We Are Pharma! Advancing Equity (2025)

CONTENTS 2025

A collection of inspirational content to uplift, encourage, and empower

FEATURE STORIES

34 Strength in Unity, Impact Through Action

Nine leaders share how their experience inspires and advances excellence every day. WORDS BY JANEÉ BOLDEN WITH ALYSON POWELL KEY

36 Carol Parker Walsh, JD, PhD

Helping leaders unlock their power by mastering self-awareness, courage, and authentic connection

38 Yvonne Bryant

Modeling a career defined by courage, faith, and an unwavering commitment to equity

40 Monique Adams, PhD

Expanding clinical research access worldwide while redfining what inclusive leadership looks like

43 Cynthia Burks

Bringing a mission to impact lives through the life sciences

44 Nicole Ritchie, PhD

Pairing science with a vision for the future

46 Quita Highsmith

Reshaping the future of clinical trials

50 Angelique Hopkins, PhD

Building a career on courage, curiosity, and an unshakable belief in people’s potential

52 LaToya Coffey, PhD

Turning possibility into impact while defining her own path to leadership

54 Charlotte Jones-Burton, MD, MS

Modeling how sponsorship can change the future through her own experience and path

COVER: (front row, from left) Nicole Richie, Quita Highsmith, Angelique Hopkins, LaToya Coffey, Charlotte Jones-Burton (back row, from left) LaToya Coffey, Monique Adams, Carol Parker Walsh, Cynthia Burks

GETTING STARTED

5

A

Meet

OneWe Reach Wellness Shares Why Health Is Your Greatest Asset

19 LEADERSHIP IN ACTION: A NIGHT OF IMPACT, LEGACY & LIGHT

2025 OneWe Reach Foundation Industry Impact Awards is a night powering our mission and vision.

PARTNER PERSPECTIVES

22 TRANSFORMING ACCESS

J&J CareCommunity is equipping health workers with skills, resources, and opportunities.

24 CONSUMERISM IS RESHAPING BIOPHARMA’S FUTURE

OneWe Reach’s Fourth Think Tank unpacks the nexus of pharmacoequity, personalized medicine, and tech.

30 UNORDINARY STORIES: SHERYL SWOOPES

From a young age, basketball was Sheryl Swoopes’ “ticket” –not just to change her own life, but her mother’s life, too.

EMPOWER MOMENT

58 GLOBAL CONVERSATIONS & CONNECTIONS

How the annual international event is uniting leaders in the life sciences and forging deep connections for the future.

PUBLICATION TEAM A GREAT IDEA (agreatidea.com)

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Shane Lukas

COPY EDITOR Daniel W.K. Lee

PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHERS Oliver Collier

Kelsey McNeal

MAKE-UP ARTISTS Montiqua Hall Darya Latham

VIDEOGRAPHER Harold St. Louis OneWe

OneWe Reach BOARD

Charlotte Jones-Burton, MD, MS Founder & President

LaToya Coffey, PhD Vice President

Marissa Quinones, PharmD Secretary

Laura Williams, PharmD Treasurer

Celeste Woolfolk Co-Director of Partnership Development

Stephanie Jones Co-Director of Partnership Development

Jacqueline Gerena, MBA Director of Membership

Eileen Koske, MD Global Lead-Africa

Judy Jenkins Director of Advocacy

OneWe Reach TEAM

LaCresha L. Lightfoot

Executive Director

Delvin Burton Head of Professional Development & Learning

Melody Walker Head of Operations

Keniesha Watford Director of Marketing

Adam Lenkowsky of BMS accepts 2025 Catalyast Award

LIFTING AS WE CLIMB

Sharing transformative wisdom powers our present and future.

WELCOME TO THE 3RD EDITION OF ONEWE REACH’S WE ARE PHARMA MAGAZINE!

This year, we highlight leaders who refuse to just observe the future; they are taking bold action in the present to shape a world where optimal health and well-being are within everyone’s grasp.

The leaders spotlighted in this edition are more crucial now than ever. The biopharmaceutical landscape is undergoing profound shifts, from embracing new technologies to navigating complex policy and customer demands. Spanning roles as seasoned executives, strategic investors, influential board members, and transformative coaches, this collective is not merely adapting to the industry’s complex and shifting currents; we are actively challenging the status quo and building the foundation for the next era of health.

These leaders possess the exceptional blend of strategic acumen and profound emotional intelligence, enabling them to lead with their minds while touching the hearts of those they guide. We are driving real impact in both the present and the future, ensuring the world we envision is realized now.

In this edition, you will see examples of professionals who embody our OneWe Reach mission. They have excelled at mastering the moment, pivoting their strategies with wisdom, guiding their organizations through transformation, and maintaining an unshakeable inner strength. More profoundly, they are intentionally investing their energy and power into others.

Their stories are a well of instruction, showcasing how purposeful leadership translates directly into significant industry and societal impact. We celebrate their journey, their wisdom, and their dedication to lifting as they climb.

All my best,

Charlotte Jones-Burton, MD, MS Founder and President, OneWe Reach

Photograph by Oliver Collier

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ONE BREAKTHROUGH, PATIENT, AND ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME.

ONE

Representation in research is vitally important for scientific accuracy. By including a broader range of participants, we can gather data that’s more reflective of the population at large.

large.”

Mitzi Joi Williams | MD Neurologist, Multiple Sclerosis Expert, Genentech External Council Member

LEARN HOW WE’RE ADVANCING INCLUSIVE

On the

Highlighting their path to success

UNMASKING THE FUTURE

Meet five under-30 voices shaping the future of the life sciences with purpose, drive, and a foundation built from legacy.

WORDS BY LACRESHA L. LIGHTFOOT

THIS YEAR, ONEWE REACH SPOTLIGHTS THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS STEPPING BOLDLY INTO THEIR FUTURES. Each of these rising stars is connected to our community through a parent whose example, leadership, and commitment laid a foundation they now build upon in their own way.

Their stories reflect resilience, curiosity, and the

clarity of young leaders who understand where they come from—and who they intend to become. They are navigating new spaces, expanding their sense of what’s possible, and standing tall in the legacy they carry forward.

Together, they represent what leadership looks like when purpose meets preparation, and when community shapes confidence.

KENNEDY MADDOX

Determined. Competitive. Anchored by legacy.

LEGACY LESSON: “Be the example you want to see — speak up, stay true, and stand tall.”

Kennedy’s interest in health and the life sciences began at her HBCU, where staying informed about COVID-era health policy raised deeper questions about access and inequity. Those questions led her to OneWe Reach, where she found guidance from Black physicians, scientists, and researchers committed to driving change.

A layoff early in her career could have derailed her, but Kennedy turned it into motivation. She worked through uncertainty, kept applying, kept learning, and pushed herself until she landed in a role where her contributions truly matter. Years of competitive basketball shaped that persistence —teaching her discipline, focus, and how to rise after setbacks.

Her mother’s example is the foundation of her leadership. Watching her advocate, excel, and stay grounded taught Kennedy to speak up, create solutions, and lead with purpose. Through her mother’s lens, she saw OneWe Reach leaders who were brilliant, joyful, and unapologetically themselves—a model of authentic leadership she now carries forward.

Today, success means making herself proud. Looking ahead, she plans to bring her Gen Z clarity and drive to her career while rising into roles where she can influence change.

MAIA WILKINS

Ambitious. Disciplined. Fueled by service and vision.

LEGACY LESSON: “Always reach out, always want more, and never stop building your village.”

For Maia, everything began with one conversation— one that encouraged her to reach further and take on an internship that ultimately shaped her career direction. That opportunity became the moment she realized pharma blended patient impact with business strategy in a way that resonated with her strengths and goals.

Transitioning into a full-time role brought new expectations and a faster pace. When the adjustment felt overwhelming, Maia relied on her “village”—her mother, mentors, colleagues, and industry peers who reminded her that asking for help is a form of growth. As one of the youngest members contributing to a high-visibility safety and regulatory team, she learned quickly that excellence is built through preparation, confidence, and community.

Maia’s mother modeled what ambition and resilience look like in real time—earning her doctorate and building a thriving career while raising her. That blueprint, combined with the discipline she gained from Division 1 softball, shaped Maia’s belief that her goals should be big and bold.

Today, success is peace of mind and moving toward the life she envisions. Her next chapter includes pursuing her doctorate and eventually opening her own practice.

Kennedy Maddox & LaCresha L. Lightfoot, OneWe Reach Executive Director Maia Wilkins & Jamie Wilkins, PharmD, OneWe Reach Member

SPENCER ANNOR-AMPOFO DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT

Curious. Imaginative. Driven by a vision for change.

Spencer Annor-Ampofo is the recipient of the OneWe Reach Foundation Scholarship. He is a senior at Washington University in St. Louis majoring in African American Studies with a minor in Biology, pursuing a pre-med/pre-PhD pathway. He was selected as the Student of the Year at the 2025 OneWe Reach Foundation Industry Impact Awards in recognition of his academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing health equity.

Spencer is currently conducting a research study examining the experiences of Black individuals living with alopecia, with plans to expand this work during his upcoming study abroad program in South Africa. Through his research, he aims to increase minority representation in clinical studies and explore community-centered frameworks and models that can better inform approaches to alopecia and hair loss. His longterm goal is to drive meaningful change at the intersection of medicine, research, and marginalized communities.

View the 2025 Distinguished Scholars Digital Biography Book & learn more about the OneWe Reach Distinguished Scholars Program

MAYA SIMPKINS

Thoughtful. Analytical.

Shaped by curiosity and cultural depth.

LEGACY LESSON: “Leadership means helping others rise, not just achieving your own goals.”

Maya’s path into life sciences started unexpectedly while helping her mother during the pandemic. That experience led to internships and eventually to managing her company’s full data infrastructure—a role she built through self-teaching, persistence, and a talent for turning information into insight.

Her multicultural background—Black and Puerto Rican— along with her love of travel, shaped a worldview grounded in nuance and empathy. For Maya, data isn’t just numbers; it’s a story that can guide smarter decisions and strengthen community trust.

One defining moment came six years ago when her mother brought her to her first OneWe Reach gala. As a college student surrounded by brilliant Black and Brown leaders—scientists, physicians, Olympians—she felt possibilities expand instantly. More recently, an unexpected cross-continental connection with a UK leader reinforced the global power of community.

Today, success means using data to influence meaningful decisions and making information more intuitive for her teammates. Her work is driven by a desire to help organizations better engage the communities they serve.

CORINTHIAN BURTON

Purpose-driven. Observant.

Grounded in the principles of service.

LEGACY LESSON: “True leadership is servant leadership—uplifting people and advancing the greater good.”

Corinthian’s interest in life sciences is rooted in servant leadership — a value shaped by watching his mother uplift others through her work in healthcare. Four years on the agency side gave him a front-row view of the industry’s complexity: a vast ecosystem where innovation relies on collaboration, precision, and the collective efforts of many.

Early on, he faced imposter syndrome and the challenge of entering the field without traditional experience. Instead of pulling back, Corinthian leaned into continuous learning, sought out conversations with experts, and placed himself in environments that expanded his exposure to market access, medical education, and healthcare systems. His commitment to improving patient experiences fuels his motivation and shapes how he views his future.

A meaningful turning point came at the 5th Annual OneWe Reach Foundation Industry Impact Awards, where he witnessed the power of collective gratitude and community. That moment affirmed his desire to build supportive spaces and lead with empathy.

Looking ahead, Corinthian plans to pursue an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management and continue to deepen his impact in the healthcare space.

Maya Simpkins & Pam Simpkins, OneWe Reach Advisory Council Member

Corinthian Burton & Charlotte Jones-Burton, MD, MS, OneWe Reach President & Founder

Closing the gap in

access to care.

Closing the gap in access to care.

Nearly 4.5 billion people lack access to the health services they deserve.

Nearly 4.5 billion people lack access to the health services they deserve.

J&J CareCommunity, Johnson & Johnson’s global social impact platform, is addressing this challenge by championing nurses and community health workers to help close the gap between communities and care.

J&J CareCommunity, Johnson & Johnson’s global social impact platform, is addressing this challenge by championing nurses and community health workers to help close the gap between communities and care.

By supporting and strengthening this essential workforce, we are working to expand access to care, improve the quality of health services and help communities achieve better health outcomes.

By supporting and strengthening this essential workforce, we are working to expand access to care, improve the quality of health services and help communities achieve better health outcomes.

Mission: To empower the world’s most vulnerable communities with essential education and social and health resources to achieve lasting well-being.

Vision: A world where vulnerable communities have complete and sustained access to the fundamental resources necessary for a healthy life.

The OneWe Reach Foundation serves vulnerable communities through programs and partnerships that address education (students, advisors, partners), social support (advocacy, access to opportunities), and health/well-being (mental, physical).

