The Association of Clinical Research Professionals

ACRP Ride4DEI

A diverse clinical trial workforce is imperative to the sustainability, quality, and reliability of clinical research now and in the future–and that’s what the ACRP Ride4DEI is all about.

This annual fundraiser supports clinical researchers from diverse backgrounds by providing educational grants and tuition scholarships that result in new career opportunities and professional growth.

September 8-12, 2024
Green Mountain National Forest

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“There has never been a more significant time to enhance the clinical trial workforce. The Ride4DEI is an actionable initiative supporting advancement and accessibility for clinical researchers.”

– R’Kes Starling, RPh, MBA, ACRP Diversity Advisory Council member and Chief Executive Officer/President, Reveles

Cycling for Clinical Research Workforce Diversity

Participation in research by people of all backgrounds reduces health disparities and improves drug development and efficacy. But this remains an uphill climb. The reality is that communities of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals are still under-represented in clinical trials (I, II, III, IV).

And while research shows that study sites with multicultural personnel do a better job of recruiting volunteers from racial and ethnic minority groups, workforce diversity has other benefits. Building greater trust and engagement with patients can lead to higher clinical trial recruitment, participation, and completion rates. In addition, a strong commitment to DEI hiring and staffing practices will only strengthen the clinical research community.

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. Every dollar raised will help increase access to education, training, and career advancement in clinical research for people from historically underserved communities. Recipients will be identified and selected through the ACRP Diversity Advisory Council.

By supporting the ACRP Ride4DEI, you’re helping to move the people and practice of clinical research forward.

 

 

The ACRP Ride4DEI is a grueling, 5-day ride through the Green Mountain National Forest in Northern Vermont, traversing along the Canadian border. This route covers 225 miles with 11,020 feet of vertical climb which averages to 45 miles with 2,204 feet of climb daily.

 

 

 

Meet the Riders

This self-supported endurance challenge will be led by Sergio Armani, Scott Chatterton, Rick Fisher, and Dr. David Morin, ACRP advocates for diversity and inclusion in the clinical research workforce. The ride is a life-changing experience—the resilience they need to push through to the finish line comes from our mission and their dedication.

“My hope is that the Ride4DEI will continue to raise money for much-needed scholarships and serve as a voice for clinical researchers who desire greater access to career opportunities.”

– Sergio Armani, ACRP Ride4DEI Creator, ACRP Board of Trustees, and EVP, Business Development, Helios Clinical Research

“Everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams. My goal is to raise awareness and funds to support clinical researchers from underserved communities. Representation matters!”

Scott Chatterton, ACRP Ride4DEI cyclist, and Executive Director, Business Development, Javara

“Enhancing diversity across clinical trials demands careful, focused attention, and long-term dedication. To improve patient diversity in clinical research, it’s imperative that we start with workforce diversity.”

– Rick Fisher, ACRP Ride4DEI founding cyclist, and Senior Vice President, Operations, Velocity Clinical Research

“Workforce diversity is an excellent way to improve participation rates for racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented in clinical trials. ACRP Ride4DEI scholarships support these goals.”

David Morin, MD, FACP, CPI, FACRP, ACRP Ride4DEI cyclist, and Director of Research, Holston Medical Group

Get Involved!

Whether you’re a casual road cyclist, at the top of your Peloton leaderboard, or haven’t been on two wheels since you were a kid, there are several ways you can support the ACRP Ride4DEI mission. With your support, we can reach new fundraising heights and exceed our goal of $100,000.

1. Make a One-Time or Recurring Donation

This is the simplest way to support education and professional development for early-career clinical researchers from underserved communities.

2. Start a Personal Fundraising Page

It only takes a minute to start raising funds for clinical research workforce diversity. As a fundraiser, you’ll have your own page where you can share updates with family and friends. They can make a donation in your name to support your efforts.

3. Create a Fundraising Team

Take your fundraising efforts to a higher level by establishing a team of fundraisers. Invite your friends, family, and co-workers to actively fundraise alongside you. It’s a great way to bring people together for an important cause.

4. Become a Corporate Sponsor

Companies that are committed to building a diverse, research-ready clinical research workforce can make an immediate, real-world impact through corporate sponsorship. Amplify your efforts by encouraging your employees to donate, create their own teams, and encourage a little friendly competition in your workplace to see who raises the most! View our 2024 Sponsorship Tiers here. Please contact the ACRP Ride4DEI Creator, Sergio Armani, for more details on the benefits of sponsorship.

We hope you’ll join our fourth cycling challenge to support workforce diversity.

Who We Support

Since 2021, the ACRP Ride4DEI has raised $165,070 in donations from individuals and corporate sponsors. 100% of every dollar—including corporate donations—goes directly to fund educational grants and tuition scholarships. 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.

2024 Sponsors and Donors

We are grateful for the generosity of our corporate sponsors and individual donors who make the ACRP Ride4DEI mission a reality!

BREAKAWAY SPONSOR ($10,000 and Greater)

 

 

 

 

PLATINUM SPONSOR ($5,000 – $9,999)

Holston Medical Group

GOLD SPONSOR ($2,500 – $4,999)

Cognivue

SILVER SPONSORS ($1,000 – $2,499)

DM Clinical Research • Deborah and Dennis Driscoll

BRONZE SPONSORS ($500 – $999)

Sergio Armani • David Morin • Christine Senn

PELOTON CLUB SPONSORS ($1 – $499)

Scott Chatterton • Grant Miller • Dee Tilley • Israel Bocanegra • Jeanette Lee • Kristina Chapman • Yonjong Choi • Antonios Clapsis • Trial Equity

You can view the list of 2023 ACRP Ride4DEI individual and corporate supporters here.

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations made to the ACRP Ride4DEI are tax-deductible. If you have questions about tax deductions, please contact a tax professional. If you would like more details about the ACRP Ride4DEI, please contact us.