Celebrating Diversity

Celebrating Women’s History Month at Cook Medical: honoring achievements and supporting communities

April 16, 2024

Throughout March, Cook Medical proudly commemorated Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the incredible contributions and accomplishments of women throughout history. It provided us with an opportunity to reflect on the significant impact women have had on our world and to celebrate their achievements.

Events at Cook: Themed lunch and donation drive

Cook employees collect donations for I Support the Girls

As part of our celebration, Cook Medical hosted a “Celebrating Women’s History Month” themed lunch and donation drive. This event not only honored the achievements of women but also supported our communities by collecting hygiene and menstrual products for I Support the Girls – Bloomington. Cook locations throughout the US participated in the drive, in partnership with the Women’s Business Resource Group, to make a positive impact and support women in need.

Empowering women in the workplace

Tables from the co-sponsored event at Cook Limerick with the Women’s, Veterans, and Pride BRG

At Cook Medical, we believe in creating an environment where people of all genders can thrive and succeed. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential for better outcomes in healthcare, our communities, and our business.

Through our Women’s Business Resource Group (BRG) and other initiatives, we provide opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as networking events designed to empower women at every stage of their careers. We are committed to doing our part to ensure that women have the support they need to reach their professional goals.

This year, the Women’s BRG hosted an engaging panel discussion featuring inspiring women from across Cook and the BRGs. Through candid conversations, they shared personal anecdotes, pivotal moments, and strategies for overcoming challenges. From discussing mentorship and empowerment to navigating work-life balance, this session provided insights, advice, and inspiration for aspiring individuals seeking to carve their own paths to success. Cook Limerick also sponsored an event with the Women’s, Veterans, and Pride BRGs.

By championing gender equality and fostering a culture of inclusion, we are not just empowering women in our workplace, but also contributing to a more equitable and diverse society.

Recognizing notable women in medicine

Through celebrating Women’s History Month, we learned about notable women who have made a significant impact in the field of medicine. Two such women are Dr. Helen Brooke Taussig, a pioneering cardiologist known for her development of the Blalock-Taussig shunt, an artery-like tube that revolutionized the treatment of congenital heart defects in children, and Dr. Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin, a chemist whose research helped advance the understanding of important biochemical substances, including penicillin, vitamin B12, and insulin. We are grateful for their groundbreaking work, which continues to have a lasting impact on patient outcomes throughout the world.

Honoring notable women at Cook

Marsha Lovejoy receives the Woman of the Year Award

This year, Marsha Lovejoy, Cook’s manager of public relations, was recognized with the Woman of the Year Award from the city of Bloomington, Indiana, for her work as the Bloomington affiliate director with I Support the Girls (ISTG).

Marsha began supporting ISTG in 2016, and in 2023, she collected over 37,000 products. For 2024, Marsha’s goal is to collect and donate 40,000 products and expand I Support the Girls into surrounding areas.

Join us in celebration

We hope you will join us in celebrating Women’s History Month all year long. Together, we can honor the achievements of women, celebrate their contributions, and support a more inclusive future

Honoring Black Excellence: Celebrating Black History Month at Cook Medical

February 28, 2024

At Cook Medical, we take great pride in celebrating Black History Month by acknowledging the remarkable achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. This month offers us opportunities to reflect on the rich cultural heritage and enduring impact of the Black community on our society.

Cook employees at a Black History Month table

Celebrations at Cook: Embracing Diversity and Heritage

During Black History Month, Cook Medical is proud to host a variety of celebratory events that showcase the richness of Black culture and heritage. Our observance includes a virtual event cohosted by our Ethnic Minorities Business Resource Group and Women’s Business Resource Group. This event celebrates the exceptional impact of notable Black women who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Through storytelling and learning, we aim to honor their achievements and amplify their voices.