Bristol Myers Squibb

Founders' Circle Donors Corporate Donors

Dr. Charlotte Jones-Burton

The Scarritt Group

Donors

Petula Fraser-Davies

Dr. LaToya Coffey

Dr. Dolca Thomas

Presidents ' Circle Donors

Judy and Eric Jenkins Pamela Simpkins

Chakita Williams

Champion Circle Donors

Audra Bohannon Ambre James-Brown

Dr. Kemi Olugemo

Donate to the foundation today! '

Maxine Fisher

Carleen Kelly

Lisa Dwyer-Orr

Dana Mendenhall

Jorge Carrancho

Negelle Morris

Angie Lewis

Joy Smith

Winifred Thompson

Sophia Goring-Piard

Lani Hashimoto

Laura Bradshaw-Williams

Meghan Mckenzie

Ashley Holland

Chieze Ibeneche-Nnewihe

Quita Highsmith

Denise Butler

Kasm Garnes

Jayson Johnson

Colleen Dodson

Melody Walker

Lucy Abreu

Raquel Washington

Oscar Martinez-Fain

Natalie Masterton

Carla Brooks

Sherrita Dorsey

Teresia Bost

Dr. Rose Blackburne

Be Well

Amplifying healthy opportunities and strategies for leaders

WELLNESS IS WEALTH

OneWe Reach Wellness Consultant Dr. Charryse Johnson Shares Why Health is Your Greatest Asset.

WORDS BY DR. CHARRYSE JOHNSON

IPHOTOGRAPHY BY OLIVER COLLIER

N TODAY’S CULTURE OF RELENTLESS ACHIEVEMENT, “being well” is often seen as optional—a bonus we’ll get to once the deadlines ease, the children are settled, or the next milestone is reached. But wellness is not a luxury. It is the very foundation that sustains who you are and who you are becoming. As the Wellness Consultant for OneWe Reach, I have the privilege of walking alongside high-achieving women and men who are not just leading organizations, but shaping the future of healthcare, science, and beyond. And I’ve seen, time and again, that when wellness is neglected, the cost is steep—physically, emotionally, and professionally. Too often, the very individuals tasked with driving innovation and supporting others are running on empty themselves. Research consistently shows that leaders in healthcare and pharma report some of the highest levels of stress and burnout

among all industries. A recent Deloitte survey found that 70% of executives say they are seriously considering leaving their roles for positions that better support their well-being. This isn’t just a personal health issue—it’s an organizational crisis. When leaders are unwell, teams suffer, creativity stalls, and the ripple effects extend far beyond the workplace.

That’s why my role at OneWe Reach is not simply about offering wellness tips—it’s about creating intentional pathways for sustainable change. Through encouraging messages, in-person experiences, and education on the neurobiological impact of unchecked stress, I help leaders and members strengthen the connection between their mental resilience and their physical vitality. Because the truth is this: you cannot fully live out your mission if your wellness is compromised. You can’t afford not to be well. Here are five reasons why:

1. STRESS RESHAPES THE BRAIN AND BODY

Wellness is not about having fewer responsibilities; it’s about having the resilience to carry what matters most without losing yourself along the way. Unchecked stress is not just “in your head.” Neurobiology shows us that chronic stress rewires the brain and wears down the body. When the amygdala (the brain’s emotional alarm system) is overactivated by stress, the prefrontal cortex—the region responsible for decisionmaking and focus—struggles to stay online. This means stress literally steals from your capacity to lead, innovate, and connect.

Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, was designed for short bursts of survival. But in high achievers, it often lingers at elevated levels. Studies show that sustained cortisol dysregulation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, memory impairment, and immune dysfunction. In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that 77% of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress, and nearly half say stress negatively impacts their behavior at work.

2. ACHIEVEMENT WITHOUT HEALTH IS UNSUSTAINABLE

You can have the title, the salary, the recognition, but if you don’t have your health, you don’t have the freedom to enjoy any of it.

DR. CHARRYSE’S ROLE AT ONEWE REACH

At OneWE Reach, wellness is not a side conversation—it is central to how we grow as leaders and as a community. In my role, I bring three layers of support:

1. Encouraging Messages

Timely reminders that wellness is possible and worth prioritizing.

2. In-Person Experiences

Opportunities to practice selfregulation, mindfulness, and embodiment in real time.

3. Education on Neurobiology

Insight into how the brain and body respond to stress, and tools to shift those responses toward resilience.

These layers are designed to remind you that you are not alone, and that wellness is both a personal commitment and a collective movement.

As high achievers, we often sacrifice our health in the name of success, believing we’ll recover later. But the truth is stark: later never comes if you don’t prioritize now. The World Health Organization has named burnout an occupational phenomenon, noting its rising prevalence among leaders and healthcare professionals. And the Harvard Business Review reports that over 60% of executives admit to being “constantly exhausted and overwhelmed.”

The irony? Sacrificing wellness undermines the very performance we’re trying to sustain. A fatigued brain processes information 20–30% slower, and sleep deprivation

reduces problem-solving skills by nearly half.

3. YOUR PRESENCE IMPACTS MORE THAN JUST YOU

Your well-being is not selfish—it is service. The steadier you are, the stronger the ground for everyone who stands beside you. Wellness is not a solitary pursuit. How you show up ripples through your relationships, your workplace, and your community. Neuroscience affirms this through the principle of **co-regulation**: our nervous systems are wired to synchronize with others. When you are calm and grounded, those around you feel safer and more capable. When you are stressed and dysregulated, the tension spreads like static electricity. This is why OneWe Reach invests in creating spaces for reflection, education, and connection. Through in-person wellness experiences, encouraging messages, and practical strategies, we support leaders in becoming not just high achievers, but healthy ones.

“Your body is the vessel of your vision. Protect it, nurture it, and it will carry you farther than ambition ever could on its own.” —Dr. Charryse Johnson

4. PREVENTION IS LESS COSTLY THAN RECOVERY

If you don’t pause for wellness, your body will eventually force you to stop for illness. When wellness is neglected, the body eventually demands payment. According to the CDC, chronic diseases linked to lifestyle and stress account for 90% of the $4.1 trillion annual healthcare costs in the U.S. And among high-achieving professionals, these diseases—hypertension, diabetes, anxiety disorders—often surface earlier and with greater severity due to compounding demands.

Yet the science is clear: preventive care and intentional wellness practices dramatically reduce risk. Just 20 minutes of moderate movement can lower cortisol levels, regulate blood pressure, and improve mood. Practicing mindfulness for even 10 minutes a day has been shown to strengthen the prefrontal cortex and improve emotional regulation. You cannot afford to wait for a crisis. Investing in prevention is an act of wisdom, not weakness.

5. WELLNESS ANCHORS YOU IN WHO YOU ARE BECOMING

Wellness is not the absence of struggle; it is the presence of practices that remind you of your strength. At its core, wellness is not just about eating right or exercising more—it is about embodiment and intentional living. It is the

daily decision to honor the sacred connection between mind, body, and spirit. It is the practice of tuning into interoception— the body’s internal signals—so that you learn to recognize when you are hungry, tired, anxious, or in need of stillness. This is where emotional safety and self-regulation meet leadership. When you are anchored in wellness, you can navigate uncertainty without being hijacked by fear. You can pursue ambition without being consumed by it. You can expand without unraveling.

