"" Baptist Health's chief diversity officer to be recognized for outstanding contributions ""

(BLACK PR WIRE) – CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Florida Diversity Council, an affiliate of the National Diversity Council, will honor Ricardo Forbes, corporate vice president and chief diversity officer for Baptist Health South Florida, with the Multicultural Leadership Award. Given to individuals providing sound organizational guidance for diversity and inclusion initiatives, the award will be presented at the South Florida Multicultural Summit held Friday, October 14, 2011. Nova Southeastern University will host the summit at their Don Taft University Center, 3301 College Ave., in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event’s keynote address will be given by Dr. Cornell West, professor of religion and African-American studies and renowned author of Race Matters.

“It is a privilege to accept this honor from the Florida Diversity Council, a local champion for our uniquely multifaceted community,” commented Forbes on his selection. “We at Baptist Health work hard to ensure our organization reflects diverse South Florida, and I’m excited our progress is recognized.”

During the summit, attendees will have an opportunity to learn leading diversity practices and develop their own diversity knowledge related to the rich cultures within their community. South Miami Hospital Vice President Carol Biggs, Ph.D., is a panelist for the “Multiculturalism & Community Health” seminar at the event.

As part of Baptist Health South Florida’s wider commitment to the effort, Forbes often shares his insight on “open door and diversity inclusion practices” with the professional community. George Foyo, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, will join Forbes later this month in Chicago at the Studer Group’s annual What’s Right in Health Care conference. Baptist Health South Florida is the first hospital system invited to present on the subject of diversity.

Through his role, Forbes spearheads all inclusion initiatives for Baptist Health’s workforce, workplace and marketplace. His office works closely with the human resources staff to recruit, hire and develop retention programs for Baptist Health’s 15,000+ employees. A native of Jamaica, Forbes has been with the organization since 1997 and has 30 years of senior management experience in hospital administration.

About Baptist Health South Florida:

Baptist Health is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit health care organization in the region. It includes Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Mariners Hospital, Baptist Outpatient Services and Baptist Health Enterprises. Please contact the Office of Diversity for more information, or visit our website at www.baptisthealth.net.