Employees distributing snacks for a Black History Month celebration

We are also highlighting the culinary impact on American cuisine through hosting onsite lunches in the cafeterias at many of our US locations, featuring a selection of dishes that reflect the diverse and vibrant food traditions of the Black community. It is an opportunity to enjoy the flavors, learn about the cultural significance, and appreciate the culinary heritage that has enriched American cuisine.

Cook employees at the City of Bloomington’s Black History Month gala

This year, we are also engaging with our local communities in our celebration efforts through sponsoring the City of Bloomington, Indiana’s Black History Month program and attending the Black History Month Gala.

Recognizing Black Innovators: A Legacy of Excellence

Our success at Cook Medical is rooted in a legacy of innovation and collaboration, and we have deep appreciation for the history of medical innovation and the role that Black Americans have played in advancing healthcare.

From the groundbreaking achievements of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, who performed the world’s first successful open-heart surgery, to the trailblazing work of Dr. Alexa Canady, the first Black female neurosurgeon in the United States, we recognize and honor the contributions of Black innovators in medicine, whose work continues to inspire and shape the future of healthcare.

Cook Medical president Pete Yonkman celebrates with employees

Join Us in Celebration and Commitment

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is defined not just by singular events but is deeply ingrained in our company culture and values. By fostering an environment where we strive to make sure every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every individual is empowered to thrive, we believe we can drive meaningful change in our workplace, local communities, and beyond.

As we commemorate Black History Month at Cook Medical, we invite our employees, partners, and communities to join us not only in celebrating the past achievements of Black individuals but also in committingourselves to creating a more equitable and inclusive future.

Cook Medical’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

November 1, 2023

Cook Medical came together to celebrate the rich tapestry of Hispanic culture during Hispanic Heritage Month events held at our US locations. Running from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a time for us to learn about and commemorate the culture, traditions, and history of Hispanic and Latinx communities, but also a time for us at Cook Medical to reflect on the contributions of these groups to medical innovation and to honor the diverse experiences that make our team unique.

This year’s events gave our teams memorable and enriching opportunities to learn about Hispanic pioneers in medicine and Hispanic culture, and to enjoy foods from around the world. Join us as we reflect on the festivities and learning that made this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month an unforgettable celebration.

The Hispanic Heritage themed meal with free beverages and/or churros was a fun way for me to introduce something new to some of my coworkers. It led to great follow-up conversations with new recommendations for local restaurants and tiendas. – Theresa Forshey, Ethnic Minorities Business Resource Group, Cook Medical

Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx culture

Cook employees enjoy churros

Learning about our different cultures helps build connections and better understanding with those we work with. It’s why we incorporate resources and educational events into our celebrations. Joining forces with our Ethnic Minorities Business Resource Group, we held an event featuring music and dance, as well as education on traditions, food, and music across Spanish-speaking countries around the world.

Our US locations also invited employees to come together to savor the delicious flavors of several Hispanic dishes, including tamales, taquitos, and churros while enjoying the sounds of music by Hispanic artists.

Recognizing Hispanic pioneers in medicine

Hispanic pioneers in medicine have made an indelible mark on medicine and improving patient care. From Severo Ochoa, whose groundbreaking discovery of an enzyme that synthesizes RNA led to him being honored as the first Hispanic American to win the

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, to Helen Rodríguez-Trías, whose activism surrounding forced sterilization, as well as care for patients with HIV/AIDS, improved equity, patient consent, and standards of care for all patients, the work of Hispanic and Latinx doctors and scientists has left a lasting impact.

An educational table display about Hispanic Heritage Month

Honoring our values

Our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month goes beyond the festivities; it reflects our core values of treating everyone with respect and continually improving as an organization. By acknowledging and honoring diverse cultures within our company, we recognize the individuality and contributions of each employee’s experience and create tangible expressions of our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.

How Cook Medical celebrated Pride Month

September 8, 2023

Cook Medical celebrates the diversity of our employees and communities around the world and is committed to offering an affirming and welcoming environment for our teams. In June, we held events and trainings for Pride Month, an important celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our senior manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Pauli Escobedo, had this to say about Pride: