Lifeline of Ohio Executive Diversity Consultant Demia Kandi Honored for Multicultural Excellence and Leadership
Lifeline of Ohio Executive Diversity Consultant Demia Kandi was honored with the 2022 Clive Callender, M.D. Circle of Excellence Award – the highest honor in multicultural donation and transplantation – for her leadership in organ, eye and tissue donation. She is the second national recipient of this annual honor presented by the National Multicultural Action Group.
The Clive Callender, M.D. Excellence Award recognizes a candidate from the African American, Asian/Pacific Island, Hispanic or Native American community who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a meaningful impact within the field of organ, eye and tissue donation or transplantation for communities of color. The award’s namesake, Dr. Clive Callender, is an American surgeon and professor of surgery at Howard University College of Medicine who founded the Howard University Hospital Transplant Center in 1974.
“I am beyond humbled to receive this high honor in the field of donation and transplantation,” said Demia. “Dr. Callender is a pioneer in the transplant industry, and to somehow have my work bear his name is quite an honor.”
Nearly 60 percent of people waiting for a transplant are from multicultural communities, and African Americans are three times more likely to be affected by the need for an organ transplant. Demia’s work with Lifeline of Ohio began in 2006 to provide advocacy, outreach and support for donation in communities of color. In addition to creating Lifeline of Ohio’s African American Outreach Initiative and the African American Advisory Council, Demia’s innovative educational programming, training and advocacy for donation over the years have provided transformational awareness at the local, state and national levels.
“Demia’s recognition through this award highlights her longstanding commitment to breaking down systemic barriers to organ, eye and tissue donation within the Black community as well as her dedication to increasing the number of people in multicultural communities who can be saved and healed through donation,” said Andrew Mullins, CEO of Lifeline of Ohio. “We are grateful for Demia’s vision and her commitment to helping us on our journey to better serve our community.“
Congratulations, Demia.