Hernandez delivering the keynote luncheon lecture of the Committee on Minority Affairs at an ACS National Meeting.

In recent years, we have learned the power of the ACS to address the challenge of chemical safety by way of creating a safety culture. That is, safety is not just something we talk about in a yearly training class but rather it is something that must be ingrained through continuous practice. In a similar way, advancing diversity equity and inclusion is not a practice that we can do through one-time events or training. I have learned through my work with the Open Chemistry Collaborative in Diversity Equity (OXIDE) that creating and fostering a diversity culture is critical for advancing inclusive excellence. I am excited about the new directions in the ACS establishing DEIR as a core value. I look forward to taking it to action through championing ACS for All by promoting a diversity culture throughout all of our activities.