NORTHFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Terri Dickinson-Creasey, JD, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) at the College of American Pathologists (CAP), has been named PRSA Chicago’s 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year. This award recognizes her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity within the CAP and across the broader community.
"This award is a powerful affirmation of the collective efforts we've undertaken at the CAP," said Ms. Dickinson-Creasey. "DE&I is not just a professional focus for me; it’s personal. As a first-generation college student and the first person in my family to attend law school, I benefited from mentors providing access and removing barriers, allowing me to realize my potential. I see our DEI initiatives as a way to create those same opportunities for others. I want employees to know that their voices matter, regardless of their background or personal identity. Our unique experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives make us collectively stronger as an organization and better equipped to fulfill our mission.”
Since joining the CAP in February 2022, Ms. Dickinson-Creasey has spearheaded the organization’s DE&I initiatives. She identified and addressed systemic cultural barriers, managed enterprise-wide culture change, and continues to monitor progress to ensure sustainable impact. Her efforts also include launching the CAP’s first employee resource groups and mentorship program that fosters long-term relationships, career development, and guidance among colleagues. Both programs were awarded national recognition by the ASAE (American Society for Association Executives) this year.
Under her leadership, participation in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) has grown to over 30 percent of CAP employees, and the organization has surpassed its 2024 goal to empower 80 percent of CAP leaders through its Inclusive Leadership initiative by year-end. The CAP has also received national recognition by the ASAE for this initiative.
Beyond her work at the CAP, Ms. Dickinson-Creasey has shared her expertise as a panelist and moderator at industry events, including the Pathologists Leadership Summit and PRSA Chicago’s April 2024 professional development event, "The Current State of DEI and Communications."
"Ms. Dickinson-Creasey is a true champion for diversity and inclusion," said CAP CEO Michael Fraser, PhD, MS, CAE, FCPP. "Her work has not only transformed our organization but also serves as an inspiration to others in the industry. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and this well-deserved recognition."
Ms. Dickinson-Creasey's previous roles demonstrate a long-standing commitment to service, inclusion, and equity. As a global account executive at ComPsych, she led international teams and supported multinational organizations and public entities to drive culturally informed wellness programs. Her experience as an attorney and educator has consistently demonstrated her commitment to service and advocacy. Ms. Dickinson-Creasey is a proud and longstanding member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the nation’s oldest college-based sorority founded by Black women, through which she supports their international service initiatives. Her diverse experience and relentless pursuit of equity make her an invaluable asset to the CAP and a deserving recipient of this honor.
About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.