Our Mission
Be The Plug exists to cultivate a thriving, inclusive community for people of color in medicine, creating space for mental health, connection, visibility, and meaningful impact at every stage of their professional journey.
We pursue this mission through the following:
Addressing Underrepresentation in Healthcare:
We are committed to addressing the systemic underrepresentation of people of color in the healthcare workforce. Our work supports access to education, exposure to medical pathways, and leadership development—while advocating for a healthcare system that reflects and serves the diverse communities within it.
Centering Mental Health and Well-Being:
The path to and through medicine is often isolating and high-pressure, especially for those navigating systemic barriers. Be The Plug affirms the importance of mental health by offering resources, platforms for storytelling, and supportive environments that normalize healing, self-advocacy, and community care.
Fostering Belonging and Professional Networks:
We create intentional spaces, both in-person and virtually, where individuals of color in medicine can build community, exchange knowledge, and access mentorship. Through culturally-rooted programming, events, and storytelling initiatives, we foster deep connections and a sense of belonging that supports personal and professional.
Fostering Innovation for Health Equity:
Be The Plug supports the development of forward-thinking solutions that increase equity and access in healthcare. By nurturing bold ideas, promoting leadership, and spotlighting community-informed innovations, we equip our network to drive meaningful change in medicine and beyond.
Vision: We envision a healthcare workforce where people of color are equitably represented, deeply supported, and empowered to lead systems change. At Be The Plug, we’re not just building networks, we’re building a movement grounded in community, care, and collective power.
Advancing Equity Through Intentional Sponsorship:
We recognize the financial and relational barriers that limit access to medical careers for many people of color. Our model of intentional sponsorship provides both tangible support, such as scholarships or stipends, and strategic relationship-building through mentorship, coaching, and networking that expands opportunity and social capital.