PhRMA has awarded grants to five community partner organizations which are participating in the third annual Pathways to Success Graduate Summit and Career Expo, taking place September 27-28, 2023. Grants have been awarded to Clemson University, the Center for Healthcare Innovation, the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, the University of Virginia and Young Black Pharma. The annual graduate summit provides an opportunity for PhRMA to partner with organizations that are driving health equity forward and working to diversify the biopharmaceutical industry’s talent pipeline. We recognize the importance of increasing diverse talent and providing better 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.
Over 1,400 attendees from across the nation have participated in the summit in the past, representing over 200 schools. Summit attendees will hear from industry leaders and connect directly with biopharmaceutical companies who are actively recruiting diverse graduates and early career professionals. To attend the summit, visit the website and register on or before September 27.
Grant recipients include:
- Clemson University’s College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences operates as a vital facilitator in connecting diverse communities to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. With this grant, the College’s STEM-focused students will be introduced to career pathways to develop pharmaceuticals and biotechnology that will have a significant impact on public health outcomes and well-being.
“We are committed to improving community health and well-being in South Carolina and beyond,” said Dr. Leslie Hossfeld, Dean of Clemson University’s College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. “This partnership with PhRMA is an invaluable chance to engage with and promote diversity in the industry of cutting-edge research and science innovation.” - The Center for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) convenes diverse healthcare groups to collaborate on making health care more equitable, efficient, effective, and innovative for all communities. As an organization dedicated to health equity, CHI inherently recognizes the central role diversity in America’s STEM and health care workforce plays in addressing health disparities and inequities, and as such, will be using the grant to further increase the representation of underrepresented talent in STEM careers.
Executive Director Lindsay Moore-Fields reaffirms CHI’s commitment to creating pathways and opportunities for underrepresented communities in STEM. “CHI views increasing the diversity of America’s STEM and health care workforce as critical to achieving health equity. We’re excited to partner with PhRMA to increase opportunities and awareness of STEM and health care careers, including opportunities in the biopharmaceutical industry.” - The Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences (OSUCHS) educates and trains osteopathic physicians, research scientists and other health care professionals with an emphasis on serving rural and underserved Oklahomans. OSUCHS will use its grant to expose STEM students from rural and marginalized communities to the wealth of STEM career opportunities available to them within the biopharmaceutical industry.
OSUCHS partnered with PhRMA for last year’s virtual graduate summit and recognized its advantages. Randall L. Davis, PhD, Associate Dean of Biomedical Sciences comments, “The opportunity to introduce our diverse graduate students to PhRMA’s member companies was of immense benefit to them. Many students, due to their backgrounds, do not fully understand the opportunities that are available to them with their STEM degrees. We're fostering collaboration and encouraging students to aspire to careers that benefit society and, most importantly, their communities.” - The University of Virginia’s (UVA) Career Center serves students across all majors offered by the University, including students in STEM disciplines. The University aims to further develop its annual Biotech Career Fair and a BioLink Interview Consortium with a mission to promote access to jobs and internships in the sciences. Additionally, UVA earlier this year announced the creation of the Manning Institute of Biotechnology which will play a broad role in the Commonwealth of Virginia through clinical trials.
David Lapinski, Director of Employer and Experiential Learning at the University of Virginia described this partnership between PhRMA and UVA as “the creation of a channel to engage students from across the BioLink Consortium schools to increase diverse talent in STEM fields.” - Young Black Pharma strives to cultivate talent from marginalized communities to best connect them to career opportunities within STEM. With this grant and partnership, Young Black Pharma will bolster its mentoring initiatives focusing on the personal and professional development needed to excel in the pharmaceutical industry.
“We must find opportunities to cultivate, inspire, and connect with each other by sharing our unique experiences in pharma, which will help us advance professionally and grow in our careers,” said Marissa West, President of Young Black Pharma. “It's imperative to create this space when you consider the disproportionate access Black people have to upskilling and work opportunities.”
PhRMA is committed to improving health equity, enhancing diversity in clinical trials and building a workforce that better represents the diversity of the United States. We’re proud to support these community partners which are fundamental to diversifying the biopharmaceutical industry’s talent pipeline. As an industry-leader, PhRMA will continue to advocate for better health outcomes for diverse and underserved populations. To learn more: https://phrma.org/Equity
Renuka Iyer
Renuka Iyer is EVP, Chief People & Culture Officer at PhRMA. In her role, she develops PhRMA’s talent philosophy and implements HR and DEI strategies to drive organizational excellence and employee engagement.
Iyer has over three decades of global experience in human capital management in organizations ranging from start-ups to large companies, in both the commercial and nonprofit sectors. She has held leadership roles with Infor-SoftBrands, Levi Strauss & Co., Population Services International, Grameen Foundation and more recently the World Resources Institute, where she was the Chief Human Resources Officer. She has led diverse teams and worked with multiple countries across the Americas, Asia, Africa and South America.
Iyer is a certified Senior Professional of Human Resources. She has undergraduate degrees in economics and interdisciplinary studies and a master’s in organizational development and knowledge management.
Renuka Iyer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/renukasiyer/
Executive Vice President, Chief People & Culture Officer
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