Director of Education & Strategic Initiatives, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Institute for Global Health Sciences

 Here is what Inez’s nominator had to say about her: 

“Inez Bailey is the Director of Education & Strategic Initiatives in the Department of Epi/Biostats and Institute for Global Health Sciences. She is an incredible leader, motivator, and mover-shaker in all the spaces she reaches. Inez leads by example. She is a strong voice and advocate for women of color. I am grateful for her mentorship and coaching.” 

Nominated by: Sun Cotter 

 Inez's Bio:

My first introduction to the University of California was as a high school junior, visiting Berkeley for a regional debate tournament. Stepping off the charter bus from Fresno and onto Sproul Plaza, set in place the most fortuitous string of events. My grandparents had migrated to Oakland from New Orleans in 1932 so the bay area had been my father’s childhood playground and I very quickly determined that was my turn to soak up all that the Bay had to offer. Just 6 years later, I stood in that same Sproul Plaza as a Berkeley grad with a degree in Social Welfare. I had no idea then that I would return to that Plaza more than a decade later as an employee.   

Although I began at my UC career UC Berkeley, I joined UCSF in 2014 in the Institute for Global Health Sciences and later added the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics to my portfolio. While I have had many professional titles over the years, and worked in a number of spaces on campus, the heart of my career fits into three categories: create and build academic and academic support programs, make those programs as accessible and efficient as possible, and then hold space for all those involved – staff, students, and faculty– to do their best work.   

As a mentor, coach, thought partner, I take great pleasure in coming alongside colleagues, in particular people of color and women, to help them reach their professional goals. I find it so rewarding to help others navigate career twists and turns. Serving as an AMP Mentor, Vice Chair of the Black Caucus and the professional development lead has been a way for me to give back and foster career mobility among staff at UCSF.  

What’s a favorite movie or TV Show you’ve watched recently? 

I love the art of storytelling and so I am a big movie buff, but at the end of a hard day (or sometimes on a lunch break), nothing relieves the stress like a good cartoon. Old favorites like the Flintstones and Bugs Bunny, or newer shows like Teen Titans Go, still make me laugh out loud, and laughter is therapeutic! 

What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? What advice would you give to a woman entering your field today?  

Spread your wings and never stop learning new things! Wearing many hats is a common refrain in higher education, and while it can be challenging at times, there are so many opportunities that come from taking on “stretch roles”. I have learned much and grown professionally by simply saying yes to projects and roles that did not always appear to be in my wheelhouse. Staying curious and stepping outside of my comfort zone has opened doors that continue to make my career interesting and rewarding. 

What has been an important success in your career? Have you had a key breakthrough moment? 

My great success was realizing early on in my career that the people with whom I work would always be more important than the work itself. It's a lesson that I hope we have all learned that in the last few years. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together (African Proverb). For me, this saying keeps people at the forefront and highlights the interconnectedness of the workplace. Take 5 minutes at the start of the meeting to talk to your colleagues, and really listen. Cultivating and nurturing relationships, seeing one another and being available. These are the underpinnings of any successful career.   

What do you like to do outside of work? 

Still a child at heart, I love to play in the dirt! I am a gardener in training. My husband and I are working on plans for a green house and soon, we hope to be a partially farm-to-table household! 

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF Health through Our Spotlight.