By Nancy Xu
Attending the TSU 5th Annual Clinical Research and Engagement Conference was a meaningful
experience that strongly aligned with the goals I outlined in my original BLI grant proposal. I set
out to better understand how inclusive healthcare and clinical research can support marginalized
communities, especially people with disabilities. The conference created a valuable space for
these conversations.
It brought together students, researchers, clinicians, and community members to address issues
of health equity, access, and representation. By partnering with Texas Southern University, a
school with a mission rooted in service and urban community leadership, I was able to explore
these topics in a setting deeply committed to public impact. Many of the sessions connected
directly to my interests—disability advocacy, cultural competence in healthcare, and equity in
clinical trial participation.
There were some challenges. The range of topics was broad and, at times, overwhelming.
Sessions covered everything from trial ethics to health disparities in LGBTQ+ and Latino
communities. To manage this, I focused on staying present, asking questions, and actively
listening. This helped me find key connections between what I was hearing and my own work in
disability health. One of the harder parts was making space for disability in conversations that
were more focused on race or income inequality. I leaned into those moments, spoke up when I
could, and engaged others in one-on-one conversations. These were growth opportunities. They
reminded me that real leadership often involves leaning into discomfort and helping others see
what might be missing from the conversation.
This experience gave me a chance to practice many of the BLI Leadership Habits. I started with
what I knew—my experience with SSD and my role at Oakland County Health Network and
used those strengths to engage with new ideas. I gathered perspectives from across the healthcare
landscape and thought about how they could be applied to the work I care about. Even though I
came alone, I worked to build connections with others at the conference. These relationships
helped me understand how people from different fields are tackling similar problems. I also had
to adjust my thinking when things didn’t go as planned, and I took time afterward to reflect on
what I learned and how I grew from it.
Moving forward, I plan to use this experience to shape my academic and professional path. I
want to continue researching disability and health disparities, especially through the lens of
cultural competence. I also hope to bring these ideas back to campus, whether through
workshops, student organizations, or new partnerships. Most of all, this conference helped me
see leadership as something active and ongoing. It’s not just about having ideas but about
listening, connecting, and staying committed to equity in everything I do.
