers to the positive feeling when individuals experience inclusion, equity, and diversity are optimized, allowing them to bring their best and authentic selves forward.