Congratulations! Our own Dionisia de la Cerda was just named as recipient of the CU Anschutz Medical Campus’ Good Trouble Award.
Here is a snippet of the letter she received from Regina D. Richards, PhD, MSW, Vice Chancellor of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Community Engagement.
“It is with great enthusiasm that I inform you that you are a faculty recipient of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Good Trouble Award, named in honor of the late Congressman and civil rights leader, John Lewis. Winners of this Good Trouble Award were selected because you’ve demonstrated a profound commitment to civic engagement, challenged existing practices or policies, inspired others, advocated for fairness, justice, and basic human rights, and sometime have “gone against the grain,” demonstrating impactful leadership.”
Cleveland Piggott, MD, MPH - DFM's Vice Chair for Diversity, Health Equity, and Inclusion says he is not surprised that Dionisia earned this honor:
"As a society, we generally frown upon disruptors. To create change, the palatable solution seems to be incremental, but we all know that is often not enough. Being bold, being radical, and getting into trouble are essential to creating the society where justice and equity are at the foundation. Dionisia has always exemplified those characteristics and is why I love partnering with her. I believe she is often undervalued and overlooked for the work she does, and I'm glad she is being recognized for all the good trouble she gets into."
Dionisia is, of course, honored to be recognized, but says that this award is about much more than her efforts:
"I humbled to even be considered in the same category as John Lewis. It is not easy to be a disruptor, and ‘trouble-maker’, so receiving this gave me some validation that what I am doing is working; a boost for those tough days; I hope this attention, sheds light on some of the important work being done – we are always looking for more accomplices. This work is much harder for my Black and Brown partners; I want to use this attention to encourage allies to lean into being uncomfortable and being an accomplice to dismantle systemic racism and anti-Blackness on our campus, in the Aurora community, and in this country. Hashtags, and blacked out Instagram post won’t save lives – what can is being intentional about using your knowledge and position to change policies and practices."