A CALL TO ACTION

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to focus on your health, let me be clear: the right time is now. Every email you answer while ignoring your body’s signals, every night of compromised sleep, every day you silence your need for rest, these choices accumulate. But so do the choices to pause, breathe, move, and reflect.

You can’t afford not to be well. The beautiful truth is you don’t have to do it alone.

Leadership

in Action

Recognizing industry voices that inspire growth

A NIGHT OF IMPACT, LEGACY & LIGHT

2025 OneWe Reach Foundation

Industry Impact Awards is a night that powers our mission.

WORDS BY LACRESHA L. LIGHTFOOT PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLIVER COLLIER

THE ONEWE REACH FOUNDATION INDUSTRY IMPACT AWARDS —our annual benefit fundraising gala—brings together leaders, innovators, and changemakers for an unforgettable evening of recognition, purpose, and celebration—a night that rivals the energy and cultural significance of major award shows. This is OneWe Reach’s annual benefit fundraising gala—the night that powers our mission. With red carpet moments, heartfelt tributes, and powerful stories of resilience, the gala celebrates excellence and reflects the movement OneWe Reach continues to build—one rooted in inclusion, visibility, and community leadership.

The 2025 Awards Gala delivered on that promise—a stunning celebration hosted by Sherhara Burrell and guided by the evening’s three pillars: Love, Lead, and Lift. Guests enjoyed moving moments and inspiring stories from leaders shaping a more inclusive, innovative future.

As our signature benefit awards gala, the evening not only celebrates excellence but also raises vital support for the programs and mission of the OneWe Reach Foundation.

Sanofi Team receiving Company of the Year

2025 IMPACT AWARD RECIPIENTS

COMPANY AWARDS

• Company of the Year: Sanofi

• Biotech of the Year: Blueprint Medicines

• CRO of the Year: Thermo Fisher Scientific

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS

• MelanInScience

• Decolonise All

• Lilly Office of Social Impact

ONYX AWARD

• LeReece Campbell

PASSION AWARDS

• Sweet Tea Program Founders: Jacquelyne “Jax” Porter, Indria Gibson, LawAnda Rutledge-Gordon, Ortavius “Tae” Tatum, Myriam Guerrier

• Renelle Tarnowska

DISRUPTOR AWARD

• Dr. Denise Bronner, Empactful Ventures

CHAMPION AWARDS

• Dr. Chetan Karyekar, Sanofi

• Dr. Fouad Namouni

CATALYST AWARDS

• Marion Brooks, Novartis

• Quita Highsmith, Genentech

• Dr. Juan Camilo Arjona Ferreira, Organon

• Adam Lenkowsky, Bristol Myers Squibb

• William ‘Bill’ Whyte, Johnson & Johnson

CORPORATE MEMBER TRAILBLAZER AWARDS

• Chieze Ibeneche-Nnewihe, Biomarin

• Colleen Dodson-Honoré, Genentech

• Dánika Hernandez Stubbs, Johnson & Johnson

• Seema Vaidyanathan, Johnson & Johnson

• Kas Garnes, Novartis

(this page, clockwise from top) Catalyast Award winner Adam Lenkowsky and the BMS Team; Trailblazer awardee Colleen Dodson-Honore with Genentech colleague Oscar Martinez-Fain; Illuminator Award winner Meghan McKenzie of Genentech and Community Impact Award winner Caroline Tuipe of Decolonize All; 2025 OneWe Reach Illuminators; Member of the Year Eileen Koske; Biotech of the Year Winning Team at Blueprint Medicines

CORPORATE MEMBER ILLUMINATOR AWARDS

• Meghan McKenzie, Genentech

• Laura Chase, Johnson & Johnson

• Lydia Lee, Johnson & Johnson

PIONEER AWARD

• Negelle Morris

GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD

• Jamie Wilkins

SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD

• Paul Ashley

GLOBAL ICON AWARD

• Ambre James-Brown

ONEWE REACH MEMBER AWARDS

• Student Member of the Year: Spencer Annor-Ampofo

• Member of the Year: Dr. Eileen Koske

• Advisor of the Year: Dr. Angelique Hopkins

• Leadership in Action Award: Joselle Pratt

ONEWE REACH ILLUMINATOR AWARDS

• Lucy Abreu

• Cecilia Carter

• Jayson Johnson

• Carleen Kelly

• Dr. Kemi Olugemo

• Dr. Tania Small

• Celeste Warren

(this page, clockwise from top right) Catalyst Awardee Bill White; Sanofi Team with Company of the Year Award; Global Icon Award winner and OneWe Reach Founding Member Ambre JamesBrown with OneWe Reach Founder & President Dr. Charlotte Jones-Burton SAVE THE DATE

OCTOBER 24, 2026

The Westin Charlotte • Charlotte, North Carolina

This is OneWe Reach’s annual benefit fundraiser—the night that powers our mission. 2026 marks the 10-year anniversary of One We Reach, and we will celebrate this milestone with a black-tie gala experience honoring the leaders, partners, and community who have shaped a decade of impact. To reserve a table, purchase tickets, or donate to the OneWe Reach Foundation, email us at info@onewereach.org

Transforming Access

Johnson & Johnson is championing nurses, community health workers, and the leaders who empower them.

J&J CareCommunity is equipping health workers with the skills, resources and opportunities to advance access to quality care around the world.

NURSES AND CHWS ARE THE BACKBONE OF OUR HEALTH SYSTEMS, DEDICATING THEIR TIME, EXPERTISE AND COMPASSION TO IMPROVING LIVES EVERY DAY. Since 2021, Johnson & Johnson has reached more than 3.4 million health workers through education, leadership development and hands-on training.

Across the OneWe Reach (formerly WOCIP) community, we know there are many professionals leading meaningful initiatives within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to connect more communities to care, and we are proud to stand alongside you. Meet a few J&J leaders and health workers driving progress today. Under Adrienne’s

leadership, Scarritt Group has grown into an internationally respected organization, employing over 85 professionals worldwide. The company has successfully executed thousands of high-impact meetings, always placing a premium on service excellence.

London Wills, Senior Director of Access and Community Advocacy, and Teletha Brown, Senior Director of Strategy & Programs (Innovative Medicine), Global Health Equity, have exemplified how Johnson & Johnson is advancing health equity through bold leadership and communityrooted innovation.

