The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) is proud to recognize Velocity Clinical Research as a Breakaway Sponsor of the 2024 ACRP Ride4DEI.
The ACRP Ride4DEI is the clinical research industry’s premier cycling challenge that raises funds in support of ACRP Continuing Education Grants, tuition scholarships, and attendance at ACRP’s Annual Conference for entry-level clinical research professionals from diverse communities.
“Committing to building a diverse clinical research staff—and supporting sites in developing early talent—is imperative to improving diversity in clinical trial participant population,” says Susan Landis, ACRP Executive Director. “ACRP is leading initiatives and providing life-changing scholarships to help build a diverse, research-ready workforce through programs that provide access to training and the education needed to advance a career in clinical research. We are incredibly thankful for Velocity’s support of the ACRP Ride4DEI—whose contribution goes directly to this goal.”
Dr G. Paul Evans, President and Chief Executive of Velocity, said: “The clinical industry has had an incredible awareness-raising moment over the past few years and it’s vital we come together as an industry to leverage that, especially when it comes to the topic of diversity. That’s why initiatives like the ACRP Ride4DEI provide an excellent opportunity to bring to the fore the issue of diversity. As the leading site leading multi-specialty clinical sites business, we at Velocity are happy to support, participate in and move DEI discussion forward. It’s also a particularly gratifying to welcome one of our staff back to the event, Rick Fisher, Senior Vice President of Operations at Velocity, who will join this year’s 225-mile ride.”
Since 2021, the ACRP Ride4DEI has raised $165,282 in donations from 328 individual donors and 35 corporate sponsors. In 2024, ACRP awarded six $5,000 scholarships to students from underrepresented groups who are enrolled in a community college, four-year college, or master’s-level program in clinical research through its Access for Students to Clinical Research Training (ASCRT) Scholarship program. The recipients were selected by the ACRP Diversity Advisory Council.
“As the leading workforce association for the clinical research industry, ACRP has a responsibility to ensure that all people—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or orientation—can embark on a career in clinical research and advance without prejudice. My hope is that the ACRP Ride4DEI will continue to raise money for much needed scholarships and serve as a catalyst for clinical researchers who desire greater access to career opportunities,” says Sergio Armani, ACRP Ride4DEI creator.
“Our industry’s efforts to increase representation are not only for those we serve (our patients); this work is also keenly focused on those we serve alongside (our colleagues),” says Ashley Moultrie, ACRP Diversity Advisory Council Chair, and Senior Director, DEI & Community Engagement, Javara. “The ACRP Ride4DEI aims to close the equity gap in clinical research as a career option, an essential—and significant—step toward realizing health equity for all.”
For more information about the ACRP Ride4DEI, please visit us acrpnet.org/ride-4-dei. Donations can be made directly to ACRP’s online donation platform.
