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2025 Distinguished Scholars

Description

Across the globe, patients are waiting not just for treatment, but for hope. The future of health depends on bold innovation and transformative therapeutics that can rewrite what’s possible for human life. To achieve this, we must cultivate a new generation of pioneers, scientists, thinkers, and leaders who will relentlessly push boundaries and not be thwarted by today’s challenges as they pursue tomorrow’s cures. Innovation thrives when opportunity meets determination. By opening doors for emerging life science professionals, we create a movement that will drive bold ideas from vision to reality. Enter the OneWe Reach Distinguished Scholars. The OneWe Reach Distinguished Scholars Program is a national recognition and career development initiative designed to expand opportunities for the next generation of life science professionals. This initiative invests in high-achieving students, providing access to tailored resources, networking opportunities, and development experiences designed to support their growth and success.

We know that hope alone cannot heal and that it needs champions who will turn possibility into progress. That’s why OneWe Reach is committed to empowering those who will lead the charge toward a healthier tomorrow. Aided by the support of the OneWe Reach Foundation and other corporate supporters, OneWe Reach identifies and celebrates exceptional undergraduate (sophomore-level and above), graduate, PharmD, PhD, and Postdoctoral students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact. By elevating talented students with unique perspectives and experiences, the OneWe Reach Distinguished Scholars program helps the industry benefit from a broader range of ideas - ideas that lead to the insights and innovations needed to crystalize a vision of a world where optimal health and well-being are realized by all.

Stephen Adepoju

Northeastern University: PhD

Field of Study LinkedIn Profile URL

Chemical Engineering

Leadership Influence

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-adepoju-025093156/

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

One of the most meaningful ways I’ve demonstrated leadership and impact is through my role as president of the African Graduate Student Association at Northeastern University. Leading a dynamic community of over 250 students from 18+ African countries, I partnered with 10 executive board members to create initiatives that foster cultural identity, integrated well-being, and academic excellence. I launched a vertical mentorship program that matched new students with experienced peers, resulting in a 150% increase in membership and greater student retention. Recognizing the unique barriers faced by international students, I helped lead a welcome webinar that supported 110+ incoming African students in 2024, guiding them through academic, financial, and personal transitions in a nurturing and safe environment. To celebrate our diverse heritage and strengthen authentic connection, I co-organized African Day, an inclusive cultural event for 300+ students from across Boston. We secured ~$8,000 in sponsorship to support this initiative and create space for belonging and empowerment. Beyond AGSA, I serve as Director of Program Operations for the Nigerian Professional Group, facilitating professional and mental health development programs for 500+ members. I also mentor graduate school applicants through the Michael Taiwo Scholarship, with a 75% success rate, supporting others on their path to selfactualization. These roles have taught me to lead with empathy and intentionality. I strive to empower communities and amplify voices, values that deeply reflect OneWe Reach’s commitment to advancing equity and ensuring that every professional can contribute to a healthier, more inclusive world.

Vision for Community Impact

Leadership Roles Founder & President, PhD 2 Consulting Club, Northeastern University Director, Program Operations, Nigerian Professional Group Mentor & Interviewer, Michael Taiwo Scholarships Academic Chair and President, African Graduate Student Association, Northeastern University Teaching Assistant, Northeastern University Peer Mentor, Northeastern University. Project Supervisor, Nestle Nigeria Secretary, Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineering Students, University of Maiduguri Awards & Honors NSBE Veralto Scholarship ($10,000 cheque) American Chemical Society Career Conference Award, fully funded (~$4,American Chemical Society Kick Starter Workshop Award, fully funded (~$4,SMDP Scholar (Scientist Mentoring & Development Program, ~$5,Young Innovation Leaders Fellow (~$1,Venture Capital Fellow, Venture Cooperative (~$2,Chemical Engineering and PhD Network Travel Award (~$3,AIChE Travel Award (~$500, Free conference registration) URSSI Summer School Award Washington DC (~$3,URSSI Summer School Award, Urbana Champaign (~$3,8th I-CoMSE Summer School Award for Machine Learning, Minnesota (~$3,NSF-funded RAGSAB Travel Grant ($Nigerian Professional Group Scholarship ($1,7th I-CoMSE Summer School Participant for Molecular Dynamics, Boise ($1,Nestle Excellence Award (Top 1% Employee, ~$Most Hardworking Student (Top 1 of 250 Students, ~$2nd Best Graduating Student, Department of Chemical Engineering.

My vision for community impact through a career in biopharma is rooted in equity, empowerment, and scientific purpose. At Northeastern University, am developing liposomal drug delivery systems designed to improve treatment outcomes for diseases like breast and blood cancers. But my ambition extends beyond the lab; I aim to ensure these innovations are not only effective but also accessible to patients in underserved and marginalized communities. Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed healthcare inequities that led to preventable loss of life, including the death of my grandfather from blood cancer in 2020 due to lack of timely, affordable care. That experience shaped my commitment to pursuing biopharma roles that bridge research and strategy. I hope to help shape inclusive clinical trials, promote global access, and ensure impactful therapies reach all who need them and not just those who can afford them. Beyond research, I am passionate about mentorship and inclusive leadership. I’ve mentored 20+ students in their academic journeys, supporting their growth through application guidance. This work reflects my belief in self-actualization, integrated well-being, and the power of community. Like OneWe Reach, I believe leadership is most powerful when it reflects the communities it serves and creates pathways for others to rise. Through a career in biopharma, I aspire to lead with empathy, authenticity, and purpose, driving meaningful change in healthcare and contributing to a more inclusive system. My goal is to leave a legacy of science that serves, uplifts, and ensures every voice contributes to a healthier world.

Sussan Agbamu

Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy - Rutgers University: PharmD

G. & Marlene E. Daffner Scholarship, EMSOP Student Ambassador, Pharmacy Governing Council Mentor, IPhO Internship Mentor

Vision for Community Impact Leadership Influence

One of my most meaningful leadership experiences has been serving as a student mentor through the Pharmacy Governing Council at Rutgers. As a transfer student, I initially struggled to navigate the academic rigor and professional expectations of pharmacy school. Fortunately, was connected with student mentors who offered guidance, encouragement, and helped me feel a sense of belonging. That experience inspired me to give back by supporting incoming students facing similar transitions. In this role, I mentor first-year pharmacy students as they adjust to the demands of the program. provide support on study strategies, time management, professional development, and ways to get involved on campus. Many of my mentees start out feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to start, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see them gain confidence and establish their place in the program. Through this experience, I’ve learned that leadership is rooted in empathy and consistency. Mentoring has strengthened my communication skills, deepened my commitment to pharmacy, and reinforced the value of lifting others. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of other students just as others once did for me.

Academic Honors, Scholarships, and Leadership Roles

Through a career in biopharma, I hope to collaborate with teams that bring innovative therapies to patients who need them the most, especially in rare diseases. These communities often face long diagnostic journeys, limited treatment options, and minimal awareness, all of which contribute to delayed care and worsened outcomes. My goal is to help close these gaps by advancing solutions that are not only scientifically impactful but also accessible and meaningful to the patients they’re designed to serve. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, I’ve seen firsthand how systemic barriers can prevent individuals from receiving timely, appropriate treatment. I want to help build a healthcare system where geography, socioeconomic status, or disease rarity are no longer obstacles to care. As a black woman in pharmacy, I also recognize the importance of representation and the urgent need to diversify the landscape of the biopharmaceutical industry. I aspire to be among those driving change by bringing lived experiences and cultural awareness into the spaces where decisions are made. Ultimately, I hope my work contributes to a more compassionate and inclusive healthcare ecosystem. One that listens to patients, reflects their needs in drug development, and delivers meaningful change to communities often overlooked.

Rho Chi Honor Society, Thelma J. Moss Scholarship, Schering-Plough Pharmacy Scholarship, Daffner Martin

Sarah Akinlolu

King’s College London: MPharm (Master of Pharmacy)

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

As someone living with chronic pain, I have experienced firsthand how it forces patients to change careers and limit their aspirations. I envision a reality where treatments are patient-centered, corruption-free, and driven by ethical revenue ideation, especially in regions where healthcare is inaccessible. Patient’s shouldn’t have to compromise to live around their condition- it should fade into the background, becoming almost recessive. “How would you rate your pain on a scale of one to ten?” So inadvertently ten becomes the limit- and even then, patients are stigmatized: if its ten how do they look fine? Those whom have pain irresponsive to NSAIDs risk being is seen as a possible opioid addict, so many downplay their pain. While using PRISMA to conduct systematic review simulations, I noticed a recurring group of patients who were subject to bias in “CONSORT-adherent” trials. People who are either; incarcerated, mentally institutionalized, or infants/children and elderly. Just as we use ALCOAC and RedCap to ensure data integrity, I hope that one day we will stop putting patients on trial instead of the drug itself. I am currently developing a series titled (H)EAR, which interrogates how the traditional pain scale undermines patient credibility and contributes to systemic medical injustice. As part of this project, I will be presenting at the TOPRA 2025 Symposium, and I am preparing a submission for The Lancet’s Wakley Prize. My aim is to have an impact worldwide not just in the community.

Leadership Influence

Director of Pharmacy Peer Assisted Learning (PAL), King’s College London (KCL) - first-ever in school history and received token of appreciation from Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine (workshops rated 4 and 5 stars) Young Writers Award Panelist at KCL Education Conference 2025 TOPRA SPIN member- featured poster at TOPRA Symposium (candidate for poster prize) Sixth Form Council + Senior Mentor in High School Junior Music Scholar (Euphonium) - selected for ABRSM-funded program Science Olympiad Bronze Cadet Lance Corporal- Royal Logistic Corps Army Cadet Force Essex Book Awards Ambassador- 2× school winner, 2× national nominee Volunteering roles at NHS (Tech Engagement)

Vision for Community Impact

Field of Study

MPharm (Master of Pharmacy)

LinkedIn Profile URL https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-a3b2430284/

I recall from a previous project of mine where I came across Remaking Eden, where Silver warns of a future where exclusivity with genetic enhancements creates a biological divide- “where Gen-Rich and Gen-Poor become two different species.” It is never about whether many innovations are possible; it is about who gets to decide how they are used and who gets left behind. In the education sector, this concept is just as important, as those with access to more resources, knowledge, and connections are more equipped to excel, while others are repeatedly left behind. As a second-year MPharm student, wanted to take on a leadership role in my university’s Peer Assisted Learning Committee. I ran for president, but when that didn’t work out, I carved my own path-I became the first ever second-year student to lead Pharmacy tutorials and workshops. We were able to corroborate and identify gaps, provide tailored support, and built a system where students could thrive, learning from the challenges we once faced. I had the opportunity to expand access to learning and while acknowledging there will always be a divide in society, I was able to reduce the impact of that divide within my sphere of influence. Even through times of adversity I discovered that my drive wasn’t just a catalyst for supporting other students but it also gave me temporary relief from chronic pain and for others like me, it can be too.

Sonia Alavi

University of Illinois Chicago: PhD

Field

Study

MPharm (Master of Pharmacy)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-alavi-3a877177/

Leadership Influence

Awards & Honors: 2025: Chicago Consular Corps Award, UIC Office of Global Engagement. Chancellor’s Student Service Award, UIC. 3rd Place Poster Presentation Award, PGSRM 2024: Deiss Award in Biomedical Graduate Research, UIC Graduate College. Al R. Langerman Memorial Scholarship, UIC College of Pharmacy. Travel Award for PhD Students (TAPS), UIC College of Pharmacy. Chancellor’s Student Service Award, UIC. 2022: van Doren Scholarship, UIC College of Pharmacy. Leadership Roles: 2025: Chair-Elect, AAPS Student Chapter at UIC (Present). Scientific & Fundraising Committee Member, PGSRM 2025 (. Marketing Team Leader, PGSRM 2025 (. 2024: Vice-Chair, AAPS Student Chapter at UIC (. 2023: Board Member, AAPS Student Chapter at UIC (. Professional Service: Reviewer, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (Present).

