The Independence Business Alliance (IBA) is thrilled to welcome Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health as a Gold Corporate Partner. The news was announced this morning, at the IBA’s annual President’s Breakfast.
“Jefferson contributes $6.5 billion to the region’s economy and it is imperative that we support our local businesses and LGBT neighbors with this impact,” said Joseph Hill, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. “Our membership in Philadelphia’s Independence Business Alliance will help us connect to local LGBT businesses and increase supplier diversity. It also signifies our commitment and support of the LGBT community.”
Jefferson, located in the greater Philadelphia region and southern New Jersey, is reimagining health care and education to create unparalleled value. Jefferson is 28,000 people strong, dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients, preparing tomorrow’s professional leaders for 21st century careers, and discovering new treatments to define the future of care. Jefferson’s newly recalibrated Office of Diversity and Inclusion plays central role in promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency through its interaction and collaboration with a variety of offices and schools. This work reduces health and education disparities, increases student body and faculty diversity, and promotes an inclusive environment for the entire university. Their recent commitment to establishing procedures and plans for supplier diversity initiatives makes them a perfect fit for the IBA.
“This partnership is breaking ground for the IBA in corporate partnership in the eds and meds space,” says IBA Executive Director, Zach Wilcha. “This partnership is made all the more significant by the fact that this is an industry for which our city is among the leading cities in the world. The inclusion of, and support for, LGBT businesses in this sector is a great asset for our community.”
Jefferson has a strong history of support for and alliance with the LGBT community, and we are thrilled that its partnership with the IBA will highlight that commitment.