In the United States, over 100 million Americans experience obstacles to accessing primary care, with nearly one-third of the population lacking a designated primary care provider. Barriers such as high cost and gaps in insurance coverage hinder many individuals from adequate care, exacerbating healthcare disparities, leading to poorer health outcomes.

equitable access to mental healthcare. With support from the J&J Foundation, her team has partnered with local J&J colleagues and partner organizations Kamili and the Kenya Medical Training College to enroll 110 general practice nurses in a psychiatric diploma program to expand the number of mental health specialists in 2025. This is coupled with J&J’s support for a national initiative to train 56,500 community health workers and 500 primary care nurses in mental health screening and care management, embedding critical support into frontline services to identify and address mental illness within communities. Together, Wills and Brown are meeting the critical needs of communities by meeting people where they are and connecting them to the care they need.

Wills leads My Health Can’t Wait by J&J, which has reached over 130,000 people. In 2024, the program delivered nearly 38,000 partnerled health screenings and distributed more than 39,000 educational resources to under resourced communities in the United States. These efforts are helping to close gaps in access and awareness in over 40 cities across the United States.

In Kenya, over 60 percent of mental health disorders go undiagnosed, largely due to a severe shortage healthcare workers trained in mental health. Kenya has only 0.19 trained mental health workers per 100,000 people, compared to the global median of 13 per 100,000 and 324 per 100,000 in the United States.

This is where Brown is driving progress to advance

In South Africa, that same spirit of empowerment is taking root through the Unjani Clinic network, where nurses like Sister Nomthandazo are leading the charge. Sister Nomthandazo is the first nurse within the Unjani Clinic network to achieve ownership of a J&J and J&J Foundation-funded clinic—and one of 92 nurses to date equipped through the network to own and lead the effort in transforming South Africa’s healthcare system. Unjani Clinic is a network of primary care clinics providing accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to communities in poorly served, low-income areas in South Africa. Since 2016, 17 clinics have provided over 322,000 patient consultations. At Johnson & Johnson, we’re proud to champion the health workers who are reshaping how care reaches communities.

Visit J&J CareCommunity to learn more and be inspired.

London Willis Teletha Brown

Consumerism is Reshaping Biopharma’s Future

OneWe Reach’s Fourth Think Tank Unpacks the Nexus of Pharmacoequity, Personalized Medicine, and Tech.

ON MAY 5, 2025, THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY’S TRADITIONAL BUSINESS MODEL OFFICIALLY MET ITS DISRUPTIVE MATCH: THE EMPOWERED PATIENT.

In an era of relentless innovation, the challenge is no longer just what we can develop, but who gets access, and how companies can create sustainable value in a truly patient-centric world. To tackle this seismic shift, OneWe Reach (formerly WOCIP) convened its Fourth Think Tank, bringing together a powerful mix of healthcare, technology, policy, and investment leaders for a day of critical, collaborative discussion.

The theme was timely and essential: “Consumerism and the Convergence of Pharmacoequity, Personalized Medicine, and Technology to Drive Health Innovation.” The conclusion was definitive: success demands integration, and inclusion is the new engine of revenue growth.

WORDS BY CHARLOTTE JONES-BURTON, MD, MS

BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT: THE HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE IN THE MIRROR

The consensus among the diverse group of leaders was clear: Healthcare is irrevocably transforming from a provider-centric to a patient-driven model.

In the old paradigm, drug manufacturers focused their sales efforts almost exclusively on the “six P’s” (Physicians, Payers, PBMs, etc.), managing information flow while patients remained passive recipients of care. That era is over.

Today’s patient is an active “healthcare executive,” demanding personalized, accessible, and affordable care—and they have the data and technology to back it up.

Success in this new landscape hinges on a single integrated framework: using technology to deliver personalized therapies while ensuring equitable access for all. Organizations that fail to align Pharmacoequity, Personalized Medicine, and Technology will struggle to capture emerging markets and demonstrate true value.

FOUR PILLARS OF THE NEW PARADIGM

The Think Tank identified the strategic themes necessary for navigating this convergence:

OFCONSUMERISM AND CONVERGENCE THENEW PARADIGM IN THEAGE

1. Empowered Patients: They are no longer just passive participants; they are actively seeking products and services that demonstrably enhance their real-world health experiences.

2. Pharmacoequity: This is the cornerstone. It means building inclusive research and development from the outset, ensuring high-quality pharmacotherapies are accessible regardless of background.

3. Technology as an Enabler: AI, wearables (generating digital biomarkers), telehealth, and mHealth apps are the critical tools that facilitate personalization at scale and help bridge equity gaps.

4. Population-Informed Access: Commercialization strategies must be guided by research that includes and reflects the diverse populations affected by the disease to optimize patient outcomes across all demographics.

THE HIGH COST OF EXCLUSION: A STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE

The sessions highlighted that adopting this new paradigm is not merely an ethical choice—it is a strategic necessity. As articulated in the session “The High Cost of Exclusion:

PATIENTS DRIVERS TOOLS

CONSUMERISM

Implications for Post-marketing Commercialization,” excluding diverse populations from clinical trials can severely impact market access, patient uptake, and overall drug success. The efficiencies gained by building pharmacoequity into research—expediting recruitment, reducing costly amendments—directly translate into a stronger ROI.

The rise of the GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Wegovy and Zepbound) serves as a potent case study. Their success is driven by strong direct-to-consumer awareness and a massive investment in manufacturing and direct-to-patient solutions (like LillyDirect), showcasing a business model that is rapidly adapting to patient demand.

The success of our healthcare system hinges on inclusive research. When we prioritize scientifically representative patient data in our clinical studies, we not only foster equity but also improve the reliability and applicability of our findings for all

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ONE BREAKTHROUGH, PATIENT, AND ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME. patients.” ONE TIME.

RUBEN MESA MD | FACP ONCOLOGIST, HEMATOLOGIC CANCER EXPERT, GENENTECH EXTERNAL COUNCIL MEMBER

LEARN HOW WE’RE ADVANCING INCLUSIVE RESEARCH

THE TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE

The ultimate challenge for the biopharmaceutical industry is to redesign the entire healthcare value chain (as highlighted by Dr. Yele Aluko in the opening plenary). This requires:

• Patient-Centric Design: Prioritizing patient voice from discovery through commercialization.

• Equitable Investment: Funneling resources into inclusive drug development and access programs.

• Leveraging Data: Utilizing AI and big data for personalized marketing and improved patient identification.

The session “Solutions for Pharmacoequity: A Call to Action for Leaders and Influencers” confirmed that Boards and investors increasingly view firms that embed patient-centricity and pharmacoequity at their core as more innovative, trusted, and better positioned for longterm success.

UNLOCKING THE BLUEPRINT: SEVEN DEEP DIVES COMING SOON

The day was packed with actionable recommendations and strategic imperatives for every sector involved in healthcare delivery.

The information generated from the Think Tank sessions demonstrates how OneWe Reach recommends the biopharmaceutical industry and broader ecosystem

should diligently evolve its business models to better engage with informed patients, exemplify value, harness digital technologies, and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

To ensure these vital blueprints for adaptation are widely available, OneWe Reach will release seven separate, indepth articles throughout Q1 2026.

