Black Voices Resource Group nominates ‘Unsung Voices’

Originally posted by Michigan Medicine Headlines.

Dr. Odetola was recently featured by Michigan Medicine headlines. Read the full article below.

February is Black History Month, and to celebrate, the Black Voices Resource Group is nominating “Unsung Voices” to honor those who have made a lasting impact at Michigan Medicine. 

Many have been in the organization for decades and exemplify the core values of caring, inclusion, innovation, integrity and teamwork. 

Clockwise from top left: Maurits Hughes, Yoline Williams, Anita Johnson, Folafoluwa Olutobi Odetola, M.B., Ch.B., M.P.H., Kattina Sims

Here’s a closer look at these invaluable team members: 

Maurits Hughes, director of support services and logistics 

Maurits exemplifies professional and personal excellence through his development of others and his ability to collaborate and be inclusive to all demographics of individuals. His innovation a town hall series brings in other departments to speak to and train his staff and leadership on various subjects. Through this collaboration, he shows how deeply he cares about broadening the education of his department and providing an environment of teamwork to his staff.  

He also provides mentoring opportunities for up-and-coming leaders to share his experience and direction. His leadership and excellence through the way he communicates and prioritized his department's daily work is shown throughout Michigan Medicine. He has no problem taking a new leader under his wing to support their career journey.      

Maurits’ 10-year anniversary at Michigan Medicine will be March 5. Thank you, Maurits, for all you do! 

Anita Johnson, community outreach coordinator, Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR) 

In Anita's 30 years of service, she has exemplified the Michigan Difference through her unwavering dedication to the institution, her colleagues and the broader community. Her willingness to consistently go above and beyond sets her apart. 

With a welcoming demeanor, Anita excels in both public settings and as a collaborative team member, qualities that are invaluable in her position with MICHR.  

In her position, Anita plays a crucial role in connecting community members with research studies at Michigan Medicine specific to their needs and interests. Her efforts help foster a culture where individuals feel heard, valued, respected and comfortable expressing themselves. At various community outreach events, Anita continuously impresses with integrity, warmth and commitment to helping others. 

Anita also actively participates in numerous committees at Michigan Medicine, including the MLK Symposium Planning Committee and co-chaired the North Campus Women of Color Group. Her involvement in these groups further demonstrates her dedication to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization and community.  

Anita is not only an exemplary colleague but also a true asset to the Michigan Medicine community. Her contributions and dedication positively impact patients and community members alike.  

Folafoluwa Olutobi Odetola, M.B., Ch.B., M.P.H., associate professor of critical care medicine 

Folafoluwa (Fola), more affectionately known as Dr. O, is not only an esteemed physician, but he is also an integral part of the Michigan Medicine Black Voices Resource Group. He provides unique perspectives that are rooted in equality and health equity for all. He also gives the group updates about institutional events and seeks input on processes or topics that apply to the Black community. 

Dr. O’s kind and caring nature leaves a lasting impression on the patients and families that he has been serving at Michigan Medicine for more than 20 years. Some of his resource group colleagues recently shared how he has helped them navigate their health care concerns. 

Dr. O advises for the Program for Equity in Adolescent and Child Health (PEACH) and leads the Fairness, Inclusion, Respect, and Equity, (F.I.R.E.) Pediatric Grand Rounds which are sponsored by the Department of Pediatrics. 

Most importantly, he is a father, husband, son and friend. His wisdom, guidance and passion are irreplaceable to the Black Voices Resource Group, as well as the institution. Thank you, Dr. O, for all that you do and all of your contributions to make the world a safe and equitable place for us all! 

Kattina Sims, financial/business analyst 

Kattina began her journey as a cashier at University Hospital in 1988 and later transitioned to a custodian on the main campus. After completing a bachelor’s degree in accounting, she worked in finance at the Hatcher Library, working her way up to her current role. Kattina values learning and continually seeks to expand her knowledge, which she eagerly shares to benefit everyone around her. 

According to Kattina, she finds joy and inspiration in innovating new ways to bring happiness, support and uplifting messages to her coworkers. To that end, she sends out weekly motivational messages because a few encouraging words can make a significant difference. 

Outside of her main roles, she also serves on the pharmacy Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team and was a health equity influencer at her previous job in post acute care.  She is also a member of the Spirituality Resource Group and the Working Family Resource Group.

Yoline Williams, senior director, nursing services 

Yoline has been an exemplary employee at Michigan Medicine for the past 15 years. She is one of the few Black senior nursing directors in the health system and has been an exceptional leader for Ambulatory Care. Currently, she is the nursing director at West Ann Arbor and is playing a prominent advisory and operational role in the expansion of the Ypsilanti Health Center.   

Yoline has always been a consistent champion for employees and patients from marginalized communities. 

Based on her innovation and teamwork approach at West Ann Arbor, Yoline was featured in the 2023 Ambulatory Care DEI Driver Video that you can watch by clicking here. 

Additionally, Yoline served on the Ambulatory Care Services Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for several years. During her time on the committee, she was instrumental in helping to determine the culture score metrics for the departmental goals. Furthermore, she was integral to the growth and impact of the department’s DEI Driver program.   

Demonstrating her integrity, Yoline is member of the Nursing Clinical Care Review Committee that helps to assess nursing culpability in potential litigation against the health system. Yoline is seen as a courageous leader in the health equity space with an ongoing commitment to improve access and the patient experience. She has volunteered her time to advance health for all populations while excelling in leadership and clinical care delivery.   

Thank you to all of these incredible colleagues for all they do every day!