PARTNER PROFILES
DR . REBECCA FAZILAT
PEDIATRICIAN , PALO ALTO FOUNDATION MEDICAL GROUP
Rebecca Fazilat , MD is a pediatrician at Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group ( PAFMG ), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health of people in our communities . The organization has partnered with CDU to provide scholarships for students in the University ' s College of Medicine .
" PAFMG is thrilled to have the opportunity to build a relationship with Charles R . Drew University of Medicine and Science and the College of Medicine ," said Dr . Fazilat . " We admire and support CDU ' s mission of cultivating diverse leaders in the medical profession who will advance health equity , social justice , and allow the health needs of our communities to be better served . This mission resonates deeply with our medical group as we too are committed to tackling healthcare disparities and taking the tangible and necessary steps to make progress towards a more diverse and representative workforce in medicine ."
PAMFG recognizes the importance of health equity and each year , PAFMG physicians and advanced practice clinicians participate in work across their organizations and communities to further their vision .
" Whether that is through our internal work of embedding diversity , equity , and inclusion into the framework of our organization , addressing issues of unconscious bias and language fluency barriers impacts on health equity , providing clinical training on transgender care for this patient demographic with unique needs , volunteering at the Peninsula Health Connection clinic in Palo Alto and other community outreach clinics , or through our Community Health Endowment Committee that funds local nonprofits that serve as safety-net organizations helping at-risk individuals receive health care- we at PAFMG are all in to support and be a part of changing the healthcare landscape ," said Dr . Fazilat .
PAMFG looks forward to the positive ways in which this partnership will impact the community . " Being on this journey with CDU and having an opportunity to provide scholarships for medical students is an honor for our medical group and we hope the beginning of a legacy that makes a lasting positive impact on our communities ," said Dr . Fazilat .
Palo Alto Medical Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health of people in our communities . This includes more than 1 million patients and countless community members across Alameda , San Mateo , Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties . PAMF is part of Sutter Health , a family of not-for-profit organizations that share resources and expertise to advance healthcare quality .
ELIZABETH BASKERVILLE
SENIOR VP OF FINANCE AND CFO , CDU
Elizabeth Baskerville is the Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer at CDU . She brings a wealth of experience in accounting and finance , but her contribution to the university extends far beyond her professional expertise . Driven by a desire to bridge the gap between secondary and higher education , Baskerville transitioned from the for-profit sector to higher education , seeking an opportunity to give back to the community .
LA DONNA WINGFIELD
AREA MANAGER , AMAZON
La Donna Wingfield is an Area Manager for Amazon in Buena Park , California . She has been with Amazon for eight years and is an Amazon Gives Ambassador . “ In this role I help to support the Ops Community Engagement team in uplifting participation in global campaigns , increasing associate engagement , and planning hyperlocal donations and volunteer efforts ,” said Wingfield .
CDU caught Wingfield ’ s attention toward the end of the Covid 19 pandemic . “ Amazon had items that needed to be donated and CDU was one of the organizations in our local community ,” she explained . Wingfield and her Amazon team donated 62 brand new refrigerators to CDU . The refrigerators replaced older models on campus and University owned housing ( Willowbrook Apartments ).
By donating essential resources , funding local organizations , and promoting volunteerism among its employees , Amazon actively contributes to the well-being of neighborhoods and maintains relationships in the workplace communities . Their donation to CDU is just one example of Amazon ’ s commitment to supporting educational institutions and enhancing living conditions .
“ Our vision is that all Amazonians and teams have the resources , tools , and inspiration to engage meaningfully in their communities ,” shared Wingfield . “ We plan to achieve that vision by building a culture of volunteerism at Amazon .”
Amazon was founded in 1995 and strives to be Earth ’ s most customer-centric company , Earth ’ s best employer , and Earth ’ s safest place to work . The organization is guided by four principles : customer obsession rather than competitor focus , passion for invention , commitment to operational excellence , and long-term thinking .
" My motivation stems from a personal philosophy : in a wealthy society , it does not just behoove us , but it is a responsibility to empower individuals to attain and maximize their highest potential ," said Baskerville . " I believe that education is the cornerstone of this endeavor , fueling my dedication to CDU ' s mission ."
Baskerville is passionate about ensuring that everyone has a chance at higher education and believes that organizations like CDU play a crucial role in this mission . She envisions CDU playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare , with a focus on social justice and health equity for all .
Her contribution , though she modestly describes it as a “ small piece in a larger puzzle ,” is invaluable in advancing CDU ' s vision of cultivating diverse health professional leaders dedicated to serving underserved populations .
As CDU continues its mission of cultivating diverse health professional leaders who are dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations through outstanding education , research , clinical service , and community engagement , Baskerville stands as a beacon of commitment and dedication , embodying the spirit of service and social responsibility that defines the university ' s ethos . Her philanthropic spirit and dedication to CDU ' s mission leave an indelible mark on the institution and the communities it serves , ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for all .
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PARTNER PROFILES Charles R . Drew University of Medicine and Science