Diversity and Inclusion Council Profile - Fourth Quarter 2020
Robert Mitchell, manager, practice operations
This quarter, Northeast Medical Group recognizes an essential member of its Diversity and Inclusion Council: Robert Mitchell.
Robert Mitchell, manager, practice operations, has been with NEMG for six years and has been a valued Community Outreach Committee (COC) member since its 2015 inception. “An employee survey identified the need for an organized effort and strategy to address our employees’ concerns that we were not doing enough with our local community partners,” he said. “We put together a team of extraordinary people with vision and a relentless commitment to helping the less fortunate in our community, and to providing a moment of joy that was not there prior to our involvement.”
Of the many programs he’s volunteered his time to, one that stands out is NEMG's partnership with the Bridgeport Rescue Mission to sponsor a room in their home for homeless parents and children. Ten NEMG volunteers painted two rooms and assembled donated new furniture to create a home for a mother and her son who were living in their car. Other noteworthy initiatives include the annual Toys for Tots toy drive, and the Ronald McDonald House of CT volunteer meal program.
“The coming together of my NEMG colleagues to help out our neighbors in the communities we serve across our health system is very rewarding,” Mitchell said. “Our ability to organize and implement events through volunteerism and donating to specific identified needs is unparalleled, The satisfaction of seeing the smiles on the faces of the children and adults is priceless.”
In 2018, Mitchell was named co-chair of the NEMG Diversity and Inclusion Council alongside Peter Logue, COO, NEMG. “Together with the leadership and support of Maria Alicea, diversity and inclusion manager, we created a transformational council whose regional leadership has met and surpassed the goals, we as a group, set forth,” he said. “The NEMG Diversity and Inclusion Council is a very valuable part of our organization and will continue to play a key role in providing education and a platform to speak out against the racism and social discord currently affecting our country. We cannot train people out of their racism, but we can ask them to look for a different perspective. The qualities we are looking for in people interested in becoming new members are that you have a passion and willingness to advocate for change for the better and that you will not compromise your falling on the side of what is right. Your voice will be heard and your opinion respected. My advice – join me, join us, as I do have a deep faith in humanity and mankind. We have a lot of work to do and I’m ready to stand by your side for what is right.”
The Diversity and Inclusion Council is instrumental in carrying out NEMG’s mission to help the communities we serve. For information or to join, contact Robert Mitchell, 203-384-5109. Watch for more information on council initiatives.
