Rural America is all too often portrayed as older, poorer, and sicker than its urban counterparts. However, these generalizations can obscure the rich and complex identities that shape rural life. This webinar will explore the intersectionality of diverse identities in rural communities. Through equity- and asset-informed lenses, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these overlapping identities impact access to areas such as healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and civic participation. This session will challenge assumptions and offer actionable strategies for more inclusive engagement, policy, program, or service design.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
1. Define intersectionality and explain its relevance to understanding rural communities in the United States.
2. Identify key social determinants and structural barriers that uniquely affect marginalized populations in rural areas.
3. Describe how overlapping identities (e.g., race, disability, immigration status) influence health outcomes, economic mobility, and civic engagement in rural contexts.
4. Apply strategies to center equity in rural policy, program development, and stakeholder engagement.
About Darci L. Graves
Darci L. Graves, MPP, MA, MA, is a nationally recognized speaker and health equity leader with over 20 years of experience advancing culturally responsive and inclusive health policies. Darci previously led federal initiatives at CMS addressing the needs of rural, Tribal, and geographically isolated communities. She brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and the intersection of identity, place, and access in rural America.