RIVER FALLS  – A nationally recognized speaker who aims to help people better understand their biases as they relate to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and belonging will discuss that topic at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Wednesday, Feb. 21, as part of Black History Month. 

Dr. Sandra Ogunremi, vice president of diversity, inclusion and belonging at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital in Rapid City, S.D., will discuss DEI and the impact of people’s biases on their decisions during her presentation “Adjust Your Lens to See Things Differently.” 

The event, sponsored by the UW-River Falls Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) Office, is from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Kinnickinnic Theater on the third floor of the University Center, 501 Wild Rose Ave., River Falls. 

Ogunremi has worked since 2008 at Monument Health, where she has worked on incorporating DEI into the healthcare provider’s processes. Thanks to her work, last year Monument Health Rapid City Hospital was recognized as one of three healthcare systems to earn the Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award.

Princess Kent, DIB director, said recognizing the biases we carry and their impact on our decisions is always important, especially during Black History Month. 

“While it's crucial to acknowledge biases whenever they arise, the celebration of Black History Month underscores the heightened importance of recognizing and challenging our biases, particularly in the context of the diversity challenges faced by our university,” Kent said. 

Submitted by UW-River Falls