Vision for Community Impact

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

“ Growing up in Iran and now conducting research in the U.S., Ive experienced how disparities in healthcare access are shaped by geography, infrastructure, and cost. My goal is to bridge that gap through a career in biopharma developing drug delivery systems that are not only innovative, but accessible and impactful in real-world settings. As a PhD candidate, my research focuses on microneedle-based platforms for localized treatment of chronic wounds and ocular disease conditions where traditional delivery often fails. I aim to translate these technologies into patient-centered therapies that reduce invasiveness, improve compliance, and are adaptable across healthcare systems. My commitment to community impact extends beyond the bench. Through leadership roles in the AAPS Student Chapter and service on committees for PGSRM 2025, Ive helped create platforms that connect students, amplify emerging voices, and make science more inclusive. These experiences have taught me that advancing human health requires both technical innovation and strong, collaborative communities. In the long term, I hope to lead translational research efforts that bring forward effective, affordable therapies particularly for underserved populations. I want my work to reflect not just scientific rigor, but a deep sense of responsibility: to build solutions that reach those who need them most.”

Since 2022, Ive been actively involved in the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Student Chapter at UIC, currently serving as Chair-Elect. One of the most meaningful outcomes of this journey has been helping organize the Pharmaceutics Graduate Student Research Meeting, a regional pharmaceutical sciences conference hosted this year by UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy for graduate students across the Midwest. As Marketing Team Leader, I led a year-long effort to build our outreach and branding strategy from the ground up. I coordinated with teammates to establish a shared vision, created a clear promotion timeline, and personally designed the abstract booklet to highlight the quality of our science in a professional and accessible format. To broaden our reach, we actively promoted the conference across LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and Instagram, which significantly increased visibility and engagement. I also selected and arranged branded gift items to enhance the conference experience and foster connections with attendees. In parallel, as a member of the Fundraising Committee, I initiated and led communication with AbbVie, resulting in a $7,500 sponsorshipone of the largest PGSRM 2025 has received. As part of the Scientific Committee, I supported abstract review and session planning to ensure strong, diverse representation. These roles taught me how to lead with both vision and humility guiding projects, building efficient systems, and empowering others while staying hands-on. PGSRM showed me that effective leadership isn’t about doing it all, it’s about helping your team deliver something bigger, better, and lasting!”

Spencer Annor-Ampofo

Washington University in St. Louis Bachelor of Arts

Field of Study

Academic Honors, Scholarships, and Leadership Roles

I hope to increase community input and insight in designing biopharma/life sciences research based on my experiences working in a health disparities lab at the Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. and from my research project. In the health disparities lab, we explore ways to increase minority participation in Alzheimer’s research. My job is to analyze the perception/willingness of Black participation in research from data collection events. In analyzing perception/willingness, I learned the importance of collaborating with community organizations in order to create research involvement among minoritized communities. With the knowledge from my lab, I developed questions for my research study predicated on people’s perceptions and experiences of hair loss within the Black community and the information they seek regarding their own hair. I also analyzed the participants perception of clinical research regarding hair care through their surveyed responses. In my data analysis, I explore themes on the Black community overall opinions about hair and hair loss. From the results of my research study, I plan to further develop community-centered research methods highlighting Black personal experiences within hair and skin research I believe that a diversity of voices plays an important role in impacting and advancing community research. Building on my experiences, I hope to contribute to community insight and input throughout my career in biopharma/life sciences. I strive for more community involvement through new research methods by expanding and learning new skills in order to bridge the gap between minoritized communities and biopharma/life sciences.

Vision for Community Impact

A project that shows my leadership or impact is “Examining the Experiences of Black People with Alopecia.” My research project originated from the current gap with community engagement in clinical research and the lack of research on Black experiences with hair loss or Alopecia. To ensure I explore the experiences of Black people with hair loss, I collected data using surveys and qualitative interviews. Before dispersing my surveys, I recruited participants from my church by giving a speech informing church members about the study. After the speech, 50 people filled out my survey within a few days of my speech. Additionally, many community members approached me about their personal experiences with hair loss and were very proud that my project touches on an important part of our culture. My research study showed community members the importance of their involvement and contributions to future Black and health disparities research. Right now, I am conducting interviews and hope to publish my findings by the end of the summer. I continue to reach out to community members, and I see people show their excitement about my hair project and what their hair means to their identity and culture. This project has shown me that clinical research should emphasize listening, relationships, and collaboration with communities. This experience helped me grow as a leader and communicator and serves as a model for community engagement in public health research that tackles the gaps in enrollment of Black people in dermatology and clinical health research.

Leadership Influence

Chancellor Career Fellows, Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship, Timberman Temple Scholarship, Vice President Black Mens Coalition, 1x Deans List

Daisy Asabere

Saint Joseph’s University- PharmD

LinkedIn Profile URL linkedin.com/in/daisyasabere

Academic Honors, Scholarships, and Leadership Roles

“Throughout my professional and academic journey, I’ve taken on leadership roles that have allowed me to grow, elevate others, and make meaningful contributions. During pharmacy school, I served as the Vice President of my chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma, the national pharmacy leadership society. In this role, I helped spearhead le adershipfocused initiatives, supported member development, and strengthened our chapter’s presence on campus.

I also served as the Director of Communications for the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPHO). In that leadership position, I managed outreach, engagement, and communication strategies to ensure members stayed informed, connected, and empowered in their career paths.

These roles shaped my commitment to leadership, collaboration, and service—values I continue to carry with me in my professional work today.”

Leadership Influence

My leadership style is rooted in servant leadership to my team members, to the patients we serve, and to the next generation of leaders. I lead with the belief that representation drives transformation, and I am committed to leaving a legacy that opens doors for others to walk through.

Vision for Community Impact

Growing up as the first daughter of immigrants, I experienced what it means to live without access: both to healthcare, and to the knowledge that empowers it. I struggled with severe eczema throughout my childhood. My parents couldn’t afford appropriate treatment, but more than that, they didn’t know what was available. I lived with discomfort for years, never realizing that there were real solutions. By the time learned about treatment options in college, I had already outgrown the condition. Still, that realization stuck with me. It made me wonder how many others are silently suffering, not because they don’t care, but because no one ever told them what was possible. That is why I am drawn to medical affairs. want to be the person who helps make complex science understandable and accessible. I hope to work closely with healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and communities to make sure that people, especially those from underserved backgrounds, know what options they have. When people are informed, they can make better decisions, advocate for themselves, and live fuller lives. This is not just a career path for me. It’s a personal mission to be the voice I wish someone had been for my family. Through medical affairs, I want to help close the gap between scientific innovation and everyday lives.

Howard University - PharmD

Field of Study

Elsie Boateng Leadership Influence

As Director of Communications for the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) at Howard University College of Pharmacy, actively promoted nontraditional pharmacy careers and student engagement within the organization. I developed all communications for the chapter, designed digital materials, and performed outreach to foster event promotion. The most meaningful contribution I made regarding student engagement was leading a communications campaign that specifically targeted first-year students, who typically have very little exposure to the pharmaceutical industry. I believe that my leadership contributes to my community beyond my role at IPhO. I serve as a Sunday School teacher at Apostolic Intentional Church and teach children ages six to eight. One of my primary motivations in leading this Sunday School class is to encourage the development of each child’s sense of self and their character development. Even through my recent professional experiences serving as a U.S. Army officer and pharmacy intern, my personal mission is to serve others with honesty, transparency, and empathy. Regardless of whether I am serving in professional organizations, leading in the classroom, or teaching in the community, my goal is achievable spaces that are authentic, educational, and inspire meaningful action. My leadership is founded on the inherent responsibility to elevate other people and give space and growth opportunities for the people around me.

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

Through a career in biopharma, I aspire to be part of a bridge between new research and real-world patient needsparticularly for the underserved populations. My hope is to benefit the accessibility of innovative, culturallyappropriate therapies that reflect the communities that we serve. As a community pharmacist and researcher, I have a good understanding of both the scientific and social barriers to care. I appreciated the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Jesse Rung studying nephrotoxin management practices at HBCU hospitals, as well as publishing research related to lithium toxicity and safety perceptions in pharmacy students. These experiences demonstrated to me the importance of inclusive research that actively engages vulnerable populations. I want to be part of the movement to accelerate equitable drug development and clinical trials, especially for chronic diseases that affect marginalized communities, including health disparities and social determinants. I also want to support advocacy for more equitable and informed patient education, regulatory compliance, and community involvement mechanisms throughout the drug development lifecycle. I want to contribute to this area of phama, through either medical affairs, regulatory strategy or health equity work, to elevate and advance patient priorities, and aim to generate awareness that lifesaving therapies should not be a privilege for all.

Vision for Community Impact

One of the impacts I would like to make in biopharma is bridging clinical research, health equity, and pharmaceutical innovation directly in underserved communities.

Esther Borteye

University of Tennessee Health Sciences- PharmD

https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherborteye/

Vision for Community Impact Leadership Influence

Through a career in biopharma, I hope to drive change that extends beyond innovation and into the communities that need it most. I want to help build a healthcare system where safety, access, and trust are not privileges, but expectations. As someone passionate about public health and representation, I’m especially focused on addressing the health disparities that continue to affect communities of color. In my current role in risk management, have seen firsthand how regulatory strategies impact patient access and outcomes. It’s made clear how important it is to prioritize equity in the way therapies are developed, assessed, and delivered. I want to help design more inclusive risk management approaches and advocate for better representation in clinical data so that underserved populations are no longer overlooked in healthcare decision-making. Beyond my day-to-day work, I also hope to create space for future scientists and pharmacists from underrepresented backgrounds. I believe that building trust in medicine starts with ensuring that the people shaping it reflect the diversity of the patients they serve. Ultimately, I want my career in life sciences to be remembered not just for the therapies I help bring forward, but for the lives made better through access, advocacy, and inclusion. Through OneWe Reach and beyond, I’m committed to doing the work that turns that vision into reality. Field of Study

As Social Chair for the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), I led the planning and execution of campus-wide health initiatives focused on HIV awareness and prevention. In Memphis, which ranks second in the nation for new HIV infections, this work carried deep personal and community significance. I partnered with local organizations and faculty to host our chapter’s HIV testing and education drive, offering free screenings, resource counseling, and prevention tools to over 100 community members. Beyond event logistics, I prioritized creating a safe, stigma-free space where open dialogue could happen, especially among students of color. I trained volunteers on culturally sensitive communication and made sure attendees felt seen, respected, and empowered to take ownership of their health. Watching people leave not only tested but also informed and uplifted, affirmed my commitment to equitable health education. This experience helped me grow as a leader in ways that extended beyond organizing events. I learned how to lead with empathy, how to listen deeply, and how to advocate for communities that are too often left out of healthcare conversations. It also strengthened my ability to bring people together around a shared purpose, something I carry with me in every role. As a Black woman in pharmacy, I am committed to advancing access, trust, and representation in healthcare. Through OneWe Reach, I hope to continue that work on a broader scale by helping build systems that not only deliver treatment but also serve and uplift the communities they reach.