Each article will serve as a deep dive into the specific sessions, providing detailed analysis on how leaders can transform strategy, culture, and investments to ensure that all patients benefit from health innovations and companies see greater return on investments.

Stay tuned to OneWe Reach and our partner channels as we unveil the strategic guide to thriving in the age of convergence.

THINK TANK TALENT

OneWe Reach’s Think Tank brought together top leaders in the life sciences. Learn more about the leaders guiding the future with and beyond the technology today: onewereach.org/thinktank

Novo Nordisk Presents

Sheryl Swoopes Unordinary Stories:

From a young age, basketball was Sheryl Swoopes’ “ticket”—not just to change her own life, but her mother’s life, too. Sheryl was the first player signed to the Women’s Professional League, the first female player with a signature shoe, a three-time gold medalist, a four-time champion and a Hall of Famer. But even legends face unexpected challenges. In this first installment of Novo Nordisk’s new campaign “Unordinary Stories”, read Sheryl’s story about what happens when the game changes and how she found unordinary drive to navigate her next chapter.

AFTER RETIRING FROM THE GAME THAT DEFINED SO MUCH OF HER LIFE, SHERYL RECEIVED A DIAGNOSIS THAT SHOOK HER TO HER CORE: TYPE 2 DIABETES.”

I initially was just terrified,” she recalls. As an athlete, she felt invincible, but the quiet symptoms had been there for months—waking up often to use the bathroom, her body desperately trying to rid itself of excess sugar. Even before her diagnosis, she knew something was wrong, though she couldn’t pinpoint what. “As an athlete, I just kind of felt like I could deal with this,” she admits, “even though I had no idea what it was.”

The diagnosis was a wake-up call, a reminder that

diabetes doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of their athletic prowess or past achievements. Sheryl learned that Type 2 diabetes carries a four-time greater risk of heart attack or stroke, a sobering reality that underscored the urgency of her situation and the

The diagnosis was a wake-up call, a reminder that diabetes doesn’t discriminate.

need for her to drive change in her own health journey.

Yet, her story isn’t just about overcoming a personal health challenge; it’s about the power of connection and advocacy. She emphasizes the critical role of a strong support system, a lesson she learned from her mother. Her mom, “always there, front and center,” battled colon cancer, and Sheryl was by her side for the last eight months of her life. “She just gave me so much strength to deal with anything that comes my way,” she shares, highlighting the endur-ing bond that shaped her resilience.

Now, she is channeling that strength to raise awareness about diabetes, particularly within the disproportionately

affected African American community. “We really have to do a much better job of talking to each other, talking to our parents, our spouses,” she urges. Her message is clear: “If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t.” This commitment to open dialogue and education is how she continues to drive change beyond the court.

This unordinary story is a powerful reminder that even after achieving legendary status, the most important victories are often won off the court, through health, advocacy, and an un-wavering spirit to inspire others.

Visit novonordisk-us.com to read more unordinary stories.

STRENGTH IN Unity IMPACT THROUGH

NINE LEADERS SHARE HOW THEIR Experience INSPIRES AND ADVANCES EXCELLENCE EVERY DAY.

+ Action.

WORDS BY JANE É BOLDEN WITH ALYSON POWELL KEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLIVER COLLIER & KELSEY S. MCNEAL

COACHING Leaders To Excellence

Known for her transformative approach to executive coaching, Carol Parker Walsh, JD, PhD, helps leaders unlock their power by mastering self-awareness, courage, and authentic connection.

DR. CAROL PARKER WALSH KNOWS HOW TO TURN EXPERIENCE INTO ELEVATION. Before launching her executive-coaching practice, she transitioned from a career in employment law to senior leadership inside myriad organizations leading people-centered change and guiding teams through transformation. Today she brings that toolkit to leaders as a coach, author, and keynote voice—and as faculty with OneWe Reach, where her People-Forward Leadership™ curriculum powers member workshops focused on clarity, courage, and culture. Her north star is simple: build spaces where people are seen, stretch, and succeed. Here are four lessons she lives and leads by.

Lead From Within

“The future of organizations doesn’t just depend on scientific discoveries. It depends on leaders who understand that their most critical job is creating the conditions where brilliant minds can do their best work,” she says. For Parker Walsh, effective leadership begins with emotional intelligence. It’s not about titles. It’s about trust, empathy, and understanding that people perform at their best when they feel seen and supported.

Embrace the Mirror

“You cannot rise above your own limiting beliefs,” she shares. “The only two things truly within your control are your thoughts and your actions.” Parker Walsh teaches leaders that transformation starts with honest selfreflection. By facing their fears, insecurities, and patterns head-on, they create room for growth and give others permission to do the same.

Let Culture Be the Strategy

“Game-changing solutions require gamechanging leadership,” she says. For Parker Walsh, culture isn’t a buzzword; it’s the foundation. “When leaders develop genuine self-awareness, they naturally create environments where people feel empowered to do their best work, and that’s when everything clicks.”

Redefine Success

During her early career as a labor and employment attorney Parker Walsh spent a decade working the federal sector, private practice, and healthcare system, winning discrimination cases and negotiating multi-million dollar agreements. She found time after time the root issue was leadership: “When leaders were authentic and people-centered, outcomes thrived,” she says. “When they weren’t, everyone and everything suffered.”

“WHEN LEADERS DEVELOP GENUINE SELF-AWARENESS, THEY NATURALLY CREATE ENVIRONMENTS WHERE PEOPLE FEEL EMPOWERED TO DO THEIR BEST WORK.”

PEOPLE-FORWARD LEADERSHIP™ — THREE MOVES

Dr. Carol Parker Walsh’s advice for future leaders who want to create meaningful impact

1 GET HONEST ABOUT YOURSELF

Regularly examine your strengths, values, and how you impact people, while recognizing your own biases. Your leadership directly affects how your people perform, which ultimately impacts health outcomes.

2 DEVELOP PEOPLE AROUND YOU

Create environments where your team feels genuinely valued, communicates effectively, makes confident decisions, and takes real ownership. Brilliant insights mean little without engaged teams who can deliver solutions to patients.

3 MAKE LEARNING A PRIORITY

Build spaces where people can grow, challenge assumptions, take smart risks, and bring different perspectives to shape the organization’s future. Do this to retain the best talent and create meaningful impact across the industry.

“SEEING PEOPLE FEEL EMPOWERED TO ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVES WAS LIFE CHANGING.”

LEADING With Faith And Changing The Narrative

From reframing obesity stigma to advancing care for sickle cell patients, Yvonne Bryant has built a career defined by courage, faith, and an unwavering commitment to equity.

