Having walked through the traumatic experience of exclusion, Dr. LaQuoia Johnson transforms her pain into purpose as a champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. A clinical pharmacist by profession, she leverages her leadership experience and ability to foster psychological safety for team members and leaders in weekly DEI workshops for Novant Health. During her tenure with Novant, Dr. Johnson founded the signature “Engage Up” networking event for members of the Black/African American ERG to engage with senior leaders as potential sponsors. Additionally, she was praised for her inclusive leadership in supporting two pharmacy technicians through the 13-week cross-cultural language program for team members who speak English as a second language. For Dr. Johnson, DEI is not only what she teaches, but also how she lives and her purpose in life; helping people align the ‘person’ they are with the inclusive leader they hope to be