A Conversation About Pride Month with ACHP’s Maddy Morris

June 1, 2023

ACHP is proud to recognize and celebrate the efforts and achievements made by members of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. June provides us all a time to reflect on the unique needs and lived experiences of members of this community and the work that has been done to secure and protect individual freedoms. Improving health equity is at the core of ACHP’s mission – ACHP member companies are deeply ingrained in their communities and are working each day to close gaps in care among their communities. We are proud to champion equality and LGBTQ+ rights by sharing thoughts from people such as ACHP’s Maddy Morris on the importance of promoting a culture of diversity and inclusivity.  

Tell us about yourself and your role in the organization?  

I currently live in Friendship Heights in an apartment building that is down the street from several members of my extended family. I’m not entirely sure how my husband feels about this yet but I love it. I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and it’s still my favorite city to this day. I love the history and surprisingly still love D.C. sports despite their losing records. I work at ACHP as the Associate Director of Business Development. I’m currently tasked with growing ACHP’s membership and am thoroughly enjoying it. 

How do you define diversity?  

I think there are several interpretations but to me diversity means having people of different backgrounds, sexual orientations, age, race, and ethnicities coexisting with each other. 

As we recognize Pride Month, please share your thoughts about why it is important that we celebrate the diversity of our staff at ACHP?  

I think it’s extremely important to celebrate diversity of our staff at ACHP so that we create and maintain a culture of inclusivity and belongingness. With this type of culture, I believe we will garner a culture of innovation which will help us provide more valuable solutions for our members. 

What life and/or career advice would you give to your younger self?  

I think this applies to both my life and career, but I would tell my younger self to stop apologizing for things that weren’t my fault and/or just saying it to say it. Now when I apologize, I try to do it for things I am actually sorry for and that are truly my fault.