Kathy Busto Mickel

Me: Tell me something about lateral violence and Black women visionaries ChatGPT: Lateral violence refers to harmful behaviors that occur within marginalized groups directed at one another. This concept often arises in communities that experience systemic oppression, where individuals may internalize feelings of powerlessness and frustration, leading to acts of aggression or hostility towards peers who share similar experiences. Black women visionaries often face unique challenges within their communities and society at large. Despite their invaluable contributions to various fields, including activism, art, science, and literature, they can encounter resistance and criticism from within their own communities. Lateral violence can manifest in the form of belittling their achievements, doubting their capabilities, or perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Despite these obstacles, Black women visionaries continue to break barriers, challenge norms, and inspire future generations. Their resilience, creativity, and determination contribute immensely to social progress and cultural innovation. Recognizing and supporting their work is crucial for fostering inclusive and equitable environments where all voices are valued and respected. Week 18: My Year of ‘Blending’ - 2024 #SundayReflections I accidentally posted my reflection for Week 17 in the wrong place last week lol. The gist of it was that I got myself a "Workaholic Sponsor" and put myself on a made up version of a 12 step recovery program to heal my relationship with work. 😅

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Have you heard about perimenopause? If your answer is no, you are not alone. As of 2020, nearly half of the women around the globe were unaware of perimenopause and were surprised when it started. This statistic shows the percentage of women who were not aware, felt unprepared or didn't understand perimenopause and menopause worldwide Perimenopause is the stage before you transition into menopause; this can look different for every woman. To learn more, read this post.

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These are great tips!

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Many people of color and marginalized groups don't see themselves in leadership positions in your life science company. Listen to Leslie Loveless from Slone Partners delve into the cyclical barriers preventing diversity in life sciences leadership. From early educational hurdles to the lack of representation in top roles, these challenges create a persistent pattern that hinders progress in diversity. Listen to our full podcast conversation at one of the links in the first comment. #ceo #diversity #servantleadership #lifescience

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How does #Equity show up in your organization’s DEI strategy & goals? Can you truly see #equity?

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As a Black woman, I was surprised to learn about the prevalence of anemia in our community. At my 14-year-old daughter's annual physical, her pediatrician tested her iron levels and shared this information with me. Anemia affects me and my mom too. Anemia can have a significant impact on Black women's health. Compared to other demographic groups, we are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Its consequences can be far-reaching, affecting various aspects of our health and well-being. One of the primary ways anemia impacts Black women's health is through its effects on energy levels and overall vitality. Symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and dizziness can make it difficult for us to carry out our daily activities and responsibilities, negatively impacting our quality of life and overall productivity. Anemia can also have implications for maternal health, as pregnant Black women are particularly susceptible to developing iron deficiency anemia. This can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. Adequate prenatal care and monitoring are crucial to prevent and manage anemia during pregnancy. In addition to the physical effects, anemia can also impact mental health and emotional well-being. Chronic fatigue and weakness can lead to feelings of frustration, stress, and depression, affecting a woman's mental health and overall quality of life. It's essential for Black women to be aware of the increased risk of anemia and take proactive steps to prevent and manage the condition. This includes maintaining a healthy diet rich in iron, seeking regular medical check-ups, and discussing any concerns or symptoms with a healthcare provider. By addressing anemia early on and receiving appropriate treatment, Black women can improve their health outcomes and overall well-being. #BlackHealthMatters #AnemiaAwareness

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HIV+ Women deserve BETTER! In an effort to bring awareness to the services and support available for women living with HIV, here are two examples of nationwide, female-lead and female-run organizations doing just that! With that said, there is much more work to be done! The Well Project + Positive Women's Network - USA #hiv #hivwomen #womenempowerment

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Today is #BlackWomensEqualPayDay where the wage gap can cost a black woman nearly $900,000 over her 40-year career. Where the gender & racial wage gap robs black women of retirement security, and threatens black women's ability to save for a home, start a business, and pay off their student loans. These are hard but true conversations that need to happen on national and global scale, followed by real change and action. #EqualRemediesAct #BeHeardAct #PaycheckFairnessAct #SalaryTransparencyAct #EqualityAct

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Moving on from the situation I described in my TedX Talk was difficult. It was toxic and emotionally damaging. As a Black woman - that has been the case more times than not in employment situations. I experience anxiety when going into new employment situations. Someone shared the below tips with me to help me acclimate: 📍Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel this way. Recognizing it is the first step. 📍Build Trust Slowly: Give yourself time to adjust and build trust with your new team and manager. 📍Set Small Goals: Focus on small, daily achievements to build your confidence. 📍Communicate: Talk to your new manager about your experiences. Transparency can help them understand your situation better. 📍Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to talk to a therapist or career coach for professional advice. 📍You are in a new space with new opportunities. Shine bright! 🌞

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Sally's Celiac Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Advocating for Awareness. Join Sally on her path to managing celiac disease with resilience and determination. #Glutenfreejio #CeliacAwareness #GlutenFreeLife #celiacstory