FOR YVONNE BRYANT, THE PULL TOWARD A CAREER IN LIFE SCIENCES WAS TWOFOLD. “It was my desire to help people in need—and my mom,” she says. Watching her mother work as a nurse in clinical research inspired her to see science as a form of service. After graduating from Temple University, Bryant began her career in research and development, spending years working on clinical trials before eventually moving into marketing and commercial leadership.

“I’m a person who likes consistency in life,” she laughs. “But here I am, constantly taking on new roles and stretching myself into new spaces.” That willingness to evolve has become one of her greatest strengths.

What project are you most proud of?

“In 2018, I led a team that helped reframe how people think about obesity. We wanted to shift it from blame to understanding—because it’s not as simple as ‘eat less, move more.’ We launched a national campaign with a celebrity partner, traveled to cities across the U.S. and reached millions through social media and press. Seeing people feel seen and empowered to advocate for themselves was life changing.”

What’s helped you stay grounded during moments of uncertainty?

“My faith in God, without question. I’ve learned that I

can’t control everything, but I can control how I respond. There’s freedom in surrendering the need to have it all figured out. When things get tough, I pray, walk, listen to music, breathe deeply, or read—choosing the practice that best helps me recenter.”

What leadership lesson has stayed with you?

“People always remember how you made them feel. No matter your title, you can either empower and uplift or lead with fear and ego. Trust, empathy, and authenticity go a long way.”

What inspires you as you lead?

“I’m inspired by the people who are living with chronic conditions. When I meet people with sickle cell disease, I know they are pushing for change and that I can play a part in creating solutions and providing support. I don’t take this responsibility lightly. I’m moved by their resiliency.”

How has OneWe Reach shaped your journey?

“It’s been empowering to connect with people who’ve faced similar challenges and still found success. Through OneWe Reach, I’ve learned to navigate my career with agility, stay future-focused, and keep patient impact at the center of my work.

My friend Ambre James-Brown pulled me in early on and modeled what it means to bring others along with you—and that’s the kind of leader I aspire to be.”

ADVANCING Health Equity

Through Leadership

A lifelong passion for science has guided Monique Adams, Ph.D. to champion health equity, expand clinical research access worldwide, and redefine what inclusive leadership looks like in life sciences.

FOR DR. MONIQUE ADAMS, SCIENCE IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST THE SUBJECT SHE EXCELLED AT IN SCHOOL. It became a doorway to her life purpose. As a child, Monique asked for science kits at Christmas, eagerly competed in science fairs and soaked up lessons from her father, a science teacher who also served as her live-in tutor and motivator.

“My passion for science may have been in my DNA,” she says. “But having someone who reminded me to push through challenges made all the difference.”

That foundation in curiosity and confidence also exposed Monique to the inequities that would later shape her life’s mission. “Growing up on the South

Side of Chicago, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of healthcare disparities in my community,” she recalls. “I knew I wanted to be on the frontlines of change—developing medical innovations that not only treat disease but also address the inequities that fuel it. That mission continues to drive me every day.

Today, Monique leads a global organization focused on improving health outcomes and expanding access to care. “Looking back, what’s surprised me most is how far-reaching this work has become,” she reflects. “What began as a personal passion for science and equity has evolved into a global mission that impacts people living with disease around the world.”

Building the Sanofi Community Alliance Network

Among her proudest contributions is the Sanofi Community Alliance Network, a coalition that brings together clinical research sites, community organizations, key opinion leaders, and trusted local voices to raise awareness about clinical trials, promote disease screenings, and strengthen health education through grassroots engagement. “It started here in the U.S., but we’ve expanded into Latin America, Europe, Australia, and Africa,” she explains. “It’s meaningful because it not only improves representation in clinical research but also empowers people to take ownership of their health.”

Her mission is clear: to embed equity into the DNA of clinical research. By ensuring that diverse populations are represented in trials, Monique believes the science becomes stronger—and the care, more effective for everyone.

“WHAT BEGAN AS A PERSONAL PASSION FOR SCIENCE AND EQUITY HAS EVOLVED INTO A GLOBAL MISSION THAT IMPACTS PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISEASE AROUND THE WORLD.”

“We are building a future where healthcare solutions are more effective and accessible for all,” Monique says.

Leading with Empathy and Evidence

Leadership, for Monique, has always been about more than professional milestones. It’s meant learning how to advocate for inclusive research in environments where it wasn’t yet a priority—a process that demanded both diplomacy and persistence. “At times, I had to balance urgency with partnership,” she says. “Shifting mindsets takes time, but it starts with showing people why inclusion is essential, not optional.”

She draws strength from her faith, her family, and the generations of women who came before her. “Their resilience reminds me that I stand on strong shoulders,” she says. “And it reminds me of my responsibility to lift others as I climb.”

The Power of OneWe Reach

Community has also been a powerful force in Monique’s growth.

“OneWe Reach has been a sanctuary and a catalyst,” she shares. “It’s where I’ve found sisterhood, mentorship, and a shared vision for transforming the life sciences industry.”

As part of OneWe Reach’s inaugural Executive Leadership Academy, Monique developed her Signature Talk. She describes the experience as transformative and credits it for helping her step into her full voice as a global leader. “Through that process, I discovered the true power of storytelling—not just as a communication tool, but as a mirror for self-discovery. It pushed me to reflect deeply on who I am, what drives me, and what I stand for. I gained clarity on my purpose, identified my superpower, and defined my non-negotiables. Today, I can confidently and authentically articulate my story and, more importantly, I lead with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the unique value I bring to every space I enter.”

Shaping the Future of Inclusive Innovation

Looking ahead, Monique envisions a generation of leaders who will redefine innovation by centering equity, embracing digital transformation, and forging cross-sector collaborations. “Personalized and localized care models are the future,” she says. “We need leaders who can bridge science, technology, and community engagement to drive sustainable impact.”

As she reflects on her journey, Monique hopes her legacy will be one of impact and inclusion. “I want to be remembered as someone who opened doors, challenged the status quo, and helped bridge the gap between cutting-edge medical research and the diverse communities we serve.”

LIFTING Beyond Limits

Cynthia Burks might have been a happy accident, but she fell in love with the industry after seeing the impact it had on people’s lives.

You had a long career in Human Resources for a major pharmaceutical brand before leaving to do executive coaching. What has surprised you most about your journey?

“When I was just starting my career, I believed a career journey would be more similar to a straight line. I am so glad it wasn’t! Instead, I had lots of zig, zags, frog jumps, backtracks and running in place. Even if I didn’t realize it in the moment, this led to an interesting and fulfilling career.

This is something I emphasize in my coaching practice. Even if you directionally know where you want to go, resist the urge to know the exact path and don’t assume it is a straight line.”

