Applications are now open to join the AAO’s Special Committee on Inclusion & Engagement (SCIE). This committee works to create an environment within the AAO that is inclusive and rich in diversity.  

Originally formed as a task force in 2020, SCIE has played a critical role in bringing a variety of initiatives to life, including hosting virtual happy hours to provide a platform for members to discuss the culture of AAO, developing recommended implicit bias trainings for AAO leaders and members, and developing an inclusion and engagement toolkit to support diversity, engagement and inclusion (DEI) efforts within AAO constituent and component organizations. Other exciting initiatives are currently in the works!

Apply by January 10, 2024, to bring your unique insight, ideas and leadership to this important committee.   

Current members of SCIE:  

  • Dr. Sunil Kapila, Chair – Los Angeles, CA 
  • Dr. Thikriat Al-Jewair – Amherst, NY
  • Dr. Zane Haider – Spring, TX
  • Dr. June Harewood – New York, NY 
  • Dr. David Harmon – Mitchelleville, MD
  • Dr. Gabriela Herrera – Atlanta, GA
  • Dr. Christian Johnson – Kennesaw, GA 
  • Dr. Nick Kim – Suwanee, GA 
  • Dr. Hilary Nieberg-Baskin – Greenwood Village, CO 
  • Dr. Lauren Pass, Trustee Co-Liaison – Chicago, IL 
  • Dr. Steve Siegel, Trustee Co-Liaison – Glen Burnie, MD 

The Special Committee on Inclusion and Engagement (SCIE) has the following charges: 

  1. Work to support and inspire diverse groups within the AAO by helping to develop tools and pathways to leadership. 
  1. Identify obstacles for involvement in the AAO and make recommendations for change. 
  1. Identify the unique needs and issues that face diverse orthodontists and implement plans to address these needs. 

Desired qualifications for committee members: 

  • Talented member with a passion for advancing AAO’s DEI efforts. 
  • Each member must be willing to serve a two-year term, with an option for renewal for up to three terms (six years total). 
  • The ability to attend monthly committee meetings in the evening via conference call (Zoom), communicate via email and meet annually in-person at AAO headquarters in St. Louis, MO (typically in late February or early March). 

Ready to apply?

If you are interested in serving in this capacity, we invite you to complete our online application, including submission of your curriculum vitae. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, January 10, 2024.

Schedule for the selection process: 

  • Committee meeting to review applications: Mid-January, 2024 
  • Recommendation of selected candidate to the AAO Board of Trustees: Mid-February, 2024 
  • Welcome letter sent to the new member:  late February 2024
  • Term on committee begins: May 6, 2024