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I was very disappointed by the recent decision by SHRM to drop the focus on Equity from their previously named DEI (now D&I) program. Although the organization insists that it (Equity) is still a priority, it’s going to focus on leading with Inclusion going forward. It’s no secret that there are many voices that disparage and detract from DEI work that is ongoing at companies. These voices often level wild charges not about the actual programs, but what they have heard from others who don’t have a good understanding of the benefits of DEI, ignoring multiple consulting studies that show increases in company ROI metrics when they have diverse teams and their employees feel they can be themselves at work. It’s not uncommon to have different focuses at different times for DEI programs, or programs from any other functions. Those are things we expect and are driven by business priorities. But when an organization bows to outside pressure or simply say it’s too hard to define or implement programs, that’s not a strategic rebrand, it’s throwing in the towel. I’ve been privileged to work for some amazing DEI leaders and now I am a DEI leader myself. I’ve seen ups & downs throughout the sinusoidal nature of this business. One thing that was true when I started and one thing that’s true now is that when we see the others do not understand the work, we need to double down on our efforts to drive first awareness, then understanding and finally engagement. Changing the acronym does none of that and may have a negative effect as DEI detractors point to this decision as proof they were right. I hope SHRM rethinks this decision; it’s hard to admit that a change you’ve made is not the right one, but it’s worse if you dig your heels in and cause greater harm. https://lnkd.in/grbeMUrH

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Black women die from cancer at higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group. It’s a stark reminder that disparities have dire consequences. I’m grateful that the American Cancer Society is taking action by launching a 30-year study to investigate why these disparities exist. As a Black woman and someone who has dedicated my entire career to advancing health equity, I applaud the American Cancer Society for asking the most important question. WHY?!?! The landmark study, “VOICES of Black Women” is launching in 20 states and the information obtained has the potential to drive improvement in health outcomes of Black women. https://lnkd.in/eWZ4eiFt #HealthcareonLinkedIn #healthequity

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Great way to support Maternal Mental Health. If you're a new or expecting parent, the Hotline is a call/text away. #MaternalMentalHealth #TLCMAMA #MaternalHealth #MentalHealth #Support #Hop3 # Someonetotalk

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The healthcare system has a long history of racism and indifference towards Black women, as evidenced by the infamous case of three enslaved women who were experimented on by Dr. Marion Sims without anesthesia. This history has left a lasting impact on Black women who work in healthcare, leading to burnout and emotional exhaustion. A recent study by Penn State found that Black nurse practitioners often spot health inequities and make an effort to confront them, but are often met with lip service from administrators. This lack of response from administrators can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion, further exacerbating the issue. The study also found that Black women are overrepresented in low-wage jobs in the healthcare field, and are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women. This is a concerning trend that highlights the need for more inclusive education and better treatment outcomes for Black patients. To address this, the American Nurses Association suggests increasing the wage of direct care workers, offering career mobility to direct care workers, and ensuring that the textbooks and lessons in nursing schools leave no suggestion that Black pain is less significant. What are your thoughts on this? How can we ensure that Black nurses are included and comfortable in the healthcare field? Read the full story by Brianna Patt and check out our coverage of this week’s e-edition dallasweekly.com #iamdw #blackpress #blackwomenhealthcare #nurseburnout #healthinequities #medicaltrauma #healthcareinclusion

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For almost 8 years, my symptoms were downplayed by doctors, and I was misdiagnosed despite showing clear signs of heart disease. Let’s discuss gender and racial disparities in healthcare, particularly from a woman’s perspective. Gender and Racial Disparities in Healthcare Gender and racial disparities in healthcare significantly affect the quality of care women receive, leading to higher rates of misdiagnosis and mortality. Gender Disparities: 1. Symptom Recognition: Women often present different symptoms for conditions like heart disease compared to men. This can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. 2. Research Gaps: Historically, medical research has predominantly focused on men, leading to a lack of understanding of how diseases manifest differently in women. 3. Bias: Healthcare providers may downplay or dismiss women’s symptoms, attributing them to psychological factors. Racial Disparities: 1. Access to Care: Women of color often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare. 2. Bias and Stereotyping: Implicit bias can lead to healthcare providers underestimating the pain and symptoms reported by women of color. 3. Cultural Competency: A lack of cultural competency among healthcare providers can result in miscommunication and misunderstanding of symptoms and health behaviors. Impact: • Misdiagnosis: Studies show that women, especially Black women, are more likely to be misdiagnosed compared to their white counterparts. • Mortality Rates: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death among women, with many not receiving timely and appropriate care. Black women, in particular, have higher mortality rates from heart disease. • Maternal Mortality: The maternal mortality rate is significantly higher for Black women. Solutions: 1. Education and Training: Healthcare providers need training on recognizing gender-specific symptoms and understanding the impact of implicit bias. 2. Diverse Research: More inclusive medical research that considers gender and racial differences can improve diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols. 3. Patient Advocacy: Encouraging women to advocate for their health and seek second opinions. 4. Policy Changes: Implementing policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare and addressing systemic biases. I’m grateful for the @worldheartfor inviting me to talk about the disparities in women’s healthcare. Together, we can raise awareness and push for the changes needed to ensure better health outcomes for all women.

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