Leveraging Diversity
Committed to Diversity, for Associates and Customers
Wally Wozniak
Executive Director of Support Services; Director of the Food & Nutrition Services
Sparrow Hospital
Wally Wozniak has been
instrumental in fostering a
diverse and inclusive work
environment. He has always tried to develop his
workforce, and to promote from within.
For example, he encouraged a minority Associate to
complete his education. Down the road, this allowed
the Associate to qualify for, and be promoted to a
supervisory position. If this Associate had not received
the encouragement and support from Wozniak to return
to school to earn his diploma in the time frame that he
did, it probably would have resulted in a different, less
favorable outcome for the Associate. Wozniak has been
proactive in building a very diverse leadership team
by promoting from within those of various race, sex,
culture, and beliefs.
In his role as the Director of the Food & Nutrition
Services department, Wozniak is sensitive and inclusive
to the dietary expectations and desires of the customers.
Visitors to the Sparrow Cafeteria(s) on the Main and St.
Lawrence campuses are offered special theme meals (on
occasion) that feature menu items reflective of various
cultures, religions, or lifestyles. These include: Black
History Month, Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Fat
Tuesday/Ash Wednesday—to name just a few.
In 2010, the Black History Meal celebration and Ash
Wednesday Meal were held on the same day, offering
meals respectful of both groups. For a hospital that is
focused on providing the highest quality care to a diverse
patient population, Wozniak is responsive to varying
dietary needs. With the inception of Room Service to
24 Pro f i les i n D i ve rsit y Journal M aY / J u n e 2 0 1 0
People of various backgrounds
and cultures serve to enrich
the environments where we
live and work.
the Main Campus, patients can now order what they
want (within their specific dietary guidelines) when it
is convenient for them to eat. Patients are also offered
foods or items that fit their lifestyle, including kosher
meals, gluten-free diets, foods free of trans-fats, some
organic foods, and locally grown or raised products.
In 2010, Food and Nutrition went “live” with menus
written in Spanish.
It should also be noted that the departments under
Wozniak’s direction are among the most ethnically
diverse at Sparrow, with Associates from various
diverse groups and cultures including: African-
American, Mexican-American, Asian-American, Asian-
Indian, European-American, and many more.
Having a diverse workforce demonstrates a leader’s
concern and compassion towards inclusion. Where
there is diversity, there is innovation. People of various
backgrounds and cultures serve to enrich the environ-
ments where we live and work.
Wozniak’s actions as a leader exemplify the true spirit
of diversity and inclusion. PDJ