Fulton, Neujahr are MMI’s latest Silver U winners
Caitlin Fulton, ICASD, and Maggie Neujahr, developmental and behavioral pediatrics, are MMI’s most recent recipients of UNMC’s Silver U Award.
Neujahr’s colleagues praised her for:
- Going above and beyond in the area of ensuring equitable access to health care for MMI’s most at-risk and culturally diverse families. Maggie takes the time to learn about families and is often considered a “safe space” to disclose difficult information.
- Being the “go-to” person in the event of a difficult social or challenging work situation. Neujahr handles these situations with dignity and poise that conveys her genuine desire to help, rather than judge, families who need such supports.
- Her uncanny ability to identify less-known resources, such as housing and utility supports, in order to assist families in meeting basic needs.
Fulton’s colleagues commended her for:
- Her volunterism. Fulton volunteers for nearly every MMI event, and she is the first one to offer her time and energy when unexpected situations arise. She never hesitates.
- Pursuing innovative and new experiences, such as sparking a collaboration with the Henry Doorly Zoo, working with the Salvation Army, and taking on new service initiatives like the Prosocial Interactions Program as the lead clinician.
- Functioning in many roles, often within the same day: As a clinical supervisor, scheduler extraordinaire, stepping in to provide direct therapy and being a peer mentor.
- Being a treasured team member.
MMI’s Sharif named to Inclusive Communities’ LeadDIVERSITY Advocates
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Graciela Sharif |
The Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Graciela Sharif was named to Inclusive Communities’ 2020-21 class of LeadDIVERSITY Advocates.
LeadDIVERSITY is a yearlong leadership program centered on creating organizational opportunities and conversations surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion. A program of Inclusive Communities, LeadDIVERSITY is in partnership with OPPD, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and The Business Ethics Alliance.
Sharif was one of 36 advocates selected for the program.
Tena Hahn Rodriguez, business development manager, said Inclusive Communities was excited to begin its journey with the applicants.
“As they grow as leaders, they will become the key bearers of inclusive and equitable culture and practice in their organizatons and on a larger scale. We recognize that this work we do must happen at all levels and in all sectors of society, and we feel that this cohort is best poised to create widespread positive change.”
“I am thankful to MMI for giving me the opportunity to embark in this leadership program that creates understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion in our communities,” Sharif said. “I am eager to help build an environment where everyone feels included.”
LEND trainee’s work published in AUCD periodical
Shaistha Kiran Karipi, a former University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) trainee at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, recently participated in the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Emerging Leader Trainee Liaison Program.
As part of her collaboration with AUCD leadership and trainees from programs across the country, Karipi wrote an article for the AUCD360 periodical, which was published in June. The article focused on one of her traineeship experiences, highlighting a leadership training project she participated in.
“Shaistha performed beyond expectations in her traineeship,” said Mark Smith, Shaistha’s traineeship supervisor. “She did an absolutely terrific job. I predict she will emerge as a leader in disability policy and practice in the future.”
The UCEDD traineeship focuses on enhancing individual knowledge and skills related to intellectual and developmental disability advocacy and leadership. The goal of the program is to support individuals interested in increasing their involvement in the disability field. Past participants have included professionals, persons with disabilities and family members.
The LEND traineeship is part of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDD) at MMI. UCEDDs across the country work to accomplish a shared vision that foresees a nation in which all Americans, including Americans with disabilities, participate fully in their communities. MMI is the only UCEDD site in Nebraska.