Dr. Lia Richards-Palmiter – Empower Conference Speaker Chamber News May 26, 2021 Lia Richards-Palmiter, Ph.D., champions the practice of cultural competency both in her role at Marywood University and as a member of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Board of Directors. Holding the core belief that all patients should be treated with dignity, Dr. Richards-Palmiter aims to instill these values in young learners as director of diversity at Marywood University. Her office promotes diversity awareness on campus by helping to integrate diversity into the curriculum, actively recruiting diverse students and faculty, and hosting clubs and organizations that support these ideals. In addition, Dr. Richards-Palmiter serves as a lecturer in the administration and leadership program. Dr. Richards-Palmiter joined The Wright Center board to ensure the organization fulfills its mission of delivering healthcare that meets the unique social, cultural and linguistic needs of the community it serves. A South Abington Twp. resident, Dr. Richards-Palmiter is also committed to mentoring those in underrepresented groups within the community. She works with the Greater Scranton Martin Luther King Jr. Commission as well as the local 4-H Club.