Dalia Antunez takes great satisfaction in using her strengths – particularly relationship-building – both in her professional role with the Duke Cancer Institute and as a leader with the employee resource group, ¡DALHE!
In this month’s EDI Spotlight, Antunez shares about her many responsibilities with the DCI Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity, from making sure that cancer patients get the services they need to analyzing data to help DCI better engage with the community. She also describes how ¡DALHE! is helping to build community and expand professional networks for Duke’s Hispanic/Latiné employees and allies. She also gives us a glimpse into her interests outside of Duke, including her love of exercise and visiting local teahouses and coffee shops.
What are your primary responsibilities as a research analyst with the patient navigation team at the Duke Cancer Institute Office of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity (DCI COEE)?
My role includes patient navigation services, which include connecting individuals to recommended cancer screenings and treatment needs and providing cancer education through community outreach. As a research analyst, I support the DCI COEE programs team with community partnership development, event management, and partner engagement.
What does a typical day for you look like? What do you enjoy most about your job?
A typical day begins with reviewing and responding to urgent communications from patients, partners, or team members. It involves coordinating with health care providers to ensure patients are appropriately referred to necessary services. Midday activities include collaborating with colleagues to plan upcoming programs and outreach events, focusing on logistics such as location, materials, and staffing. Additionally, I analyze data related to community needs, screening program outcomes, and patient demographics to inform and refine outreach strategies. Depending on the season and office schedule, the day may also involve engaging with existing and potential community partners to strengthen relationships and explore collaborative opportunities.
I take great satisfaction in utilizing my strengths in adaptability, relationship-building, and organization. These qualities are essential for remaining open to new approaches and for fostering continuous learning in both patient care and project management.
How and when did you first become interested in doing work related to health equity?
As an undergraduate student, I developed an interest in health sciences, particularly in public health, nutrition, and social work. Through my social work studies, I embraced the strengths-based perspective, an approach that emphasizes an individual's strengths and resources rather than focusing on their challenges or deficits. This holistic method, commonly applied in social work and other disciplines, aims to promote well-being and support individuals in achieving their goals.
You currently serve as co-lead of the career pillar for the employee resource group, ¡DALHE! What does that role entail?
In this role, I have the privilege of co-leading the career pillar by organizing virtual Cafecitos—coffee hour sessions featuring guest speakers who share their career journeys. These focused conversations provide members with the opportunity to seek guidance, ask questions, and gain valuable insights to inform their own career development.
What types of career resources or support does ¡DALHE! provide for its members? Why is such support needed?
Our website is regularly updated and includes a Career section that offers information on various topics, including mentoring. We are currently organizing our first in-person networking event, which will provide members of the resource group with an opportunity to build community and expand their professional networks. The event aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices and promote collaborative opportunities.
What motivated you to get involved with ¡DALHE!?
I learned about the opportunity through my supervisor, Sonia Barnett, and teammate, Kimberly Bradsher, who were eager to inform me about the formation of a new Hispanic/Latiné resource group. Having connections with the ME² Black Employee Resource Group, they believed I would be interested in participating in the launch of this new initiative. At the time, I had been employed with Duke for approximately six to seven months and was keen to connect with other Hispanic leaders at Duke who were similarly interested in establishing the group.
What passions or hobbies do you have outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor activities and physical exercise, including exploring new trails, practicing hot yoga, circuit training, and participating in dance classes. Additionally, I enjoy visiting new local bakeries, teahouses, and coffee shops in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) area.