Dr. Sandra Upton, founder and chief DEI strategist of Upton Consulting Group, was honored with the inaugural Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker Award for Inclusive Excellence at the Grand Rapids Chamber’s annual Diversity & Talent Summit.
The award, created by University of Michigan Health-West and the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in West Michigan. Named after Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker, the late vice president of DEI at UM Health-West, the award celebrates her legacy of transformative initiatives that continue to inspire progress.
Grand Rapids Chamber, UM Health-West Introduce Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker Award for Inclusive Excellence
Upton was recognized for her nearly 30 years of global DEI work, which includes consulting for Fortune 500 companies, universities, nonprofits and government agencies. Her contributions have influenced organizations such as Amway, Starbucks, Harvard University and the University of Michigan. Upton is also the author of Make It Last: A Roadmap and Practical Strategies for How to Do DEI Work and a speaker on fostering inclusive workplaces.
“Dr. Booker’s legacy is one of action, innovation and advocacy,” said Greg Meyer, executive vice president and chief community officer at UM Health-West. “Dr. Upton’s work exemplifies the power of DEI, making her a perfect recipient of this award.”
The Diversity & Talent Summit, held at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, explored strategies for fostering inclusive leadership and creating workplace cultures of belonging. This year’s theme, Fostering Inclusive Leadership: Innovate, Inspire, Include, underscored the importance of collaboration and action in advancing DEI efforts.
Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker served as the first vice president of DEI at UM Health-West; her initiatives transformed the organization’s culture, earning national recognition for its commitment to equity and inclusion, including accolades from the Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index. She passed away earlier this year after a battle with ALS.
“Dr. Booker believed in the power of community and collaboration,” said Dr. Ronald Grifka, president of UM Health-West. “This award ensures her vision lives on through leaders like Dr. Upton, who are paving the way for a more equitable future.”
UM Health-West and the Grand Rapids Chamber will present the Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker Award for Inclusive Excellence annually, celebrating individuals who embody Dr. Booker’s dedication to equity and inclusion.