Morehouse School of Medicine- PhD/MSCR

Leadership Influence Briana Brock

PhD/MSCR Student curriculum and Council Representative, Awarded for Outstanding Academic Performance in Academic Coursework (PhD and MSCR), NIGMS G-RISE Fellow, Lead Tutor, LEAD Supplemental Instructor, Lead Teaching Assistant. Cofounder of Youth Enrichment Seminar Series, Instructor for Inaugural STEPS program

Vision for Community Impact

One of the most meaningful roles I have filled has been leading a STEM initiative for minority girls with a group of friends. We set out to launch this initiative in 2015 to bridge STEM access gaps in rural Georgia. What began as a student-led effort at Georgia Southern University has become a regional program that equips middle and high school girls in under-resourced communities with skills and college preparation support. As a firstgeneration college student from Milledgeville, GA, I understood the barriers, such as a lack of exposure, mentorship, and financial guidance. We secured grants to fund our first workshop in Statesboro, then expanded into Milledgeville and Albany. Our small team of 8 women coordinated all programming for our free two-day STEM workshops, where students learned engineering, experimental design, and project development. Beyond technical skills, we provided mentorship on navigating the college application process, securing scholarships, and building confidence in academic spaces where they are often underrepresented. I remained dedicated to building a network of volunteer STEM tutors from local universities, offering year-round support and STEM activities beyond the workshops for free. The impact has been tangible. Students from our cohorts have pursued degrees in engineering, biology, and computer science, many of them as firsts in their families. The initiative was about cultivating sustained opportunity. This work has shaped how I define leadership, not only by influence, but also service, intention, and the ability to turn insight into impact.

LinkedIn Profile URL https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaabrock/

Academic Honors, Scholarships, and Leadership Roles

Through a life sciences career, I aim to translate research into meaningful solutions for the communities most impacted by cancer. For too long, many populations have been excluded from the benefits of scientific innovation. I want to help shift that paradigm by advancing cutting-edge, equitable, accessible, and research. It should be grounded in the realities of those it serves, whether immunotherapy or targeted therapy. As someone with lived experience navigating the gaps in our healthcare system, I understand how structural inequities, delayed diagnoses, and medical mistrust take root. These challenges reflect a failure to connect biomedical research and innovation to real-world impact. I aim to develop therapies and diagnostics that account for the full spectrum of health: molecular, environmental, and social, ensuring they’re brought to the forefront as priorities. My mission and passion show up in everything I do. I approach my work with excellence, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to equity. Through biopharma, I hope to reimagine what responsible research looks like. Eventually, innovation won’t just be judged by what it discovers, but also by who it reaches, and how deeply it changes lives.

SOUMILEE CHAUDHURI

Indiana University School of Medicine- PhD

Leadership Influence

Neuroscience & Bioinformatics

https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumileechaudhuri-206347167/

As a 3rd-year PhD candidate in Medical Neuroscience, I founded IMPACT Indiana (Initiative for Mobilizing Public Health Advocacy, Care, and Translational Research for Alzheimer’s Disease), the first student-led, extramurally funded initiative at the Indiana University School of Medicine to bridge the gap between dementia researchers, policymakers, and the public. Funded by a competitive Research! America Civic Science Microgrant, IMPACT Indiana convened over 100 attendees—including scientists, medical trainees, community members, and lawmakers—to address the implications of new FDA-approved AD treatments. I facilitated collaborations between IU and Marian University medical students, PhD trainees, and post baccalaureate researchers to build an interdisciplinary organizing team. The inaugural 2024 IMPACT Indiana Symposium was featured in university-wide and regional media, supported by the Alzheimer’s Association, and raised public awareness of the need for equitable access to dementia treatments. Beyond the event, I have also made long-lasting relationships with Indiana policymakers, including State Senator Fady Qaddoura and State Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn, both of whom have advanced health policy agendas. Through additional advocacy efforts, represented Indiana scientists on Capitol Hill, engaging with the offices of U.S. Senators Mike Braun and Todd Young, as well as Congresswoman Erin Houchin, to advance support for dementia research and early-career investigators. Beyond policymaking, I also mentor over 25 undergraduates and early-stage graduate students through IMPACT and other campus leadership roles. My experience with IMPACT Indiana has taught me to mobilize interdisciplinary teams to transform research into real-world impact for communities facing Alzheimer’s disease.

Vision for Community Impact

Through a career in biopharma and life sciences, I hope to bridge cutting-edge dementia research with the communities most affected yet historically overlooked—especially rural populations, immigrants, and communities of color. My doctoral work integrates neuroimaging, genomics, and public health to uncover how vascular risk accelerates AD in the elderly aging communities. However, I started my research in aging and cardiovascular disease while I was an undergrad at Montana State University, Bozeman. Bozeman was a town with one hospital and one public college/university, and there were no pharmaceutical/biotech enterprises in the area. It took me a couple of years into my PhD in Indianapolis to realize the type of academic research, biotech, and pharma ecosystem that Montana lacked. I also learned firsthand why and how innovations in diagnostics and therapeutics often fail to reach those with the greatest risk. Therefore, throughout my PhD, my goal has been to enhance the way I do science that improves lives beyond the lab, as well as communicate the complex findings of my research to the community & community healthcare providers. In the future, I hope to be part of a program in a biopharma setting that develops culturally tailored interventions for the dissemination of novel therapeutics/diagnostics while working closely with underserved populations and their healthcare providers. I envision partnering with rural clinics in the American West—regions I became familiar with during my undergraduate years in Montana—to expand access to emerging bloodbased diagnostics and equitable trial enrollment (from my perspective in AD research).

Amber Dawning

Morehouse School of Medicine- PhD

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

Southeast Regional Clinical & Translational Science Conference First place poster presentation in Clinical Research 2023 ; GEBS 2023 Outstanding Academic Performance in Critical Thinking and Scientific Communication II; GEBS 2023 Outstanding Academic Performance in Graduate Biochemistry Lab; GEBS 2023 Outstanding Academic Performance in Integrated Biomedical Sciences Morehouse School of Medicine Class Day 2023 Outstanding Biomedical Researcher Award; GEBS Student Ambassador President; Biochemistry Lab Teaching Assistant; GEBS Tutor; Emerging Student Leadership Academy at Morehouse School Medicine

Leadership Influence

As President of the Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences (GEBS) Student Ambassadors Program at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), I lead a team dedicated to supporting recruitment, outreach, and engagement for prospective and current students. This program plays a vital role in showcasing our institution’s commitment to biomedical research and advancing health equity. In my role, organize and lead monthly group and executive board meetings, facilitate communication between ambassadors and GEBS faculty, and coordinate ambassador participation in campus events, interviews, and tours. One of my key initiatives was to implement a standardized ambassador training process to improve the consistency and quality of student-led campus tours. Under my leadership, ambassador engagement increased on campus, and our team contributed to a rise in prospective student interest following recruitment events. I was also selected to represent MSM at graduate fairs and events, where I highlighted MSM’s unique contributions to health disparities research. This experience taught me how to balance collaboration with accountability, and how to amplify the voices of others while leading with purpose. It strengthened my ability to communicate science to diverse audiences. This is a skill I plan to carry forward in my future career as a biomedical researcher committed to inclusive and community-centered science.

Vision for Community Impact

Biomedical Science

LinkedIn Profile URL www.linkedin.com/ in/amber-dawningm-s-338464107

Through a career in biomedical research and biopharma, I aim to reduce health disparities by developing innovative, accessible treatments and ensuring they reach the underserved communities that need them most. I aspire to be a laboratory director, I want to lead research that not only pushes the boundaries of science, but also directly addresses illnesses that disproportionately impacts underrepresented and minority populations. I’ve witnessed many lives in my family and community lost to preventable or poorly treated conditions. These experiences drive my commitment to advancing precision medicine in ways that prioritize equity, affordability, and representation in clinical research. In particular, I hope to influence how clinical trials are designed to ensure that diverse populations are included from the start so that treatments are effective for everyone. Beyond the lab, I aspire to mentor future scientists from underrepresented backgrounds and advocate for inclusive practices across the life sciences. My impact won’t just be measured by discoveries made, but by who those discoveries reach. Through biopharma, I see an opportunity to bridge science with social change.

Kenya DeBarros

Morehouse School of Medicine- MS and PhD

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

The Anne S. Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany 2022, ESSENCE & Freeform #grown-ish & Broke-Student Loan Payoff Contest Winner 2020, Morehouse School of Medicine Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences Academic Award Recipient for Academic Achievement in Human Biology Lab 2019, Georgia HOPE Scholarship Recipient 2017, Crystal Giddings Scholarship Recipient 2017, Georgia HOSA Extemporaneous Speech Competition, Gold Medalist 2012, and Georgia HOSA Extemporaneous Speech Competition, Gold Medalist 2011

Field of Study

Biomedical Science

Leadership Influence Vision for Community Impact

Dissertation: MoMo30 Binds to SARS-CoV-2 Spike Variants and Blocks Infection by SARS-CoV-2 Pseudovirus Results: We show that MoMo30 inhibits SARS2-PsV infection via direct interaction of MoMo30 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike from WH-1, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. Furthermore, MoMo30 interacts with both the S1 and S2 domains of Spike but not the receptor binding domain (RBD). The application of this work is the identification of new potential antiviral drugs and their targets. Published in MDPI. Thesis: The Role of Nef- Exosomes and HIVNeurocognitive Disorders (HAND) Pathogenesis Results: The signature feature of HAND is the presence of amyloid plaques in patients’ brains; not unlike dementia. Nef is secreted from HIV infected cells in exosomes. SH-SY5y neuroblastoma cells were treated with Nef-exosomes from patient plasma and CSF samples. RNA expression data from cells revealed a possible biochemical pathway in which Nef downregulates the clearing of Amyloid and APP via hyperactivation of AKT-1, thus leading to the accumulation of Amyloid rather than Amyloid gene expression being changed. The application of this work is the identification of new potential drug targets in HAND and expanding our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders.

I grew up hearing “When black folks go into the hospital, they don’t come out alive.” repeated by older generations who remember a time when they couldn’t afford health care access, received negligent care, or were outright denied health care on the basis of poverty and race. I was raised on the stories of “these family members who woke up one day and couldn’t walk no mo’ and nobody knows why” or “that member who went to bed and was found dead the next morning by their children.” These are the stories I carried with me in my Biomedical Science education. Now, I get to be part of how modern medicine advances, develop treatments for previously untreatable diseases, and solve medical mysteries. However, it is disheartening for biomedical scientists that what we discover for the benefit of everyone may only benefit a few due to health disparity and that scientific discovery must also contend with misinformation and disinformation. am uniquely poised to tackle these issues. I come from a medical school that taught us to fight health disparity from a biological standpoint to systemic barriers. Additionally, I bring my science communication skills. Between working at the Fernbank Museum, being in the Magnet Program, competing in HOSA, and my performing arts training, I was able to receive a rare, formal instruction in science communication with experts and non- experts alike. In my community, I can fight against health disparity with a micropipette in my hand or with my words.

Dezirae Douglas

Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University -PharmD

Field of Study LinkedIn Profile URL https://www.linkedin.com/in/dezirae-douglas-882a16245

Pharmacy

Leadership Influence Vision for Community Impact

In Spring 2024, I served as Clinical Trials Lead on Florida A&M University’s inaugural team for the AMCP Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Competition. As one of the first Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) to participate nationally, our team placed 16th out of 43 schools. In my role, I analyzed pivotal clinical trials, synthesized key efficacy and safety data into a comprehensive drug monograph, and led internal presentations to guide team strategy. This role sharpened my scientific communication and strategic decision-making skills, which are critical for a future in medical affairs. Additionally, I presented research findings on nanoparticle drug delivery for targeted prostate cancer therapy at the Student Clinical Research Symposium. This experience strengthened my ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to a multidisciplinary audience. Beyond research and competition, I serve as First Vice President of the Pharmacy Student Ambassadors, where I initiated the “How to Survive Pharmacy School” forum series. This mentorship program connects pharmacy students with pre-pharmacy peers, promoting academic success and professional development through peer-led workshops. This experience highlights my dedication to community-building and leadership beyond the laboratory. These roles illustrate my commitment to leadership through scientific excellence, mentorship, and advocacy, all qualities I am eager to further develop through the OneWe Reach We Are Pharma Distinguished Scholars Program.

