Joan Reede builds diversity and inclusion into Harvard Medical School’s ethos
In nearly 30 years leading diversity initiatives at Harvard Medical School (HMS), Joan Reede has helped scores of mentees advance their academic careers, inspired thousands of young people to consider a future in medicine and science, and encouraged HMS to embed diversity and inclusion into its mission. As dean for diversity and community partnership, Reede is considered by many at HMS to be the heart and soul of diversity efforts at the School, by virtue of her keen intelligence, warm personality, ability to coalesce resources, and passion for equity and social justice — and for her penchant, as a trained pediatrician, for helping people realize their full potential. “Harvard Medical School is so lucky to have her,” said Nawal Nour, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), who has known Reede for 20 years as a mentee and colleague. “I have had the opportunity to work with Joan...