PhRMA awards grants to 2024 Annual Pathways to Success: Virtual STEM Career Expo Partners

PhRMA has awarded grants to six community partner organizations participating in the fourth annual Pathways to Success: Virtual STEM Career Expo, taking place on October 1, 2024. Grants have been awarded to the Center for Healthcare Innovation, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), University of Virginia Career Center, and Young Black Pharma.

The annual Career Expo provides an opportunity for PhRMA to partner with organizations to help drive health equity forward and work to diversify the industry’s talent pipeline. PhRMA recognizes the importance of building a representative STEM workforce and improving access to careers in the biopharmaceutical industry — our support of these organizations builds upon our commitment to creating a more just and equitable health care system.

Nearly 2,000 attendees from across the nation have participated in the expo in previous years, representing over 200 schools. Expo attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with biopharmaceutical companies who are actively recruiting undergraduate, post-graduate and early career professionals. To attend the virtual expo, visit the website and register on or before October 1.

Grant recipients include:

Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is a national association that supports Network members in their research, training, education, and service so that together, AUCD and Network members can promote the quality of life, health, and well-being of people with disabilities. AUCD’s Network members serve and are located in every U.S. state and territory and are all part of universities or medical centers. They serve as a bridge between the university and the community, bringing together the resources of both to achieve meaningful change.

“AUCD is thrilled to join PhRMA as a 2024 Virtual STEM Career Expo Partner. We look forward to sharing information about the Expo with the AUCD Network and inviting students, alumni, faculty, and others to attend this important event. It’s essential that we increase diversity in the biopharmaceutical industry to ensure people with disabilities are fully represented. We appreciate PhRMA’s commitment to improving health equity and are excited to be a part of this work.” – John Tschida, AUCD Executive Director

Center for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) is an independent, non-profit research and education institute dedicated to making healthcare more equitable for all patients. CHI serves as a neutral convener to bring diverse healthcare groups together to share ideas on making healthcare more equitable, efficient, effective, and innovative. Our interdisciplinary research and education are designed to help all healthcare stakeholders make actionable changes toward health equity, and our initiatives provide new ideas and innovations for improving healthcare for communities that statistically suffer from health disparities. CHI continuously strives to be the leading global platform for meaningful progress toward health equity.

Executive Director Lindsay Moore-Fields reaffirms CHI’s commitment to creating pathways and opportunities for underrepresented communities in STEM. “CHI looks forward to partnering with PhRMA for this year’s Virtual Career Expo. As an organization dedicated to health equity, we recognize the importance of increasing the diversity of America’s STEM and healthcare workforce. We’re excited to support PhRMA’s efforts to increase access to opportunities in the biopharmaceutical industry and to STEM careers.”

Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM.

“SACNAS is excited to collaborate with PhRMA at this year’s Virtual STEM Career Expo. This partnership will help us advance our movement to achieve true diversity in STEM. We look forward to fostering connections and supporting the next generation of Chicano, Hispanic, and Native American STEM leaders together with PhRMA.” – Juan Amador, Executive Director, SACNAS.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the cornerstone of support for the loved ones of America's fallen. As the nation’s premier nonprofit organization for military and veteran survivors, TAPS is a lifeline of compassionate care beyond government resources. TAPS welcomes every military and veteran survivor, regardless of their connection to the deceased or the circumstances of the death. In 2023 alone, 9,611 new survivors connected with TAPS's comprehensive services, including peer support, grief and trauma resources, and the 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline.

“TAPS is committed to providing military survivors, ages 18-32, with the resources necessary to build a fulfilling career,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS Founder and President. “The opportunity for them to participate in PhRMA’s Career Expo gives them an unprecedented introduction to a diverse range of companies and industries. We are grateful that PhRMA has recognized our nation’s military families in this opportunity.”

The University of Virginia is a public institution of higher learning guided by a founding vision of discovery, innovation, and development of the full potential of talented students from all walks of life. It serves the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world by developing responsible citizen leaders and professionals; advancing, preserving, and disseminating knowledge; and providing world-class patient care.

“The Career Center at UVA serves all students, across all majors including students in STEM disciplines. The Career Center is dedicated to building a bridge between student's academic pursuits and career goals. By engaging with UVA Alumni networks, and industry-specific opportunities, the Center enables students of all years to create the foundation of their career journey. UVA is excited to partner with PhRMA again on the Grad Summit. Last year’s event engaged greater than 150 students from UVA and our partner schools.” – David Lapinski, Director of Employer Relations and Experiential Learning, University of Virginia Career Center.

Young Black Pharma is a 501c6 membership-based community with over 1,700 Black professionals, that remains committed to its organizational pillars which focus on cultivating, inspiring, and connecting a growing community of talented Black professionals in the pharmaceutical industry to professional development, mentorship, career growth, and robust networking opportunities. Young Black Pharma has taken the shape of a pharma company-agnostic people resource group, striving not only to increase representation, but also to increase the trajectory of Black professionals in pharma. Our partners and sponsors are a huge part of how much we are able to accomplish toward these objectives through timely virtual programming as well as our in-person conference, coming to DC this November 1st-3rd!

“It is always an honor for us to team up and partner with PhRMA to collaborate and co-create in ways that serve both of our audiences and propel us forward in our visions. We are so excited for this year’s Career Expo!” – Marissa West, Young Black Pharma | President

Through nationwide partnerships, PhRMA is dedicated to fostering a more representative workforce and equitable health care system. We are proud to support these community partners who play a crucial role in diversifying the talent pipeline within the biopharmaceutical industry. As an industry leader, PhRMA is committed to advancing health equity, enhancing diversity in clinical trials, and building a workforce that better reflects the diversity of the United States.

To learn more: PhRMA.org/Equity