Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

There is no one who, at some point in their lives, has not required the care of a nurse. With such a staggering breadth of diversity in the patient base we serve, it’s critical that the next generation of nurses not only reflect that diversity, but is sensitive to and skillful in serving whomever may walk through their doors.

A group of students from different backgrounds in formal attire at a celebration with red balloons spelling MNO Student leaders of Penn Nursing's Minorities in Nursing Organization (MNO) celebrate their accomplishments at the 2024 Annual Red and White Ball.

Our commitment

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

A supportive environment

You’ll find that everyone—from the Dean to the faculty to our students—support and advance our efforts to diversify our School and field.

Our Office of Equity and Inclusion is focused on bringing culturally sensitive knowledge into the classroom, while providing resources to foster the success of all students.

Get Connected

We bring students, faculty, and staff together on our Diversity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee to share perspectives and provide leadership in steering School policy, curriculum, and support for diversity initiatives.

By paying careful attention to diversity in nursing science and education, our goal is to instill in our students the capacity to provide the highest level of care to all people.

Cultural Resource Centers

Diversity at Penn

Student Organizations

Get to know Penn Nursing’s diverse student community by joining one of our student organizations devoted to members of underrepresented groups.

Penn Nursing Student Organizations

Brianna Garcia-Bissey, MSN, AGNP-C
Nu’17, GNu’18

“I originally came to Penn Nursing for my BSN as a first generation, low-income student from a small New Jersey town, raised by a single mother. An Ivy League education seemed like a far-reaching dream, but I was warmly welcomed and my eyes were opened to the endless possibilities afforded through a career in nursing.”

Media

Making Change Happen

Nurturing the Next Generation of Nurses

See how Dean Villarruel and Penn Nursing students and IBX Foundation nurse interns, Leslie Njingang and José Maciel, are nurturing the next generation of nurses by emphasizing the importance of patient care and advocacy.

Play video

Related News

Inaugural Fellows Announced for the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing

Penn Nursing Dean Antonia M. Villarruel, along with 14 alums and associates of Penn Nursing, are among the inaugural class of 175 Fellows selected for the newly established Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (ADLN). The inaugural ADLN Fellows have demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of nursing education, research, practice, policy, or administration as it relates to issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI).