At ZS, we believe solving healthcare’s toughest challenges requires varying perspectives and a commitment to fair access to care. One challenge we’re tackling is the inaccessibility, inequity and unaffordability of U.S. healthcare, especially for Black and Hispanic communities.

As revealed in the 2024 ZS Future of Health Report, these groups are more likely to delay care due to cost, hassle or fear. Notably, Black patients in the U.S. spend nearly 50% more time traveling to access primary care compared to others—a striking inequity that calls for action.

ZS’s commitment to inclusion in healthcare

To address these disparities, ZS has embedded business responsibility and impact (BRI) priorities focused on inclusion and health equity. Through industry engagement and strategic partnerships, we’re driving innovation in healthcare access and workforce inclusion.

Recently, ZS-sponsored attendance at the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) annual conference, a premier gathering of Black healthcare leaders focused on advancing equity in health outcomes and leadership.

Where passion changes lives

ZS strategy insights and planning consultant Dajzsa McDaniel, co-chair of NAHSE’s Young Professionals Committee, connected with Brianna Scott, ZS strategy insights and planning associate, during her master’s program at Emory University.

“Dajzsa introduced me to ZS’s internship program,” Brianna says. “Back then, I had experience in public health and healthcare management, but little exposure to consulting. Now, I’m a full-time consultant focused on patient equity.”

Brianna Scott, strategy insights and planning associate based in ZS’s Evanston office

During her internship, Brianna worked on market research projects, honing her ability to translate data into actionable, patient-centered insights. “I wanted to ensure our insights reflected the lived experiences of underrepresented groups,” she adds.

Bringing equity into healthcare strategy

Today, Brianna works on ZS’s patient health and equity accelerator team, which partners with pharma, medtech, health plans and nonprofits to advance health equity, well-being and patient outcomes.

“My internship offered a strong foundation,” she says. “Now I’m seeking opportunities to grow, lead and influence change.”

ZS supports this growth with professional development coaching, virtual training and industry exposure. Most recently, ZS sponsored Brianna and Dajzsa to attend the NAHSE conference in Atlanta, where they spent three days networking with leaders from the American Heart Association, J.P. Morgan and others.

They participated in industrywide discussions on inclusion in healthcare, while also mentoring students and promoting consulting careers at ZS.

Building the future of equitable healthcare consulting

“The conference was a breath of fresh air,” says Brianna. “Being in a space with Black professionals, openly discussing health equity, was inspiring. It reminded me why this work matters.”

Since returning, Brianna and her team have explored how to apply insights from the event—from rethinking care delivery through an equity lens to advancing intersectional approaches that consider how race, gender and identity shape patient experiences.

They’re also focused on building health equity expertise within ZS, planning to sponsor more ZSers for future NAHSE conferences and deepen ties with similar organizations.

“NAHSE offers invaluable learning and connection,” Brianna says. “The more ZSers we bring, the more impact we can make—on patients, clients and the healthcare system as a whole.”

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