Health Advocacy Champion of the Month: Lori Clark
The Office of Health Advocacy and Fairness would like to recognize Lori Clark, Org Culture Engagement Consultant, as our two-time Health Advocacy and Fairness (HAF) Champion. Her unwavering dedication and impactful contributions continue to inspire and advance health advocacy and fairness.
Lori was nominated by Sterling Kelly. He said, “Lori has been an invaluable, long-standing member of the LGBTQ ERG since its inception several years ago. Her consistent volunteerism across numerous events and her past contributions to achieving the HEI designation underscore her dedication. Lori's insightful ideas, her passion for diversity, and her exceptional ability to develop and execute plans effectively and promptly make her an indispensable asset to the ERG."
We asked our two-time HAF champion the following:
Q1. Looking back over your journey with the LGBTQIA+ ERG, what has been the most meaningful change or growth you’ve witnessed?
A. The most meaningful change I’ve witnessed has been the shift from visibility to belonging. In the early days, the focus of our small but mighty group was on being seen—creating space, raising awareness and advocating for inclusion. But over time, I’ve watched LifeBridge Health evolve into an organization where LGBTQIA+ individuals aren’t just acknowledged—they’re valued, celebrated and empowered. It’s in the moments when someone shares that they feel safe bringing their full self to work, or when leadership actively seeks our input on policy and culture, that I see the real impact of that growth from representation to influence.
Q2. Being recognized twice for this award speaks volumes about your impact. What keeps you inspired to continue leading and contributing in such a consistent way?
A. This is an incredibly challenging time for social justice in America, and I often feel discouraged and helpless. I’m inspired by a line in Amanda Gorman’s poem The Hill We Climb. “There is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.” Justice is a moral imperative. The fight for equality, the fight to affirm the dignity and worth of every human being, is not something we can afford to give up on, even when the path is dark. We all need to be the light.
Q3. What is one new initiative, idea or goal you hope to help bring to life in the coming year to further health advocacy and fairness at LifeBridge Health?
A. In the coming year, I’m interested in exploring opportunities that align with LifeBridge Health’s commitment to health advocacy and fairness. One area I’m particularly curious about is how we can better integrate employee voices into organizational decision-making—especially those from underrepresented groups. I’d love to be part of conversations or pilot efforts that examine how inclusive engagement strategies can support both equity and well-being across the system.
