This conversation is especially timely as our university community gathers later this month for the annual OneGW Summit 2026: Many Voices. OneGW.  The theme reminds us that we can share a community without sharing identical experiences. Different perspectives, disciplines, backgrounds, and lived experiences can help reveal challenges that might otherwise remain unseen.

When a patient misses an appointment, does not fill a prescription, or struggles to follow a treatment plan, it can be easy to focus on individual behavior. But what happens when we widen the lens? Health is shaped by more than individual choices. Transportation, cost, work schedules, caregiving, housing, language, technology access, and healthcare policies can all influence whether someone is able to follow through with care. What looks like disengagement may reflect barriers within the systems surrounding that person.

This is where structural competency matters. It asks us to look beyond the immediate behavior and consider the conditions that may be shaping it. Language matters, too. Labels such as noncompliant, difficult, or disengaged can obscure the circumstances behind a person’s actions.

Many workplace policies and practices are designed to apply equally to everyone.  However, treating everyone the same does not always mean everyone experiences a policy in the same way.  An inclusive excellence lens asks us to consider not only a policy’s intent, but also its impact.  A seemingly neutral practice may create unintended barriers because people have different circumstances, responsibilities, and access to resources.

Vera Thomas

For me, belonging at GW Nursing means being apart of something bigger than myself in everything that I do.  Knowing that my voice is heard and lifted up in this community brings me so much pride in my work, joy in the success of others, and encourages me to be my best self, both in and outside of work.

Janet Radzykewycz

Understanding my purpose-helping future nurses meet their dreams and walking with them into the profession I love so dearly. 

Tony Yang

Belonging at GW Nursing means being part of the greater GW community, where diverse scholarly perspectives should be actively valued, interdisciplinary collaboration should be genuinely encouraged, and every member should feel equipped and supported to make a meaningful impact.

Rebecca Morrow

GW Nursing feels like a place where everyone can show up as themselves.  It’s an inclusive community that genuinely values who we are and highlights our stories, our identities, and the strengths we bring to the table.  It’s a space where we laugh together, celebrate wins together, and encourage one another through the tough moments.  The support here doesn’t feel formal or distant.  It’s real, everyday kindness that makes the hard days lighter and the good days even better.

Cody Smith

To me, belonging at GW Nursing is knowing your colleagues see you more as a co-worker and being able to be myself in interactions whether discussing work or personal things.  I love being able to work with a team where we can openly communicate with each other and rely on each other when needed.

This space will feature a prompt designed to help you grow in relationship with yourself and others.  Here is October's reflection prompt:

Think of one policy, practice, or routine in your work that has become “just the way we do things.” Who does it work well for? Who might experience it differently?

And then,

Identify one opportunity to listen to a voice you do not routinely hear before deciding what, if anything, needs to change.

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