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

Publication in Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Third Place Poster Award – AbbVie Student Clinical Research Symposium (, NCODA Pharmacy Student Scholarship Recipient (, President-Elect – Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO), First Vice President – Pharmacy Student Ambassadors, Organizer – “How to Survive Pharmacy School” Mentorship Series, Clinical Trials Lead – AMCP P&T Competition Team (Placed 16th Nationally, AHEC Scholar – Big Bend Florida AHEC Program (, Glucose Screening Project Lead – Rattler’s Health Den Community Health Fair (, Deans List Scholar

My passion for biopharmaceutical innovation is rooted in my grandmother’s healthcare journey. As an African American woman with diabetes and a history of breast cancer, she was often dismissed when she voiced her pain or symptoms. Limited health literacy made it even more challenging for her to fully understand her treatment plans. Without that understanding, adherence became a struggle. From a young age, I began attending her appointments alongside my mom, helping translate complex medical language into something she could better understand. Her healthcare improved significantly, not because her health changed, but because she was finally heard and involved in her treatment plan. That experience continues to fuel my desire to make a global impact, not just at the bedside, but at the systemic level. As a future Medical Science Liason, I aspire to bridge the gap between innovation and patients often left behind. During my internship in infectious disease at Johns Hopkins, I have seen how structural barriers like housing instability, mental illness, and substance abuse compete with health for attention, and patients with no advocate often slip through the cracks. In biopharma, I see the opportunity to create meaningful change for underserved communities by ensuring they are well represented in clinical trials, educating providers with real-world insight, and serving as a voice in the industry for the people pharmaceutical companies may never meet, I want to help build a system where patients like my grandmother and others with complex diagnosis histories and limited suport are not just included but prioritized in the innovation process.

Mfonabasi Ette

University at Buffalo- PhD

Vision for Community Impact Leadership Influence

Servant leadership is a core value I strive to embody as a scholar, scientist, and professional. In Spring 2021, joined my supervisors lab during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With all other PhD students having graduated, I became the most senior student by default. I embraced this unexpected leadership role by integrating into the labs research and culture, supporting masters students, and fostering a sense of community. Soon after, I was assigned my first masters student to mentor. He was new to the department and unfamiliar with pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and computational modeling. Through active listening, I discovered his interest in antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. Together, we conceptualized a multi-species minimal PBPK-pharmacodynamic model for ASOs targeting CNS disorders, proposing a novel approach addressing translational gaps in dose selection. Over eighteen months, I guided him through every coding error in MATLAB, model structure revision, and seven thesis drafts. I introduced him to R and Monolix, helped him interpret parameter sensitivity, and supported his understanding of CNS physiology and ASO distribution kinetics. My commitment to his growth created space for curiosity, resilience, and ownership of his research, fostering an inquisitive, adaptable mindset. The model is now accepted for publication and represents a first-of-its-kind framework for ASO CNS drug development. My student has since earned PhD admission and a pharmaceutical internship. This experience affirmed that leadership is not about authority, but about service empowering others to thrive while advancing meaningful scientific innovation.

Creating a pathway for underrepresented minority students to pursue careers in clinical pharmacology and biopharma is the impact I most deeply aspire to. I believe in giving back through every facet of my workwhether its developing therapies for unmet medical needs, advocating for diverse representation in clinical trials, expanding access to care in low- and middleincome countries, or mentoring students and early-career professionals of color to thrive in the life sciences. Locally, aim to be a resourcesomeone who can translate complex scientific concepts into digestible, actionable knowledge for the general public. Science should not be confined to academic journals or regulatory filings; it should empower communities. I want to help demystify drug development and therapeutic decision-making so that patients, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds, can become active participants in their own care. Knowledge is power, but understanding drives change. If my work enables patients to ask better questions, advocate for themselves, and ultimately experience improved outcomes, then I will have fulfilled my purpose as a clinical pharmacologist. Through science, mentorship, and advocacy, I hope to build a legacy that not only advances medicine but also opens doors for others to follow.

Dr. Alan Forrest Professional Development Award (2023 and , 2025 Excellence in Research Scholarship and Creativity Award, 2025 Sigma Xi Companions in Zealous Research Award, Third Place, 2022 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, present Collaborative Learning and Integrated Mentoring in the Biosciences High Impact Scholar

Jassett Goldwire

Howard University- PharmD

Field of Study

Biomedical Science LinkedIn Profile URL https://www.linkedin.com/ in/jassett-goldwire5b6952193/

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles Leadership Influence

Vision for Community Impact

Ericka Hylick

Emory University Goizueta School of BusinessExecutive MBA

Leadership Influence

In response to a clearly voiced unmet need from the myasthenia gravis (MG) patient community for accessible, adaptable at-home exercise options, I led the development of a patient-centric program designed to empower individuals with MG to safely manage their physical well-being. Through ongoing dialogue with patients, I learned that many were seeking exercise resources tailored to their fluctuating strength and energy levels. To ensure the program was both inclusive and impactful, I identified and collaborated with a patient advocate who is a BIPOC woman, certified personal trainer, and MG support group leader. Her lived experience and expertise were critical in shaping content that resonated with diverse patients and offered realistic modifications. We first introduced the program at the national MG patient conference, where we partnered with a licensed physical therapist to lead in-person resistance band exercise classes. My company provided resistance bands for all attendees, encouraging continued practice at home. The overwhelmingly positive feedback validated the need for an ongoing resource. Building on that momentum, I led the production of 10 professionally filmed, on-demand exercise videos at our company studio. Each session includes warm-ups, strength exercises, cool-downs, and multiple modifications to meet patients where they are physically on any given day. Now publicly available on our company’s website, these videos offer global access to high-quality, MG-specific exercise guidance. This initiative reflects my leadership in listening to the community, creating sustainable value, and delivering inclusive solutions that meet real patient needs.

Vision for Community Impact

My goal is to drive meaningful impact by addressing unmet needs and supporting underserved populations through a more intentional focus on the social determinants of health. I believe corporate leadership has a responsibility to not only acknowledge these inequities but actively work to close the gaps—starting by listening to the communities most affected. By bringing corporate awareness into these spaces, we can build trust and co-create solutions that reflect lived experience. One of my key strategies is leveraging homegrown programming—initiatives built in collaboration with community voices that respond directly to localized needs. These programs create culturally relevant, sustainable change and help ensure that interventions are not only effective but embraced. I also advocate for the expanded recognition, utilization, and reimbursement of community health workers (CHWs), who often serve as the critical link between the healthcare system and marginalized populations. CHWs are under-resourced yet invaluable; by elevating their role, we can improve access, outcomes, and long-term community resilience. Equally important is empowering patient communities to self-advocate, both through education and by amplifying their voices in policy-making and corporate decision-making. Lack of representation in these environments too often results in systemic oversights that perpetuate disparities. My vision is to build pathways that support patients in driving change—through advocacy, action, and visibility—so they are not only heard but included at every level of decision-making. By aligning corporate goals with community-driven impact, we can transform healthcare inequities into opportunities for lasting change.

Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude Honor graduate from Bachelor and Doctorate degree, respectively, Cause Strategy Board Lead 2024 Fellow, 2025 UCB Emerging Leaders Fellow Fellow, Urban Clinic of Atlanta Board Member

Ivan Jubilee

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. PharmD

Graduate 2024

Field Of Study:

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Clinical Development & Operations

Leadership Influence

www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-jubilee-iipharmd-rph-5b5468170

During my post-doctoral fellowship at Boehringer Ingelheim, I led the design and execution of a landmark Career Day at Agnes Scott College. The event aimed to spark student interest in clinical research and increase representation from historically underrepresented populations in both clinical trial participation and careers in the field. I collaborated with stakeholders across Boehringer and Agnes Scott, aligning on goals, logistics, and outreach. What made this initiative particularly impactful was its student-centered approach. I proactively gathered feedback from students and used it to shape the agenda, ensuring the program and consequent messaging addressed their interests, questions, and future aspirations. The result was a record-breaking turnout—the largest career day in the college’s history, according to the administration. Students engaged directly with professionals across clinical development, gaining exposure to real-world pathways and opportunities. The event not only inspired future researchers but also laid the foundation for a stronger, ongoing partnership between Boehringer and Agnes Scott. This experience reflects my ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, execute strategically, and deliver measurable impact. It also demonstrated how thoughtful planning, stakeholder engagement, and responsiveness to community needs can create meaningful change. I’m proud to contribute to opening doors for the next generation of clinical research professionals.

Vision for Community Impact

My career within the pharmaceutical industry is rooted in a deep desire to change the world for everyone in it. During my 2022 internship at Global Blood Therapeutics, I worked on Medical Affairs-related initiatives for patients with Sickle Cell Disease and witnessed firsthand the scale of healthcare inequities. I sat in rooms where decisions were made about the coverage and reimbursement of life-altering medications, advocating for patients who didn’t even know these conversations were happening. That experience revealed a powerful truth to me. Many inequities persist not because they must, but because no one has stepped in to change them. want to be one of those change agents. This conviction led me to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Development, where I’m learning how to bring drugs to market with the goal of transforming lives. But my desired impact does not stop there. I’m committed to helping more individuals from underrepresented backgrounds enter the pharmaceutical industry because a more diverse workforce leads to more inclusive solutions that serve patients of all walks of life, in every corner of the globe. As a proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana’s College of Pharmacy, I carry forward its mission to “create a more just and humane society for all.” That value was instilled in me from the moment I stepped on campus, and it continues to guide every step of my journey in the pharmaceutical industry.

Lanesa Mahon

University of Cincinnati- PhD

LinkedIn Profile URL

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanesa-mahon-mbs/

Field of Study

Pharmaceutical Sciences

& Leadership Roles

Rho Chi Scholar, Graduate Association of Pharmaceutical Science Students - President, Black Biomedical Graduates - Vice President

Leadership Influence

This past year, I had the honor of serving as the president of my graduate program student body, where I spearheaded various initiatives, most notably coordinating the organization’s first service event in conjunction with the Freestore Foodbank.

Vision for Community Impact

Through my career in biopharma and life sciences I hope to improve health outcomes for people of color, especially those in rural, underserved areas.

Nayancie Matthews

Cornell University - MBA (Studing Finance)

Leadership Influence Vision for Community Impact

During my time at Pfizer I recognized that many early-career Black professionals lacked a space to develop and be heard. Instead of waiting for change, I founded the Black Emerging Talent Employee Resource Group (ERG) in New York. As site lead I designed a vision for the group, recruited a core team and secured executive sponsorship. Over the year the ERG hosted monthly professional-development workshops, created mentorship pairs and organized “Lunch & Learn” sessions with senior leaders. These efforts helped more than 50 members gain exposure to high-visibility projects and strengthened our internal pipeline of Black talent. The success of the program prompted Pfizer’s senior leadership to expand the ERG to additional sites, and I advised peers on replicating our model. This DEI work was informed by my broader role in Pfizer’s product portfolio management team, where coordinated investment decisions across 27 emerging-market product launches impacting over 4 billion patients. I delivered a $400 million revenue uplift by aligning regional business units around data-driven forecasts and collaborating with partners such as the Gates Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation to optimize distribution and access initiatives. By creating executive-ready dashboards and leading cost-reduction initiatives that cut logistics expenses by 10 percent, I ensured that our mission to expand patient access was financially sustainable. Through these experiences I have learned to mobilize diverse stakeholders toward common goals, whether advancing equity within the workplace or improving health outcomes globally. This combination of inclusive leadership and strategic impact embodies the values of the OneWe Reach Distinguished Scholar award.

Drawing on my experience in product portfolio management at Pfizer, where I helped steer 27 emerging-market product launches that reached more than 4 billion patients, I hope to use a career in biopharma to expand access to life-saving therapies for communities that are often overlooked. I’ve seen first-hand how coordinated investment decisions and data-driven planning can both deliver a $400 million revenue uplift and ensure medicines reach the people who need them most. By collaborating with partners such as the Gates Foundation and CIFF to optimize distribution and access, I learned that public, private partnerships and trust-building are essential for lasting impact. In the future I aim to champion affordable pricing and inclusive clinical trials, drawing on the impact measurement skills I honed as an impact-investing summer associate, where I developed KPIs and engagement metrics and produced market insights on healthcare, housing and education sectors. I also hope to cultivate the next generation of leaders of color in pharma. At Pfizer I founded the Black Emerging Talent ERG to support early-career Black professionals, and through grant-evaluation work with Amplify Her Foundation I learned how grassroots organizations define success and build community. My goal is to merge these experiences, equitable capital allocation, data-driven portfolio strategy and community-centered leadership, to build products and programs that reduce health disparities, empower underrepresented talent and redefine what it means for a biopharma company to serve society.

Elizabeth Momoh

University of Washington - PhD, Chemistry

Leadership Influence

As a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry at the University of Washington, I have driven projects focused on developing chemical tools to investigate malaria proteins as vaccine and drug targets. Beyond my technical contributions, I have mentored multiple undergraduate students and junior researchers in my lab, training them in core molecular biology and biochemical techniques such as PCR, cloning, protein purification, and data analysis. I also serve as a teaching assistant for organic chemistry series, where I support students through complex lab protocols and helped demystify foundational concepts. My leadership extends beyond the bench as I’m passionate about creating access and exposure to science for early learners, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. On campus, I was selected as a project leader for the Husky Seed Fund, a competitive university-wide initiative that supports student-led programs with lasting community impact. In this role, collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop a project focused on community wellness and student engagement, driving it from concept to implementation. This experience deepened my commitment to inclusive leadership and community impact.

Vision for Community Impact

Through a career in biopharma and life sciences, I hope to drive equitable access to innovative therapies and improve health outcomes for underserved communities locally and globally. As someone who has worked on infectious diseases like malaria and taught the next generation of scientists, Ive seen firsthand how scientific discovery can transform lives when paired with intentional leadership and inclusive access. I want to be part of the engine that brings life-saving treatments from bench to bedside, ensuring that diverse populations are represented in research, clinical trials, and health solutions. Long term, I hope to serve as a leader who not only advances science but also champions mentorship, representation, and community-centered impact.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-momoh-4ba750155/

Awards & Scholarships Advancing Science Grant Awardee- National Organization for Black chemists and Chemical Engineers, 2024, Science @ Scale Visiting Scientist Award Recipient- GlaxoSmithKline, Excellence in Graduate Organic Chemistry Research Award Recipient- University of Washington, 2024 John Macklin Fellowship Recipient- University of Washington, 2024 Charles Dean Wolbach Endowed Fund in Chemistry Recipient- University of Washington, 2022 Cameron’s Top 20 Awardee- Cameron University,

Kaylor Mondaizie

Morehouse School of Medicine- PhD, Biomedical Science

Leadership Influence

Over the past three years, I have served as the Lead Teaching Assistant for the graduate-level Biochemistry Laboratory at Morehouse School of Medicine, where I instruct and mentor incoming PhD and masters biomedical research students. In this role, I provide hands-on guidance in experimental design, data analysis, and laboratory safety, while also contributing to course development by creating lab manuals, presentations, and instructional materials aimed at enhancing student learning outcomes. In this capacity, I have had the privilege of mentoring early-stage graduate students as they navigate foundational biomedical techniques. work closely with faculty to implement innovative, student-centered pedagogical approaches, including interactive technology and active learning strategies that serve to foster engagement, further comprehension, and incite scientific curiosity. Through this role, I have cultivated a collaborative environment that not only builds technical proficiency but also strengthens critical thinking and encourages scientific self-confidence. My impact as a teaching assistant is complemented by broader leadership within my academic community. Presently, I serve as Vice President of both the GEBS Student Government Association and the Science Health Policy Organization, and I previously contributed to institutional improvements as a member of the Curriculum and Evaluation Committee. These experiencesalong with my earlier experience as a chemistry lab teaching assistant at Mercer Universityhave strengthened my passion for leading scientific education, communicating complex scientific concepts, and cultivating inclusive academic environments. Collectively, these roles reflect my dedication to academic excellence, student development, and inclusive, community-oriented leadership in biomedical educationvalues I will continue to uphold throughout my developing career as a neuroscientist and clinical researcher.

Vision for Community Impact

In pursuit of a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and a master’s in clinical research at Morehouse School of Medicine, I aspire to build a purposeful career in translational science and biopharma focused on addressing and reducing health disparitiesparticularly in stroke and neurodegenerationby advancing equitable therapeutic development. My deep commitment to science is rooted in experiences of early childhood adversity and sustained by a lifelong curiosity that has evolved into hands-on biomedical research across institutions and disease models. Each and every one of these experiences have reinforced my conviction: scientific discovery must be tied to service. This dual academic training equips me to bridge basic science with clinical application, equipping me to pursue innovative, population-informed solutions to unmet medical needs. I am especially driven to improve stroke outcomes among Black Women, a group that faces disproportionately high risk of ischemia and also systemic barriers to early intervention. My current research investigates epigenetic regulators of neuronal response to ischemia, with the long-term goal of identifying early-stage biomarkers and contributing to the development of pharmacological therapies that can halt stroke progression in its early stages. Through this work, I aim to produce clinically translatable solutions that are informed by population-specific needs and built for real-world impact. Biopharma offers a critical platform to translate rigorous scientific research into scalable, life-saving therapiesbridging innovation, regulatory frameworks, and real-world application to address both medical and societal gaps. Through centering ethical drug development, equitable access, and community engagement, I aim to build a career in biopharma where I lead multidisciplinary teamscomposed of basic and translational scientists, clinical researchers, and community stakeholderswith the central goal of ensuring that scientific innovation reaches those most in need. believe that true progress in biopharma must be measured not only by discovery, but by access. My mission is to transform scientific discovery into real-world impactimproving lives through science that reflects the diversity and urgency of the populations it serves.

Awarded Furshpan & Potter Scholarship (, Curtis L. Parker Research Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation by a Master’s Student (, Outstanding Academic Performance in Biomedical Genetics and Genomics (, Outstanding Academic Performance in Graduate Biochemistry Lab

www.linkedin.com/in/kaylor-mondaizie-m-s-207183378

Raven Moten

University of Chicago- PhD

Leadership Influence

As a member of the steering committee at the University of Chicago, I recognize the need to connect biotech minded students and researchers with local resources to help them thrive. To address this, I leveraged my personal and professional network to organize a hard-hat tour of the new UChicago Science Incubator, a cutting-edge facility that supports life sciences, deep tech, and clean tech startups emerging from the university. This event included a guided tour of the incubators labs and workspaces, followed by a fireside chat with the Executive Director about building a career in the life sciences in the greater Chicago area. During the discussion, attendees learned about the incubators unique strengths and how it fosters entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration within the life sciences and tech communities. We also explored career opportunities and challenges in these fields. The event was highly successful and well-attended, even reaching waitlist capacity, demonstrating strong interest and engagement within the community. Organizing this experience required coordination, outreach, and strategic planning to ensure it met the needs of both students and the incubator staff. This project was meaningful to me because it highlighted how building connections and fostering engagement can fuel innovation. It reinforced my belief that leadership means not only organizing events but also creating spaces for collaboration and growth that empower others to succeed.

Vision for Community Impact

Through a career in biopharma and drug development, I aim to address two critical gaps: the underrepresentation of minority voices in scientific decision-making, and the lack of diversity in therapeutic development pipelines. My goal is to increase access and opportunity for underrepresented minorities in STEM, because diverse perspectives lead to better science, more effective clinical strategies, and products that serve broader patient populations. In particular, Im focused on improving representation across the entire drug development pipeline, from who asks the research questions, to who designs the trials, to who makes funding and commercialization decisions. Too often, minorities are excluded from each stage of this process. This leads to therapies that overlook key needs, clinical trials that dont reflect real-world patient populations, or simply less impactful science Diversity is integral to innovation, and in my career, I want to build the infrastructure that supports this ideology. Im especially interested in venture creation and translational strategy, where early decisions about what gets funded and who gets included have long-term ripple effects. I want to mentor students of color, design inclusive hiring practices, and push for diversity in clinical development and leadership and investing teams. My hope is that my impact will be systemic. When we diversify who can contribute to life sciences at every level, we get safer, smarter, and more equitable therapies.

Director of Events for Nucleate - Chicago, Leadership Team Member for Women in Bio - Chicago, Steering Committee Member for UChicago Biotech Association, Full scholarship recipient to VC University Life Sciences Track Minority Hematology Graduate Award Recipient ($80,, Genetic Mechanisms and Evolution Training Grant recipient (NIH/NIGMS T32GM139782), Genetics and Regulation Training Grant recipient (NIH/NIGMS T32GM007197), Northwestern University Program in Biological Sciences Research Grant recipient, Northwestern University Summer Undergraduate Research Grant recipient, Northwestern University Posner Fellow

Fanesse Muyah

Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences- PharD

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

Academic Honors, Scholarships, and Leadership Roles: Honors and Awards: National Medical Fellowship Scholar (August Present) AHEC Scholar (January May Dell Scholar (May May Thurgood Marshall Scholar (May May Prairie View A&M Distinguished Scholar (May May Leadership Roles: TSUCOPHS Student Society Of Health System Pharmacist (SSHP) — President (August Present) TSU-COPHS African Pharmacy Student Association (APSA) — President (August Present) TSU-COPHS Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) — Secretary (August Present) TSU-COPHS Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPHA) — Secretary (August Present) TSU-COPHS Course Representative (Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Public Health, PODA — (August December

Leadership Influence

As SSHP President, I led a health fair for 100+ underserved Houston residents,coordinating 40+ volunteers and vital screenings. This, plus launching “TSU to ICU,” demonstrates my commitment to health equity and impactful student leadership by service

Vision for Community Impact

As a future pharmacist in biopharma, I’ll bridge research gaps, ensuring global access to life-saving treatments for underserved communities.

Field of Study

Pharmacy - Pharm D LinkedIn Profile URL www.linkedin.com/ in/fanesse-muyahmph-778074177

University of Houston College of Pharmacy- PharmD

Academic honors, scholarships, & leadership roles

Ogechi Ngwakwe Leadership Influence

One occasion in which I led by example was when I picked up a shift at a CVS different from my home store and helped to create a steady workflow. When I arrived at the CVS and introduced myself to my fellow staff team members, I realized many of the other people were also floaters including the technicians and pharmacist. This meant that there was some difficulty delegating tasks and making sure everyone was contributing to the workflow. To start I asked the pharmacist what tasks they wanted us to complete today and how much time they wanted to allot. Then I asked each of the team members what areas they excelled at, whether it was filling, counseling, or drive thru. Also making sure to ask about their position, intern versus technician, and how long they have been working at CVS to gauge their comprehension. It took 20 minutes to survey everyone and within the hour we were able to have a smooth workflow and switch between stations whenever needed. I believe this serves as a good example of my leadership style because I am often able to find areas of improvement and consult with the team to utilize our talents and resources to fix the problems efficiently. By familiarizing myself with everyone I can build trust and get honest feedback from each person. Whether I am the elected leader or just a team member I want to create harmony between the team and make sure each person is satisfied with working together.

Vision for Community Impact

To impact my future community, I hope to serve as an advocate for patients in many settings. My current interest in pharmacy is targeted towards the industry and managed care and although there is less direct patient care I believe there are more opportunities to advocate for patients in larger-scale settings such as with pharmaceutical companies or with legislature and guidelines. Through my actions I hope to provide more equitable care as more drugs become available to patients but not necessarily affordable for patients, I want to help decrease the barrier of access and cost. I will also help other healthcare professionals understand the role of a pharmacist and how to use our drug knowledge to better serve patients. When working on interdisciplinary teams I hope to give insight into possible treatments and how to manage various side effects if needed. To help embody the mission of serving the underserved plan to also give back to patients through volunteering in my community and involvement in national organizations. In addition, I will serve as a mentor to pharmacy students to help inspire future professionals and guide them on how to make an impact as a student and in the workforce.

Deans List and Dean Excellence Scholarship (Fall Spring , Wayne & Dolores Gentsch Scholarship, Kroger Leadership Scholarship, SNPhA National Project Keepsake Creative Liaison, Texas Pharmacy Association Patient Care Committee Chair, Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Challenge Chair, Rho Chi Society Secretary, AMCP Local P&T Competition: First Place, AstraZeneca MSL Simulation Competition Top 6 Nationally

University of Florida College of Pharmacy- PharmD

Field of Study

Mary-Pearl Ojukwu Leadership Influence

Coming into pharmacy school, I was riddled with imposter syndrome, subconsciously bracing myself for failure and assuming that my small college background would limit my ability to thrive at a larger institution like UF. In my first year, student affairs launched a pilot mentoring initiative to help students transition into graduate school. Like many new programs, it faced challenges. By the end of the year, student affairs opened the program to student leadership, seeking someone to implement feedback from the challenges and refine its value. As an older sister, I naturally gravitated towards this role, driven by a passion for mentorship and student advocacy. I systematically gathered feedback, redesigned core components of the program, and implemented a structured approach focused on community, support, and mentorship. My goal was to ensure no student felt alone in their transition, as I once had. By the end of my first year, student satisfaction scores increased by 60%. What began as a one-person effort evolved into a whole committee of passionate members, each contributing creative ideas to expand the program’s reach and impact. I led efforts to onboard and train new mentors, establish measurable goals, and create sustainable workflows to ensure continuity. Today, the program stands as a key support system for incoming students. Leading this initiative has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my pharmacy journey. It’s a full-circle moment as I transformed my own challenges into a leadership opportunity that continues to shape the experiences of future pharmacy leaders.

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

Debbie DeSantis Endowment Scholarship- full tuition scholarship offered to one-student in the college per year, Bob Crisafi Scholarship, Rho Chi Pharmacy Honors Society, Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society, Rho Chi Tutor of the Year award, Pharmily Village Mentor Award, Professionalism Award, Pharmacy Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarship, Vice-President of Mentoring and Leadership Development Committee, Student Representative on the College’s Curriculum Committee, Chair of the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Committee, Chair of the Operation Immunization Committee, Graduate Research Group leader, AACP Aspiring Academics scholar, SMDP Scholar, Student Ambassador, Dean’s List for 0 GPA, Historian of SSHP

Vision for Community Impact

As an aspiring leader in biopharma, I hope to contribute to equitable access to life-saving therapies by shaping how clinical trials are designed, communicated, and implemented across diverse populations. My passion lies at the intersection of science and advocacy, and I aim to ensure that the innovations we develop benefit the communities most affected by the disease, particularly those historically underrepresented in research. There is a long-standing, justified mistrust of clinical research rooted in past injustices. My goal is to raise awareness, right the wrongs, and help rewrite that narrative by ensuring trials are not only representative, but also accessible to offer patients meaningful treatment options, not just last-line care. Growing up in an immigrant household, I witnessed how health outcomes are often shaped by geography, race, and socioeconomic status. These disparities cannot be solved by science alone. They require intentional strategy, community support, and thoughtful engagement. Through a career in patient care and drug development, I hope to lead cross-functional teams that ask not only if a drug is effective, but also: For whom? What do those patients value? And what barriers do they face in accessing care? My goal is to serve as a bridge between scientific innovation and community access, ensuring no population is left behind in the race to innovation. believe the true measure of success in biopharma is not just the breakthrough, but its reach. By centering inclusion, trust, and long-term impact, I hope to build a more just and patient-centered healthcare future.

Chinyere Okoh

University of Texas at Austin - PhD, BPharm

Vision for Community Impact Leadership Influence

One of the most meaningful leadership experiences I have had was leading a real-world evidence project at Merck focused on BELSOMRA for chronic insomnia. Beyond managing timelines and deliverables, what made this project powerful was the opportunity to center patients, especially cancer patient survivors, but also evaluated the impact on their caregivers, a population which is frequently understudied. I led a diverse team across HEOR, medical affairs, clinicians, scientific communication, and market access to design a study that not only generated real-world insights on treatment patterns but also explored disparities in access and outcomes. It was not just about data... it was about asking the right questions that reflect the lived realities of underserved patients. That lens was important to me as a woman of color and a health equity advocate. Through the project, I also mentored a newer team member, helping them build confidence in outcomes research methods and literature synthesis. That experience reminded me that leadership is also about lifting others up and creating a culture of inclusion. The insights from our work informed payer strategy, supported evidence-based access decisions, and sparked conversations about how we can make real-world research more equity-centered across therapeutic areas. This project deepened my belief that evidence generation is not just a technical exercise... it is a form of advocacy. It affirmed my commitment to using science as a tool for equity and impact. For me, leadership means asking hard questions, building trust across teams, and ensuring the work we do reaches and reflects the communities that need it most.

One of the most meaningful roles I have filled has been leading a STEM initiative for minority girls with a group of friends. We set out to launch this initiative in 2015 to bridge STEM access gaps in rural Georgia. What began as a student-led effort at Georgia Southern University has become a regional program that equips middle and high school girls in under-resourced communities with skills and college preparation support. As a first-generation college student from Milledgeville, GA, I understood the barriers, such as a lack of exposure, mentorship, and financial guidance. We secured grants to fund our first workshop in Statesboro, then expanded into Milledgeville and Albany. Our small team of 8 women coordinated all programming for our free two-day STEM workshops, where students learned engineering, experimental design, and project development. Beyond technical skills, we provided mentorship on navigating the college application process, securing scholarships, and building confidence in academic spaces where they are often underrepresented. I remained dedicated to building a network of volunteer STEM tutors from local universities, offering year-round support and STEM activities beyond the workshops for free. The impact has been tangible. Students from our cohorts have pursued degrees in engineering, biology, and computer science, many of them as firsts in their families. The initiative was about cultivating sustained opportunity. This work has shaped how I define leadership, not only by influence, but also service, intention, and the ability to turn insight into impact.

Academic Honors, Scholarships, and Leadership Roles

Field of Study

Pharmaceutical Sciences (Specialization: Health Services & Outcomes Research)

RhoChi Pharmacy Award, PEO IPS Merit Scholarship, Janseen Oncology Scholar, SMDP Biotech Scholar, Rotary Humanitarian Services Award

Ebere Okpara

Univeristy of Illinois Chicago- PhD

Leadership Influence

As a Pet Health Sales Intern at Elanco, I was the first year-old ever hired in this national program. I was assigned my own territory in Atlanta, where I engaged veterinary clinics with limited prior Elanco usage. I built trust quickly with decision-makers by asking the right questions, personalizing solutions, and following up with meaningful data. Within weeks, I placed key products like Zenrelia and Quattro in clinics that had previously shown resistance to pharmaceutical partnerships.

Vision for Community Impact

I come from a medically underserved community where health disparities are the norm and access to quality care is not guaranteed. Navigating that reality firsthand sparked a deep passion in me: I want to be the kind of professional who not only sells life-changing therapies, but also helps close the gap between innovation and access.

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

Academic Honors & Scholarships Graduate Student Excellence Award, Edward Benes Memorial Fellowship, UIC College of Pharmacy | 2024 Graduate Student Excellence Award, Jesse Stewart Memorial Fellowship, UIC College of Pharmacy | 2023 Graduate Student Council Travel Award, University of Illinois Chicago 2025 PharmacoEquity Travel Award, University of Pittsburgh | 2024 Best Research Project Award, Africa Resource Centre for Supply Chain Management, Nigeria | 2021 Student Keynote Speaker, 92nd Annual Conference, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria | 2019 Case Competition Awards 2nd Place Finalist, UTSW Healthcare Case Competition 2025 3rd Place Finalist, Southeast Life Science Case Competition (Duke ADCC & TMC Consulting Club) | 2025 Top 3 Team in the Americas, ThinkCell Global Case Competition | 2025 Semifinalist, World Cup Business Case Competition (Management Consulted) 2025 Leadership Roles President, ISPE (International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology), UIC Student Chapter | 2025 Graduate Student Council Representative, University of Illinois Chicago | 2025 Member, Strategic Planning Committee – Workgroup 6, UIC College of Pharmacy | 2024 Member, Diversity Strategic Thinking and Planning (DSTP) Committee, UIC College of Pharmacy | Present Coordinator, Urban Health Pharmacy Internship, UIC | 2023 Coordinator, ComSciCon-Chicago Science Communication Workshop | 2023 STEM Mentor, Tutoring Chicago | Present

Field of Study

Health Economics & Outcomes Research

LinkedIn Profile URL https://www.linkedin. com/in/ebere-m-okpara02ph02ar22m/

Pelumi Oladipo

Wayne State University- PhD

Field of Study

Biochemistry, Immunology and Microbiology

LinkedIn Profile URL

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pelumi-oladipo/

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership

Travel Grant Award, ASM Microbe 2025 2025 Scholar Mentoring & Diversity Program Scholar 2025 Graduate Student Professional Travel Awards ($, Wayne State University 2025 Honorable Mention Award (Poster Presentation), GSRPD Conference 2025 ASM Young Ambassador to Michigan (A prestigious award given to only one person in Michigan) 2024 Travel Grant Award for ASM Conference 2025, entirely funded. 2024 Sharon L.Ram Aquatic Sciences Fund -$24,000 2024 Graduate Ambassador of Wayne State Ubniversity (Awarded $2024 Graduate Student Professional Travel Awards ($, Wayne State University 2024 ASM Future Leaders Fellowship

Vision for Community Impact Leadership Influence

Beyond my research, I have continually embraced leadership roles that demonstrate my commitment to academic and community engagement. As the current Seminar Chair of my department, I organize seminar talks that connect students with leading professionals across academia and industry, which has helped hone my communication and event coordination skills. In my role as a graduate student ambassador at Wayne State University (WSU), I support recruitment events, represent the school in programs, engage with prospective students from diverse backgrounds, and mentor new graduate students as they transition into graduate school life, sharing my own experiences. I also volunteer with EmpowerSci Detroit, an initiative focused on enhancing STEM education in Detroit public high schools. Volunteering with this science outreach program has been one of my most rewarding experiences. Through this program, I introduce students to hands-on research, such as projects where students cultured bacteria from everyday surfaces over 20 days to explore fundamental concepts in microbiology. I served on the organizing committee for the Graduate Student Research Presentation Day, a student-led event highlighting graduate research across diverse STEM fields. In this role, managed the event’s social media presence, compiled the abstract book, and coordinated logistics to ensure a smooth experience for participants. Additionally, I served as a judge for the 2024 Medical Education Research and Innovation Conference, which brings together students, faculty, staff, and residents to present and discuss advancements in medical education. As an ASM Young Ambassador, I organize outreach events across Michigan to raise awareness about ASM and microbiology opportunities. I’m excited to inspire the next generation of scientists.

As a future scientist in the biotechnology sector, my goal is to contribute to the development of highly sensitive, affordable diagnostic tools that address pressing global challenges such as infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance—particularly in underserved communities. I believe biopharma innovations should not only be groundbreaking but also accessible and equitable. Through a career in life sciences, I hope to drive meaningful change by helping bridge the gap between research and real-world healthcare solutions. I am especially passionate about ensuring that scientific advancements benefit marginalized populations in low-resource settings, including communities in my home country, Nigeria. Beyond research, I am committed to building mentorship networks that support the next generation of scientists, especially women of color in STEM. I currently lead annual webinars for students at my alma mater, the University of Lagos, focusing on career pathways and scholarship opportunities. With industry exposure and guidance gained through mentorship programs like SMDP Biotech and OneWe Reach, I aim to formalize and expand these initiatives—providing structured mentorship, career readiness tools, and access to opportunities for underrepresented students. Ultimately, I aim to be a visible leader who not only drives innovation in biopharma but also fosters a more inclusive, informed, and empowered scientific community, both locally and globally

Tasnim Olatoke

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

PhD in Pharmacology & Physiology-Cancer therapeutics

Leadership Influence

Ive proudly represented Howard University at several CBUS HBCU College Fairs, including the annual events at the Columbus Metropolitan Library and Columbus Africentric Early College, as well as at the Ohio Black Expo. At each fair, I engage directly with students and families, sharing personal insights about my HBCU experience and offering guidance on applications, scholarships, and financial aid. These conversations often initiate long-term mentorship, especially with students currently attending my alma mater, Columbus Alternative High School.

Vision for Community Impact Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles.

Specifically, I aim to design and synthesize drug compounds capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB)a critical challenge in treating neurodegeneration. By leveraging my training in organic and biochemistry, I hope to help develop small molecules or antibody-drug conjugates that can bypass or exploit BBB transport mechanisms to deliver therapeutic agents directly to affected neural tissue. These therapies could slow disease progression, improve cognitive outcomes, and offer new hope to families like mine.

SMDP Biotech Scholar – Issued by International Center for Professional Development Peer Leadership Recognition – Issued by Warren Bennis Leadership Institute Best Senior Student Oral Presentation¬ – Issued by Department of UC Pharmacology and Physiology 2nd Place, SPATS minute thesis competition – Issued by American Thoracic Society International Conference 1st Place, 2023 Graduate Students Research Forum – Issued by UCCOM Office of Graduate Education UC Lab2Market Phase I Award– Issued by 1819 Innovation Hub Vicky H. Whittemore Award for a Platform Presentation – Issued by International TSC Research Conference Cell and Molecular Physiology Research Recognition Award – Issued by the American Physiological Society Member, University of Cincinnati Graduate College Professional Development Committee Peer Reviewer (Journal of Cellular Immunology, Archives of Cancer Biology and Therapy) Mentor, PeerLead Mentorship Initiative, UC Graduate College, Cincinnati, Ohio. Volunteer, UC Center for Community Engagement, Cincinnati Poster Judge (ABRCMS 2022, University of Cincinnati Medical Student Research Symposium)

Ayomide Olayiwola

Morehouse School of Medicine - PhD

Leadership Influence

During my time at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), I have taken on multiple leadership roles that have challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and lead with purpose. As the current and past President of the Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences Student Government Association (GEBS SGA) at Morehouse School of Medicine, I represent the collective voice of all GEBS students. In this role, advocate for graduate student needs, collaborate with faculty and administration, and help ensure that we students have what we need throughout our graduate school experience. My leadership has centered on building community, amplifying student concerns, and ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and supported throughout their graduate journey. I have coordinated and led several volunteer events, such as a community service day at the Atlanta Food Bank, toiletry drives for underserved populations, and internal fundraising efforts to support MSM students facing challenges. As a GEBS Student Ambassador, my primary focus is to drive a meaningful and long-lasting impact on campus and in the communities we serve. An example of this is my work to expose students from nearby grade schools and colleges/universities in the Atlanta University Center to the biomedical sciences programs and opportunities offered at MSM through hosting and volunteering for tours, informationals, and experiences where students can gain knowledge of different pathways. These roles have allowed me to enhance my skills and continue to work towards service-driven professional leadership.

Vision for Community Impact

Through a career in biopharma/life sciences, I hope to work towards creating and advancing health equity by researching precision medicine and therapies that benefit underserved, underrepresented, and high-risk, however often neglected, communities. My mission is to participate in translational research, bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and actionable efforts to improve health. I also want to focus on better access to these therapies, especially in African American communities where there are often several barriers to access and optimal health. I have witnessed firsthand how systemic inequities and structural barriers can negatively impact health outcomes in African American communities like my own. I strive to be a part of altering this unfortunate truth, whether through conducting more inclusive clinical trials, fighting for more equitable health policy, or conducting research in drug development to create medications that work for populations who often do not benefit due to genetics and ancestry. Community engagement is a vital part of my journey as a scientist, and I plan to continue this throughout my career as a trusted community partner. My goal is to be an advocate within the biopharma/life sciences industry and contribute to more community-conscious research for underserved populations, build trust in scientific research, and educate the community on the importance of inclusive science and how people can improve their health.

JULIA OSEI DONKOR

Quinnipiac University- MS

Leadership Influence

Field of Study

Biomedical sciences

www.linkedin.com/in/julia-osei-md-a5b108110

As a physician and a biomedical sciences researcher, I’ve continued to lead with purpose beyond clinical care-by championing health promotion and advancing health education and equity. One of my most impactful roles in my career and studies has been organizing and leading community-based health screenings (diabetes, hypertension, obesity) in underserved populations. Recognizing the cultural and access barriers to preventive care, I collaborated with local organizations to provide free screenings, culturally tailored health education, and referral pathways to accessible clinics. This project not only addressed immediate health needs but empowered many to take control of their health. I trained volunteers and supervised students all while fostering inter-professional collaboration and mentoring the next generation of global health advocates. In my graduate studies, I have furthered this work by integrating biomedical research with real-world applications-focusing on molecular mechanisms underlying chronic diseases prevalent in certain communities. I serve on boards where I help organize seminars and initiatives addressing health disparities across borders as an extracurricular activity. These experiences reflect my commitment to merging clinical insight, research, and community engagement to create sustainable health solutions. My aim to is to be a physician-scientist who not only understands disease at molecular level but also leads efforts to dismantle barriers to health -locally and globally, while expanding my capacity to lead transformative change through innovative approaches that bridge science and services to humanity.

Vision for Community Impact

With a background in clinical medicine and as current graduate student training in biomedical sciences, my work bridges frontline clinical care and translational research. My budding research into immunological mechanisms underlying diabetic foot complications has deepened my understanding of how chronic disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. My resolve has been sharpened to pursue a career as a physician-scientist in the biopharma and life sciences industry- where I can drive innovation that translates to tangible community health outcomes. In this career path, hope to make a lasting community impact by developing therapies that address the unmet needs of patients with chronic, debilitating conditions-particularly those from underserved populations. I’ve seen firsthand how delayed access to effective treatments can lead to preventable suffering. My goal is to help accelerate the discovery and delivery of novel immuno-modulatory therapies and personalize interventions that improve outcomes in metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Beyond drug development, I aim to be a voice for equitable healthcare innovation-ensuring that the perspectives of historically marginalized patients are considered from early -stage research through clinical trials and real-world deployment knowing that impactful science is inclusive science. Through a career in biopharma, seek to not only contribute to cutting-edge therapeutic solutions but also influence the culture of biomedical innovation toward one that is community-informed, ethically grounded, and globally relevant. In doing so, I hope to transform the promise of life sciences into practically accessible health advances for the people and communities who need them most.

Abiodun Samuel Oyedele

Vanderbilt University- PhD Chemistry

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

Scholar Mentoring & Development Program (SMDP) for Biotechnology – Biotech Scholar 2025 American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF) program. 2025 Awarded PREDICT Scholar for PREDICT Symposium with a Cash Prize. 2025 Natural Products Discovery and Development (NPDD) Diversity Travel Award, San Diego, CA. 2025 Merck/NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) Intern Experience. 2024 Genentech Foundation and ACS Career Kick-Starter Travel Award. 2023 Graduate School Travel Grant for ACS National Conference Meeting, San Francisco, CA. 2023 Full Scholarship Grant for master’s degree program at Tennessee State University. 2018 — 2020 Awarded an Advancing Science Conference Grant for NOBCChE Fall Meeting, at St Louis, MO. 2019 Ekiti State Government Scholarship Award of Excellence for Undergraduate Studies. 2008 — 2010 Proposal/Abstract Reviewer for NOBCChE National Conference Technical Sessions 2025 Collaborated with a team to plan and coordinate a beginner-friendly coding camp for youth in the Greater Nashville community 2025 Techniques Talk Presenter: Spectroscopic Techniques in Early Drug Discovery – to support Walker Lab technical training 2023 — 2024 Serving as a General Secretary and Media Technical Support Personnel- Deeper Life Bible Church, Nashville, TN 2021 — Present Organized and Facilitated Science Exhibitions & Introduction of STEM to High School Students at King’s College, Lagos, Nigeria 2016

As part of a team that organized a Nashville coding camp to teach scientific computing to underrepresented students and as NOBCChE president, obligated to organize events fostering inclusion and early STEM engagement for grad and undergrad students

I aim to advance drug discovery while pioneering inclusive research spaces and expanding STEM access to underserved communities, empowering the next generation through outreach, mentorship, and equitable opportunities in science.

Ellen Peprah

Rutgers University- Post-doctoral Associate

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

Pharmacoepidemiology Scholar, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Dean’s Scholarship Recipient, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Swiss Plexus Fellow – SSPH+ Lugano Summer School Best Research Presentation Award, Youth Centre for Research, Pakistan AlignMNH Fellow, International Maternal and Newborn Health Conference Blog4Dev Winner for Ghana, World Bank Group Millennium Fellow, UN Academic Impact / Millennium Campus Network Co-Chair, NCD Working Group, WHO Youth Council, Geneva Vice President, Chapters & Partnerships, World Bank Youth Transforming Africa Member, High Impact Practices Task Sharing Technical Expert Group, FP2030 Advisory Member, Action for Global Health UK (Stocktake + Key Stakeholder Groups) Founder/Lead, Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Advocacy Project Vice President, Medical Students Association, KNUST – Ghana

Leadership Influence

I served as the coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Health Network, a youth-led initiative under the auspices of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Through this role, I managed a global team of young people across and helped to shape how youth-focused initiatives on sexual and reproductive health, noncommunicable diseases, and One Health were contextualized and scaled across the 56 member states of the Commonwealth. One of the projects I am most proud of is when I led the development of the Commonwealth Youth-Led Guiding Framework on Physical Activity and Unhealthy Diets to address the lack of youth-informed policy on NCDs. I worked closely with technical advisors at the Secretariat to organize regional consultations across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific. I collaborated with technical advisors at the Commonwealth Secretariat to design and coordinate regional consultations across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific. I recruited and trained local facilitators, supported them in hosting inclusive dialogues with young people, and helped synthesize diverse perspectives into an actionable policy document. What made this project meaningful was the opportunity I had to create space for young voices that are often left out of global health policymaking. The resulting framework is now being used by several Commonwealth member states as a reference point for addressing NCDs in youth populations. also learnt how to manage cross-regional collaboration and communicate across institutional and cultural boundaries. These are skills I hope to apply in advancing health equity in my career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Vision for Community Impact

Ultimately, my goal is to combine the strategic mindset of a top-performing sales rep with the heart of a community advocate. I believe biopharma is one of the most powerful industries to create change, and Im determined to make my career not just about success, but significance in helping more people live healthier, longer lives.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittny-pulley-85361631

Brittny Pulley

Liberty University- Doctorate, Strategic Leadership

Leadership Influence

& Leadership Roles

As a year-old Black woman from Henderson, North Carolina, serving as Director of CMC Manufacturing at Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA), I lead with purpose, precision, and a deep sense of responsibility. In this role, I collaborate with cross-functional leaders, lead diverse teams, oversee complex manufacturing strategies, and ensure operational excellence across our portfolio.

Vision for Community Impact

Through my career in biopharma, I aim to expand access to innovative, life-changing therapies, especially for underserved communities, while paving the way for more women of color in leadership. Growing up in Henderson, NC, I saw firsthand how health disparities, lack of representation, and inability to access care can deeply affect communities. These experiences shaped my commitment to providing representation within the biopharma industry. As a leader in biopharma manufacturing, I am in a position to influence not only how therapies are developed and delivered, but also who gets to be part of that process. I believe that access to careers in life sciences should be accessible to all who hold an interest in the field. As a Black woman in a senior role, I carry the responsibility of visibility. My presence challenges outdated norms and signals to young women of color that they belong in this space too. I actively mentor, advocate for inclusive hiring, and challenge the status quo when striving to set the example of a Black woman professional in biotech. Ultimately, I want my career to mean more than just operational success within the manufacturing industry. I want it to create ripple effects in communities, spark confidence in future scientists and leaders, and help close longstanding gaps of trust in the Black community. I hope that my community impact presents opportunities for both patients and people who have never seen someone like themselves in this industry.

Omega Nu Lambda (ONL), Alpha Chapter, National Honor Society Member

Lillian Richards Smith Spelman College- BS- Dual

Degree in Engineering, Computer Science

www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-richards-smith-aab489284

Academic Honors, Scholarships, & Leadership Roles

Deans List (Fall 2024 & Spring Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society; Reboot Representation Next Gen Computer Science Grant Recipient; Programming Chair, Society of Women Engineers – Spelman Chapter; Volunteer – The Black Innovators In Tech Program; EVHybridNoire E-Mobility Pipeline Fellowship Program Scholar

Leadership Influence

During my time interning with the Pfizer Risk Management Center of Excellence, I was tasked with investigating AI’s ability to acquire and summarize data from the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) website. With guidance from my manager, I led a project that interrogated the ability of AI large language models to enhance regulatory intelligence gathering for risk evaluation and mitigation strategies. After identifying inefficiencies in how this data is currently gathered, I explored artificial intelligence’s ability to extract and analyze data from risk management discussions from over 200 U.S FDA Advisory Committee Meetings. I applied an iterative evaluation process to assess the performance of three AI tools— ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot. I first researched the language models and data sources informing each tool and then developed and tested structured queries to examine each AI model’s ability to extract risk management-related data. In executing my project, I provided a new perspective on AI’s ability to support the Pfizer Risk Management Center of Excellence. This experience helped me understand pharmacovigilance and the effort required to understand, manage and communicate the risks of drugs on the market to prescribers and patients. Hopefully, my research and findings will enhance the future of pharmacovigilance efforts. The most important concept I learned during this experience is that I don’t have to be an expert to be an innovator. I just need to have a willingness to learn and adapt to unexpected circumstances, which to me is the essence of being an engineer.

Vision for Community Impact

As an aspiring biomedical engineer/computer scientist with plans to attend medical school and become a physician, I want to invent devices and utilize technology to improve the quality of life for humankind. Attending OneWe Reach’s Inaugural Global Summit (“The Future is Female”) in 2023, emphasized the importance of health equity– specifically including genetically diverse people in clinical trials. Though at the time I hadn’t heard much about health equity, this summer (, I had a connecting realization during a drug discovery workshop (during my internship) in which I had the role of a Phase 1 Clinician. This workshop outlined the lengthy (~ 20 years) process of drug discovery. saw how the diversity of clinical trial participants and the range of data that can be collected can impact whether a drug goes to market. Representation in research and innovation is vital. My multidisciplinary ambitions in technology and medicine position me at the crossroads of these fields to improve healthcare outcomes. In that workshop, I realized what I want my impact to be– to close the equity gap in biomedicine by building smarter tech tools with inclusion in mind. As I continue my journey, I aim to lift as I climb, ensuring that all of the work I pursue is accessible and representative of communities that are often overlooked. We can never replace the critical thinking of humans, but technology can help us see beyond our blind spots and make the necessary advancements equitably.

Columbia University- MS

However, discovery alone isnt enough. I believe the true power of biopharma lies in translating scientific discoveries into accessible, life-saving medicines. I hope to contribute to this effort by leading initiatives in pharmaceutical companies that prioritize both innovation and equityensuring new treatments are not only developed but also distributed to historically underserved communities.

Kiandra Smith

Morehouse School of Medicine- PhD

Gilliam Howard Hughes Fellow; Georgia CTSA TL-1 Fellow; Genentech Leader Intern Exchange Program; Lead Tutor; Posse Alumni Representative and Board Member; Morehouse

Sydney Stewart

Howard University- BS, Chemistry

Academic honors, scholarships, & leadership roles

L.B. Mightly Scholarship Recipient (, The Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) Travel Awardee (, Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Scholar (, Summer Research Opportunities Program (Scholar) (, Howard University Preparation for Undergraduate Minority Participation Program (HUPUMPP) (, CONQUER (Collaborative NOBCChE Quintessential Undergraduate Experience in Research) Scholar (, Howard University Leadership Scholarship Recipient (, I Know I Can Dream Big Scholarship Recipient (, and Cancer Research Experience for the Advancement and Training of Emerging Scientists (CREATES) Scholar (. Her leadership roles and community involvement include serving as Conference Fundraising Volunteer for The Links, Incorporated (, Central Ohio HBCU Ambassadors Cohort Member and Howard University Representative (Present), Youth Empowerment Volunteer for Howard University Alternative Spring Break (, General/Analytical Chemistry Tutor for the American Chemical Society Howard University Chapter (Present), Junior Residential Assistant at Howard University Mary M. Bethune Annex (, HBCU Panelist/Ambassador for The Scholar Network (and Conference Coordinator/Volunteer for Leading Women Defined)

Leadership Influence

As a Central Ohio HBCU (CBUS HBCU) Ambassador, I serve as a mentor and representative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, using my platform to empower underrepresented high school students to pursue higher education. This role is a year-round commitment to service, mentorship, and representation.

Vision for Community Impact

Through a career in biopharma, hope to create a lasting impact at the intersection of science, access, and equity. My passion for drug development stems not only from academic curiosity, but from personal losstwo of my grandparents passed away from Alzheimers disease within the last year. Watching my family navigate the challenges of neurodegeneration has solidified my desire to develop treatments that address neurological illness more effectively.

Yasmeen Walker

Howard University- PharmD

Dean’s List (Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2021, Spring Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society, Inducted 2023, Long Island University Presidential Scholarship, 20202025, American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists - Womens Health Committee, Deans Council Committee - Pharmacy school, Phi Lambda Sigma International Programming Committee Member, Chapter Vice President Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)

Leadership Influence

Beyond the lab, I hope to increase representation in STEM by mentoring underrepresented students in drug discovery, helping to demystify science careers, and expanding access to research training. My ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between chemistry and community, progressing both human health and scientific equity.

Field

www.linkedin.com/in/yasmeen-walker-pharmd-mph-175890168

Profile URL

www.linkedin.com/in/yasmeen-walker-pharmd-mph-175890168

Jawana Williams

Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine

DrPHc- Leadership-Social & Behavioral Sciences

Vision for Community Impact Leadership Influence

As the first Disease Research & Intervention Surveillance Specialist (DRIS) hired by King County Jail Health Services, I recognized a critical gap: incarcerated women—particularly Black women, who make up 50% of new HIV cases but only 13% of the U.S. population—were being overlooked in infectious disease prevention and care. Standard lab testing often delayed diagnoses, missing the window to treat women before release. In response, I led the development and launch of the first-ever Female-Targeted Rapid HIV and Syphilis Pointof-Care Testing Program within King County Jails. Using INSTI Rapid HIV and Syphilis POCT, we screened, diagnosed, and treated women at intake—in minutes, not days. I collaborated with providers, custody staff, and the Department of Health to design workflows, train staff, and evaluate outcomes. The result: earlier detection, same-day treatment, and stronger linkage-to-care, especially for Black and Indigenous women facing high infection rates and systemic stigma. This program didn’t exist before I created it. Today, it stands as a model for equity-focused, culturally responsive care—even within carceral settings. As a Black woman in public health, I’m proud to have built something that not only saved lives but centered the needs of women too often forgotten. Joining OneWe Reach affirms my leadership journey. This scholarship would help me continue expanding access, breaking barriers, and ensuring that innovation reaches the communities that need it most.

President, Health & Wellness Ministry-Seattle WA. Present Planned Parenthood South Atlantic-Generation Action Reproductive Rights Campus Advisor-JCSU, Charlotte, NC 2020 Collegiate Health Improvement Project-HIV & Substance Education. JCSU Campus Advisor 2020 Mecklenburg County PrEP Initiative Coalition, Charlotte, NC 2020 RAIN-Social Media Ambassador HIV Advocacy, Charlotte, NC Present Greater Seattle Alzheimer’s Association-Community Advocate, Seattle WA Present Greater Seattle American Heart Association-Community Advocate, Seattle, WA Present

My goal in the biopharma and life sciences space is to ensure life-saving innovations reach the marginalized communities too often left behind. I’ve spent my career at the intersection of equity, access, and public health—building trust and transforming care for Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, and low-income populations disproportionately affected by HIV and related disparities. At Whitman-Walker Health in Washington, DC, I served as Sexual Health Program Supervisor for the Gay Men’s Health & Wellness Clinic, overseeing HIV/STI testing, PrEP navigation, and culturally responsive care for LGBTQ+ communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led outreach, education, and contact tracing for vulnerable populations through Johns Hopkins University’s public health response. Before that, at The Power-House Project in Charlotte, NC, I led a multidisciplinary team implementing CDC-funded HIV prevention programs for Black MSM, transgender individuals, and cisgender women of color. Through Gilead’s Advancing Access program and ARTAS case management, we achieved an 80% linkage-to-care rate for newly diagnosed clients. In biopharma, seek to carry this work further—bridging the gap between innovation and community. As a Community Engagement Specialist, I aim to humanize access, uplift trusted messengers, and equip providers and organizations to reach the people who need these tools most. Science saves lives—but only when it’s trusted, understood, and accessible. My goal is to make that a reality for every community I serve.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jawana-w-164081136

Eguono Okpohworho

University of Houston- B.B.A

Field of Study

Management Information Systems

LinkedIn Profile URL

http://www.linkedin.com/in/eguono-o

Academic honors, scholarships, & leadership roles

Houston Livestock & Rodeo Show Scholarship; 2024, Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship; 2024, UH Academic Excellence Scholarship; 2024; Galere Realty Scholarship; 2024; UH SEI President’s Club; 2025; Natalia Miner Scholarship; 2025; JPMorgan & Chase Co. CCB Case Competition Finalist; 2025, Program For Excellence in Selling: UH Sales Excellence Institute Key Account Manager;2025, Program For Excellence in Selling: Sales Competition Team Competitor

Leadership Influence Vision for Community Impact

Simultaneously, I managed six college courses and ranked among the top producers in my universitys sales program, PES, earning Presidents Club and placing 12th in our major sponsorship tournament. I later applied for our Key Accounts class, where students act as account managers for Fortune 500 clients and was accepted.

Through a career in biopharma sales, hope to be a frontline advocate, educating providers, supporting underserved clinics, and ensuring that diverse populations are not overlooked in treatment outreach. I want to represent companies whose solutions dont just exist in labs, but reach real people, especially in communities like mine.