Two Staffers Recognized by IDEAL Honor Roll

October 2, 2025

Stanford’s IDEAL Honor Roll recognized Director of Communications Rachel Baker and Kirane Lab Senior Scientist Mamantha Serasanambati, PhD this year.  

According to the IDEAL website, “this award recognizes significant commitment to advancing outcomes in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access in a Learning Environment (IDEAL) and exemplary staff service in cultivating a community where every individual is respected, provided the opportunity to flourish, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to Stanford University's mission of research and academics.”

"Your exceptional contributions to Stanford's mission are deeply appreciated. While this marks the end of our current recognition cycle, your impact continues to matter greatly," said Sara Brooks Honor Roll Chairperson and Assistant Director, Office for IDEAL Advancement.  

IDEAL was an initiative that arose out of the Long-Range Planning Process initiated by the university in 2017. The IDEAL office was dissolved in summer 2025.
“Through a deep understanding of disability advocacy, allyship, and justice, Rachel has tirelessly ensured that all disabled staff feel welcomed and valued. This commitment to fostering a sense of belonging exemplifies the spirit of community at Stanford, making Rachel a vital asset to the DSF and the broader university environment."  
"Mamatha demonstrates a steadfast commitment to her work, which is guided by her core values of equity, fairness, empathy, and collaboration. This commitment shapes interactions, ensuring every voice is heard in meetings and everyday interactions, particularly of those who are hesitant to speak. Mamatha pays close attention to decision-making processes and advocates for transparency and equal opportunities for all.”

Media Contact

Rachel Baker
Rachel Baker
Director of Communications

Bio

As the Director of Communications for Stanford Surgery, Rachel Baker tells the stories of her department's faculty, staff, and trainees. With the help of an amazing team of content creators, she produces and curates original articles, photos, videos, graphics, and podcasts. She works with each division, center, program, and lab within her purview to define their audience and reach their goals while maintaining a consistent brand voice. She also offers both 1:1 and group education on a variety of topics including media training, using social media to advantage, and presentation refinement. Rachel holds a Bachelor's degree in journalism with a focus on photography from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Strategic Communications from the University of Maryland.

About Stanford Surgery

The Stanford University Department of Surgery is dedicated to inventing the future of surgical care through:

• pioneering cutting-edge research, 
• developing the next generation of leaders, and 
• healing through incomparable surgical skills and compassion. 

To learn more, please visit surgery.stanford.edu

The Latest

About Us
Education
Patient Care
News
Research
Support