Diversity

Episode 12: “You must get involved. You must start to take ownership of your profession. Let your voice be heard. We are at a crossroads”

Posted in Chiropractor on Monday, June 7, 2021

It's estimated that less than 1% of licensed chiropractors are Black, yet the Black population of the United States is over 13%. This should matter to every chiropractor in the country. Dr. Micheala Edwards says, “When we talk about being diverse and inclusive, we talk about growing the power and the energy of something so that it reaches further and more people.”  How do you do that? Dr. Edwards gives us honest, actionable information that can help you increase your reach.

In our Ask NCMIC segment, we talk to an HR expert about employment issues facing today’s chiropractors.

Our Guests

Dr. Micheala Edwards

Dr. Micheala E. Edwards has a vast history in athletics including basketball and track and field. Excelling in the sport of track, she’s earned state championships in Missouri as a hurdler which in turn earned her a scholarship to run track for the University of Kansas. She would later complete her Bachelor’s in Exercise & Sport Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1999. After 5 years of Personal Training in the Dallas metroplex, she relocated to the St. Louis, Missouri area to earn her Doctorate degree in Chiropractic from Logan University finishing in 2009. Micheala completed her Chiropractic preceptorship in Atlanta, Georgia at Chiropractic Healthcare of Buckhead, and her postceptorship at McClain Chiropractic in Florissant, Missouri. Now residing in the Kansas City Metro area, Micheala owns and operates E. Elite Wellness while serving the American Black Chiropractic Association as the current national president.

Sheena Mahan

Sheena is the Vice President of Human Resources at NCMIC Group. She is involved in managing every aspect of Recruiting, Employee Relations Budgeting, Payroll Processing, FMLA, Workers Compensation, and COBRA for a diverse workforce on a daily basis. Sheena has a bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College.

Our Hosts

Chick Herbert

Chick is Sr. Vice President of Enterprise Organizational Development. Chick has nearly 30 years of experience as an executive business leader, independent consultant, speaker and executive coach. He is the co-author of “It Begs the Question – Learn How the Best Managers Drive Performance Through Question-Centric Coaching.” Chick is a past board chair for Special Olympics Iowa and was recognized as the 2013 statewide volunteer of the year. He recently accepted a leadership role with Iowa Women Lead Change. Chick and his wife have three adult sons.

Melissa Knutson

Melissa is Sr. Vice President – Insurance Operations. She’s been with NCMIC since January 2004. As an active part of the Greater Des Moines community, Melissa volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, United Way’s Grad Walk, and Meals from the Heartland, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees for EveryStep. She is the founder of Give Grace Give Hope, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to addressing period poverty in Central Iowa by providing menstrual products to local schools and nonprofits. Melissa and her husband have three daughters.

Mike Whitmer

Mike Whitmer, Vice President of NCMIC's Chiropractic Insurance Programs, has more than 25 years' experience in the business world to share with D.C.s who are starting their chiropractic careers. By day, Mike leads the corporate relations team at NCMIC Group, Inc., teaching at chiropractic colleges about business practices and risk management, and attending trade shows and homecoming events. Mike is also the cofounder of a property management company and a restoration firm that have provided his "real world" experience on writing business plans and dealing with small business finance and operations. He is the board president of Children’s Cancer Connection, and on the board and executive committee of the National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter.