Even as the national conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion is muted, Weill Cornell Medicine continues its work to make sure everyone has a seat at the table.
That was the message relayed on April 23 by Dr. Linnie Golightly, provost and senior associate dean of academic affairs at CUNY School of Medicine. Dr. Golightly was joined by Dr. Heidi Bender, inaugural associate dean for faculty engagement and inclusion, and Fanesse Acquaye, executive director of the Office of Culture, Inclusion & Employee Experience for a fireside chat, as part of the institution’s eighth annual Diversity Week.
The nearly hour-long conversation explored Dr. Golightly’s legacy at Weill Cornell Medicine and her lifelong commitment to building institutions where everyone can feel they belong and every voice is heard. A 1983 graduate of Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Golightly spent close to 30 years of her professional career at the institution—joining the faculty in 1997 and then serving as associate dean of diversity and inclusion from 2016 until her departure in 2025.
She also discussed how she’s continuing the work in her current role, noting that the process continues by focusing on the opportunities ahead instead of looking back at the challenges already overcome. She stressed the importance of bridge-building—engaging skeptics and those unfamiliar with this work rather than retreating into like-minded circles.
