Honoring Black History Month

“The issue [DEI] is front and center and we are engaged. I want to highlight site personnel, who play a unique role in advancing diversity in clinical research. In my roles at large pharmaceutical companies, I know first-hand that sponsors cannot do this alone, and that we need site personnel as trusted partners and as the voice for patients in order for industry stakeholders to understand the realities on the ground.”

— Stacey Bledsoe, MSN, Head of Global Clinical Trial Diversity and Inclusion, Gilead Sciences

READ MORE > Perseverance Leads to Progress

“This Black History Month, I’d like to honor those influential black leaders who laid the foundational work to allow me to be in the positions I hold today. And to make a promise to the next generation of inspirational black leaders that I will leave this industry in an even better place than I found it.”

— Ashley C. Moultrie, CCRP, Director of DEI & Community Engagement, Javara; Chair, ACRP Diversity Advisory Council. [Watch Ashley’s Video Below]

“In the symphony of clinical research, diversity is the key to harmony. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember that every voice and every perspective is a note in the song of progress. Embracing diversity in our workforce and fostering inclusive relationships paves the way for innovation and scientific advancements in drug development, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all.”

— R’Kes Starling, RPh, MBA, Chief Executive Officer/President, Reveles; ACRP Diversity Advisory Council Member

“The ACRP Diversity Advisory Council puts together programs and initiatives that support building diversity amongst participants in clinical trials and those who run them. This is a really big step in fighting the fight for health equity. This Black History Month, I encourage all of us to reflect on the work we do every day and the small things that collectively make a huge impact.”

– LaQuinta Jernigan, Chief Operating Officer, mdgroup; ACRP Diversity Advisory Council Member [Watch LaQuinta’s Video Below]

“Black History Month allows me to reflect on our industry and see the growth over the 30+ years I’ve been part of it. It also allows me to participate and contribute to the development of initiatives that help in the efforts to understand more about health disparities in people of color and for career advancements.”

– Lutheria Hollis, CCRC, Clinical Research Associate II, PPD Thermo Fisher; ACRP Diversity Advisory Council Member [Watch Lutheria’s Video Below]

“I am who I am today due to the unsung Black heroes who blazed trails and were dedicated to a cause greater than themselves. I thank them for paving the way for my success as a clinical researcher and the opportunities my grandchildren have due to their bravery in breaking down barriers.”

— Adrelia Allen, PharmD, PMP, Executive Director, Clinical Trial Patient Diversity, Global Clinical Trial Operations | Merck Research Laboratories; ACRP Diversity Advisory Council Member [Watch Adrelia’s Video Below]

Hear Lutheria Hollis, CCRC, Clinical Research Associate II, PPD, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, share how Black History Month allows her to contribute to the development of initiatives that help in the effort to understand more about health disparities in people of color.

Ashley C. Moultrie, CCRP, Director of DEI & Community Engagement, Javara, and Chair, ACRP Diversity Advisory Council, shares how Black History Month is the continuation of an invaluable legacy that she supports each day through her day-to-day role and work with ACRP.

Listen to LaQuinta Jerrigan, Chief Operating Officer, mdgroup, honor Black History Month by encouraging clinical research professionals to reflect on the work they do every day and the small things that collectively make a huge impact in improving diversity in clinical trials.

Adrelia Allen, PharmD, PMP, Executive Director, Clinical Trial Patient Diversity, Merck Research Laboratories, celebrates black scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals who have fought for equity in medicine and are working to improve health outcomes for all patients.