Leading with Purpose: Arianne Dowdell’s Journey as Houston Methodist’s Chief DEI Officer

Arianne Dowdell’s journey to becoming the Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Officer at Houston Methodist is marked by a series of roles that emphasized the importance of storytelling and bringing people together. “In many ways, I believe every career step led me to my current role leading diversity, equity, and inclusion at Houston Methodist,” says Dowdell.

With a family background deeply rooted in education and healthcare—Dowdell’s father worked in healthcare and Dowdell’s mother was a teacher—Dowdell was guided by strong academic values. This foundation led Dowdell to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and law school, paving the way for a diverse career path in television, practicing law, higher education, and eventually healthcare.

Entry into the Diversity Role

Dowdell stepped into the role of Houston Methodist’s first Vice President and Chief DEI Officer in the fall of 2020, during a tumultuous period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened national awareness around issues of race and inclusion.

“I began in my role in the fall of 2020, as Houston Methodist’s first vice president and chief DEI officer, during the peak of the pandemic and during a time when our country faced a lot of turmoil about race, diversity, equality, and inclusion,” Dowdell explains. Prior to this, Dowdell worked at the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation.

Dowdell’s background, influenced by a grandfather active in the civil rights movement, provided a strong foundation for this role. “My grandfather was involved in the civil rights movement, so during my childhood I was exposed to the importance of using your voice to create meaningful change,” Dowdell recalls.

Promoting DEI at Houston Methodist

Houston Methodist’s commitment to DEI is deeply integrated into its organizational fabric. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion is embedded throughout every aspect of Houston Methodist,” Dowdell notes. The support from leadership and the board of directors is a cornerstone of this commitment. The organization promotes DEI through various channels, including employee resource groups (ERGs), community engagement, a series of learning programs, and a dedicated DEI resources page aimed at fostering a more inclusive culture.

Employee Resource Groups

ERGs play a crucial role in promoting DEI at Houston Methodist. “We have eleven ERGs at Houston Methodist with nearly 3,000 members,” Dowdell shares. These groups cover a wide range of interests and backgrounds, including Arab Heritage, Asian Heritage, Black Ties for Culture, Fathers in Healthcare, Hispanic/LatinX Alliance, LGBTQIA+ Allies, Moms of Methodist, Veterans Alliance, Women’s Empowerment, Young Professionals, and Alliance for Visible and Invisible Disabilities. “I’m really proud of the growth, leadership, and meaningful programs these employee-driven groups share within our organization and the Greater Houston community,” Dowdell adds.

Unique DEI Initiatives to Support a Diverse Workforce

Houston Methodist’s DEI department is distinguished by its structure and strategic focus. “We have a unique team at Houston Methodist and within our DEI department. We are a department of 10, which has allowed us to not only have specific people focused on core areas but also has allowed our efforts to move at a faster pace, enabling us to be more intentional and impactful,” Dowdell explains. This structure supports sustained and meaningful DEI efforts across the organization.

Dowdell and other Houston Methodist leaders foster a diverse and supportive work environment through various programs and events. These include ERGs, cultural heritage observances, training and learning opportunities, and a unique DEI personal day, which provides an additional PTO day for staff to celebrate holidays, interfaith observances, or personal milestones. “We continue to look to highlight and support the different backgrounds and groups within our organization,” Dowdell emphasizes.

Inclusive Hiring Practices

Houston Methodist is also committed to diversifying its talent pool through inclusive hiring practices. The organization collaborates closely with HR to ensure a welcoming environment for diverse perspectives. Specialized hiring events target groups such as veterans, women, and people with disabilities.

“We recently launched partnerships with three Houston-area nonprofits that support diverse groups that offer integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” Dowdell explains. This initiative broadens job opportunities for people of varying skill levels, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Houston Methodist also prioritizes opening doors for the next generation. The Summer Scholars Program, now in its third year, offers a 10-week program designed to give undergraduate students hands-on experience in non-clinical departments across the health system. “This program is administered by the Office of DEI and aims to broaden perspectives of the healthcare industry. I’m really pleased with how this program has developed over the years, and I’m proud to say that students from two of the three cohorts have received job offers and are now employed at Houston Methodist,” Dowdell notes.

Developing an Inclusive Culture

With its rich history of over 100 years, Houston Methodist has long been committed to health equity. “We have a history rich in diversity and inclusion,” Dowdell says. The organization’s legacy includes pioneering figures like administrator Josie Roberts and board member Ella Fondren, as well as Michael DeBakey, the son of Lebanese immigrants, who significantly advanced cardiovascular medicine at Houston Methodist. “We continue that legacy by continuing to embrace every person as a person of sacred worth including the over 34,000 employees at our hospitals, our patients, and communities,” Dowdell adds.

Dowdell’s leadership in DEI at Houston Methodist highlights the organization’s comprehensive and deeply rooted commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. From robust employee resource groups and inclusive hiring practices to innovative programs like the Summer Scholars Program, Houston Methodist demonstrates a proactive approach to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Under Dowdell’s guidance, the organization continues to build on its legacy of embracing diversity and promoting equity, ensuring that every individual is valued and empowered to contribute to the success of the health system.

Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.

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