Today we’d like to introduce you to John Blanding.
Thanks for sharing your story with us John. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Economics. As a novice to higher education, I went into college aspiring to become a corporate attorney for a large Fortune-500 company. My experiences as a student leader and interactions with senior leadership at Auburn prompted me to alter that age-old plan in my final semester. I saw a need for the development of cultural competency at every level of the institutional hierarchy. In my role as President of Auburn University’s Black Student Union, I was exposed to the technicality (science) behind my experiences as a black male with a number of historically marginalized intersecting identities in the context of a predominately white institution. I even developed an awareness outside the parameters of the university that came at a time where social justice seemed to take center stage across the globe. I believe this was largely the result of the age of social media. After working with the university to interview and hire our first Chief Diversity Officer and serving under her leadership, I knew I was purposed to continue this work post-graduation.
Almost immediately, I began researching and applying for a number of master’s programs. Ultimately, I gained admissions into the M.Ed. program in Higher Education Administration at Georgetown University. Two weeks after graduation, I relocated to Washington, D.C. for an internship in the Office of Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell just prior to the start of the Fall semester. While at Georgetown, I had the unique opportunity to work as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Law School’s Office of Equity and Inclusion. As the right-hand to the Chief Diversity Officer there, I gained a wealth of knowledge and cemented my passion for topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion, not only in academia but also in everyday industries and social structures. Nearing the end of my stint in the M.Ed. program I made yet another drastic move–this time to Atlanta, Georgia. My move was largely charged by a reassessment of those core values by which I live, specifically, community and relationship.
Now, I have settled into life here in Atlanta. I was afforded the opportunity to join Emory University’s Department of Medicine as the Program Coordinator for Diversity Initiatives and Human Resources. In this role, I have the chance to cultivate my passion for education and matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although the next steps are unknown, I am confident that I will continue to advance the cause for social identity groups that have been historically marginalized by dismantling social constructs that inhibit their success and security.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I initially expected this journey to and through higher education to be much more linear than it actually has been. Although I have not experienced any major obstacles, I found the uncertainty of this journey to be quite challenging. My moves to both Washington, D.C. and Atlanta were spontaneous and, arguably, unfounded. However, I knew that in pursuing my heart’s purest passion and what I believe to be my life’s purpose, I could not falter. Faith and fervor have propelled me forward in this journey, despite the innate obstacles or challenges accompanying my reality.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I currently serve as the Program Coordinator for Diversity Initiatives and Human Resources for Emory University Department of Medicine. I am responsible for providing administrative and logistical support and developing reporting solutions for the Department of Medicine’s human resources and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. I work closely with HR leadership to understand reporting requirements and design, develop, and distribute reports, dashboards, presentations, and visual aids to inform and influence stakeholder decisions.
Additionally, I work collaboratively with faculty and staff within and outside the Department of Medicine to initiate, organize, and support all major projects around diversity, equity and inclusion. In academic medicine, I work in close proximity with physicians across the Atlanta-Metro area and healthcare professionals within the Emory University network. In quintessence, a large part of my work involves creating and sustaining pipeline programs and initiatives that recruit and retain faculty, staff, physicians, and trainees from historically underrepresented backgrounds into Emory University Department of Medicine.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe success is relative to every individual. Success is not defined by a single metric. My personal, professional, and academic trajectories have taught me to measure success by the way in which I personally feel I am fulfilling my purpose and pursuing my passion. I believe that even failed attempts and unfruitful endeavors are still valuable and ultimately contribute to advancement in at least one area of life.
Contact Info:
- Address: Emory University Department of Medicine
1364 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30322 - Website: www.medicine.emory.edu/about/diversity-inclusion.html
- Phone: (205) 427-7246
- Email: job12@georgetown.edu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joblanding/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.blanding?ref=bookmarks
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-otis-blanding-546a68106/
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