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

“Our industry’s efforts to increase representation are not only for the patients we serve; this work is also keenly focused on those we serve alongside (colleagues). 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.”

Ashley C. Moultrie, CCRP, Chair, ACRP Diversity Advisory Council; Director, DEI & Community Engagement, Javara

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 inclusive 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 the ASCRT Scholarships for tuition and Continuing Education Grants to attend 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.

All who support the ACRP Ride4DEI are 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 ACRP advocates for representation 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 and ACRP Board of Trustees Member [Watch Video]

“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, 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 [Watch Video]

“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, Director of Research, Holston Medical Group [Watch Video]

“If we want to improve diversity in clinical trial enrollment, we need to foster a more inclusive workforce. By investing in a diverse talent pool, we can ensure our research reflects the needs of all patients.”

Justin Chia, Project Manager, ICON [Watch Video]

“Health equity is foundational for a future where clinical trials are accessible to all. ACRP Ride4DEI is a fantastic opportunity to move the needle where it matters most—in underrepresented communities.”

Kyle Ashe, Head of Business Development, Acclinate [Watch Video]

“In the pursuit of medical progress, let’s remember that equity in clinical research isn’t just an aspiration; it’s the cornerstone of a healthier, fairer world. Health equity is our northern star for the ACRP Ride4DEI.”

Lauren Chazal, MBA, Chief Business Development Officer, Headlands Research

Who We Support

Since 2021, the ACRP Ride4DEI has raised $165,282 in donations from individuals and corporate sponsors. Funds go directly to support 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.

Get Involved!

The 2024 ACRP Ride4DEI Raised $84,265 from Individual Donors and Corporate Sponsors. Thank You to All Who Supported! Stay tuned for details in early 2025 on how to become a supporter.

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.

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. Download this step-by-step guide to creating a Fundraising Team.

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.

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! The 2024 ACRP Ride4DEI Raised $84,265 from Individual Donors and Corporate Sponsors. Thank You to All Who Supported!

BREAKAWAY SPONSOR ($10,000 and Greater)

PLATINUM SPONSOR ($5,000 – $9,999)

Acclinate • Headlands Research • HealthMatch • Holston Medical Group • Pfizer • Javara

GOLD SPONSOR ($2,500 – $4,999)

Cognivue • Lightship • Medidata • RealTime eClinical Solutions

SILVER SPONSORS ($1,000 – $2,499)

DM Clinical Research • Deborah and Dennis Driscoll • Florence Healthcare • Susan Landis • Paradigm Clinical Research Centers • Profound Research • Leslie Byatt

BRONZE SPONSORS ($500 – $999)

Sergio Armani • Christina Brennan • David Morin • Christine Senn • Nicholas Spittal • William Thomas & Chantal Jauvin • Premier, Inc. • Tiffany Mayo

PELOTON CLUB SPONSORS ($1 – $499)

Scott Chatterton • Grant Miller • Dee Tilley • Israel Bocanegra • Jeanette Lee • Kristina Chapman • Yonjong Choi • Antonios Clapsis • Trial Equity • Nancy Sacco • Jamie Steed • Noreen Connolly • Glenda Guest • Suzanne Kincaid • Cate Concannon • Simon Corman • Steven Gonzalez • Christy Herz • Brittany Irvin • Gary Cramer • Hal Edenbaum • Sharleen Traynor • Matt Torcasso • Jeffrey Smyth • Andrew Kittell • Steve Mavrakis • Gary Cardarelli • Jim Kremidas • Virginia Nido • Rick Whiles • Richard Ashe • Teresa Orton • Chris Le Feber • Stephanie Pyle • Tinaya Gray •  Addie Healy • Keith Ho • Adrelia Allen • Kristen Ballesteros • Emily Hubbs • Angela Wlodar • Katie Crater • Andrew Goldman • Tanisha Patel • Kathy Cole • Kylie Scheideler • Martin Oppenheimer • Claudia Dallas • Linda Shostak • Chris Gantz • Patrick Lee • Katie Mullett • Heather Holtman • Michael Smith • Jason Elenberger • Ian Scholes • Anjani Villa • Stephanie Anderson • Joanne Stevens • Denise Snyder • Kathleen OMalley • Heidi Lubov • Katie Crater • Heather Holtman • Michael Smith • Jason Elenberger • Andrew Goldman • David Smith • Cassidy Taylor • Kathy Cole • Michele Taylor • LaQuinta Jernigan • Robert Cline • Janet Brantley • Sean Wallace • Laura Murphy • John Worden • ACRP Western NY Chapter • Craig Lipset • Caitlin Mackey • Lynne Haughey • David Guzman • Ximena Levy • Mo Ali • ClinSearch Resources • Jeremy Cook • Pamela Nelson • Renuka Agarwal • Evelyn Quiles • Sonya April • Chris Heinzinger • Chloe Rehkopf • Jeremiah Castillo • Anonymous Supporters

View Our Impact!

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.