Alumni Spotlight: Brittany Edghill (MPA-PNP 2022)
Brittany Edghill (MPA-PNP 2022)
Program Manager for Diversity Initiatives, Office of Science and Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
In your current role, you oversee diversity initiatives at the Grossman School of Medicine. What drew you to this field?
What drew me to this field was the opportunity to create meaningful change by expanding access to mentorship, resources, and professional development for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how intentional inclusion efforts can open doors, propel careers, and strengthen academic and research communities. My passion lies in building programs that actively remove barriers and create pathways for success.
As the program manager for diversity initiatives within the Office of Science and Research, I am fortunate to lead two transformative programs that are shaping the next generation of scientists—one providing undergraduates with hands-on biomedical research experience and another supporting postdoctoral scholars in transitioning into faculty positions. This work sits at the intersection of education, mentorship, and institutional change, and I have the privilege of working with talented individuals at various stages of their professional journeys. Together, we are building inclusive research and academic environments where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to scientific progress.
As a student, which courses, initiatives, or skills gained at Wagner have proven to be the most impactful for your work?
I've continually returned to the knowledge I gained in the Strategic Management and Leadership course at Wagner as it fundamentally shapes how I design and implement programs for trainees and scholars. The frameworks for understanding organizational values, defining strategic anchors, and creating implementation plans have been invaluable as I work across multiple departments to coordinate our community efforts. These skills have enabled me to align our programs with the broader institutional mission while maintaining clear metrics for success.
Equally impactful was the Management and Leadership course, which equipped me with the technical and interpersonal skills needed to lead teams in complex environments. The emphasis on diagnosing organizational challenges and identifying practical solutions has proven essential in my daily work. These courses provided me not just with theoretical knowledge but with tools that help me create and advocate for meaningful opportunities throughout the science community. The combination of strategic thinking and practical leadership skills from Wagner continues to guide my approach to building more inclusive and effective research environments.
Throughout your career, what strategies or programs have you found most effective in fostering a culture of inclusivity?
Throughout my career, I’ve found that fostering a culture of inclusivity requires intentional collaboration across teams and the creation of opportunities that support meaningful advancement. For instance, at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, working together with the Office of Diversity Affairs and the Institute for Excellence in Health Equity has been essential to creating lasting and impactful programs and initiatives. Similarly, by expanding mentorship, professional development, and research access, we ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have the support needed to succeed academically and professionally.
What advice do you offer to those looking to make an impact in IDBEA?
I believe this moment requires resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to pivot when challenges arise. It’s essential to stay committed to the mission while remaining adaptable, as progress isn’t always linear and obstacles are inevitable. By focusing on long-term impact, building strong partnerships, and embedding inclusivity into institutional structures, we can create lasting change that withstands shifting landscapes.
Given the current shift in public policy, where do you see the next frontier in your field? What is something that you wish to focus on?
As public policy continues to shape the IDBEA landscape, the next frontier lies in advancing sustainable, data-driven strategies that are deeply embedded within institutional frameworks. The focus must be on creating programs and policies that have measurable impact and can withstand external pressures. My work has always centered on strengthening pathways for academic success and professional development, and moving forward, I will continue to advance this mission by building strong partnerships and prioritizing long-term institutional commitments to inclusion.