Where do you draw your inspiration today?

“I still draw inspiration from my parents. They kept going even in the face of challenges. I’m also inspired by people in my coaching practice. There is so much dedication to being better versions of themselves, even when hard. Fi-

nally, I used to be a competitive weightlifter. When I face challenges now, I think back to those competitions. If I could lift that weight off the ground, surely I can handle what’s in front of me today!”

What’s a OneWe Reach moment or program that made a lasting impact on you?

“During the pandemic I delivered a keynote speech during the annual conference. Even though it was virtual I could feel the energy and support. This prompted me to dig deeper and push myself to lean into growth that comes from discomfort, because I knew there was a community that would support me.”

What do you hope your leadership legacy will reflect?

“I am hoping my life’s work reflects my belief in people, and commitment to helping them leverage their talents to realize their potential. I’m all about making this world a better place.”

EXPANDING

Scientific Research

From a PhD in molecular biology to co-founding Advancing Inclusive Research®, Nicole Richie, PhD, pairs science with

a vision for the future.

FROM LONG SOLITARY DAYS IN THE LAB AS A CANCER BIOLOGIST, TO WORKING IN CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT BRINGING LIFESAVING AND LIFE-SUSTAINING MEDICINES TO PATIENTS, DR. NICOLE RICHIE’S TRAJECTORY HAS BEEN ANYTHING BUT LINEAR. She’s taken risks, written her own job descriptions and built a function from scratch, essentially charting a path in areas where no playbook existed.

“My journey reflects the Japanese concept of ikigai, where passion, talent, and purpose meet,” Richie shares. “For me, that’s scientific innovation, health equity, and the opportunity to lead and grow in service of all patients. What’s surprised me most is how powerful disruption can be when guided by vision and purpose.”

Reshaping

Clinical Research

One of Richie’s proudest milestones has been co-founding Advancing Inclusive Research ® alongside Quita Highsmith to address gaps in participant representation. This initiative has since evolved into a global Roche function with a mission to improve clinical research, so that it reflects and serves all patients.

“By embedding population science and equity into clinical development, we’re helping to ensure that therapeutic decisions are based on data that truly reflects those affected by the disease,” Richie says. “Inclusive research is good business, and it’s foundational to better health outcomes for all.”

Leading With Resilience and Disruption

During the creation of the AIR initiative, Richie faced uncharted territory but chose to be brave and take a risk. Though difficult to get leaders to buy-in, she stayed grounded, reminding herself the risk was worth the benefit.

“I used to struggle with how my disruption was perceived,” Richie recalls. “If I’m not pushing people to the edge of their comfort zones, I’m not doing my job. I now treat disruption as a success metric, not something to avoid or fear.”

Finding Inspiration In The Overlooked

While drawing strength from her children, family and community, Richie continues to be guided by her unwavering commitment to patients often overlooked and excluded from clinical trials and care.

“I anchor myself in knowing that when the right thing to do is crystal clear, it’s worth doing, even and especially when it’s hard,” Richie says.

Richie credits her service on the OneWe Reach advisory board with helping influence how she leads teams. She specifically points to one of the organization’s sessions on sponsorship versus mentorship for forever shifting her leadership perspective.

“WHAT’S SURPRISED ME MOST IS HOW POWERFUL AND NECESSARY DISRUPTION CAN BE WHEN GUIDED BY VISION AND PURPOSE.”

“It reframed how I think about power and how I use mine,” Richie says. “It reminded me that words are nothing without action. Advocating when others aren’t in the room, making space for voices that are too often overlooked, and being willing to risk your own comfort for someone else’s advancement are core to that.”

In every step of her journey, Nicole Richie has shown that leadership is about the unwavering belief that science can serve everyone.

INNOVATING

INNOVATING

a Future Where Everyone Counts

Quita Highsmith is reshaping the future of clinical trials, ensuring equity is at the heart of innovation and impact is measured on a global scale.

QU ITA HIGHSMITH HAS A FRONT ROW SEAT TO INNOVATION IN ACTION. IN HER ROLE AS VICE PRESIDENT OF A LEADING PHARMACEUTICAL FIRM, SHE HAS WITNESSED GROUNDBREAKING ADVANCEMENTS IN TRANSFORMATIVE TREATMENTS THAT HAVE RESHAPED PATIENT CARE, INCLUDING THE FIRST APPROVED TREATMENT FOR PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. No w she’s driving a global push to make clinical trials more inclusive. That mission took root early in her career, when she was a pharmaceutical sales representative calling on physicians, nurses, and others whose lives could potentially change because of the medicines she helped bring to market.

Highsmith recognized early on that the relationships she built were more than sales strategy. They would become the foundation of her leadership philosophy, guiding her through a career that has spanned multiple sectors and geographies. Over the years, Highsmith’s work has taken her into marketing, advocacy, and strategic leadership, giving her a panoramic view of how the life sciences industry works.

From Sales to Strategy

As a military spouse, Highsmith learned to navigate a career that had to move with her family. While peers climbed the corporate ladder, she stayed in sales, building expertise on the ground. When her husband retired from the Marine Corps, she seized the opportunity to step into leadership, first as a division manager, then a regional director. In one of her boldest moves, opted to take a step back to become a marketing manager.

“I knew if I wanted to achieve a bigger role in commercial operations that I would need marketing experience,” Highsmith explained.

The shift meant managing only herself instead of more than 100 people, but it was a calculated decision to gain the skills she needed for the future.

Advancing Inclusive Research

Her defining professional moment came in 2017, while leading Genentech’s Alliance and Advocacy Relations team. While planning a patient summit, she and her team looked for patients of color who had participated in clinical trials. They couldn’t find a single one. “That’s when I started asking why,” she recalls. She learned that less than 10 percent of U.S. patients participate in clinical trials, and only a fraction are non-white. That gap meant research data often failed to reflect real world patient demographics and treatments could miss the mark for entire populations.

Highsmith didn’t just note the problem, she took action. Alongside her colleague Dr. Nicole Richie, she co-founded Advancing Inclusive Research ® (AIR), Genentech’s cross-functional initiative to increase representation of underrepresented populations in clinical trials.

Through AIR, Highsmith has led efforts to make representation diversity a priority in every stage of research. This includes rethinking site selection to ensure trials are accessible to underrepresented patients communities of color, building partnerships with trusted community leaders,

and using culturally relevant outreach to engage patients who may be wary of the medical system. The initiative has grown into a global strategy influencing trial design, recruitment, and analysis—work that has the potential to reshape healthcare outcomes for generations and made Highsmith the industry’s go-to expert.

Leading with People

Her reach doesn’t stop there. She has deepened Genentech’s partnerships with organizations like the American Cancer Society that, with industry support, reach even more patients through screenings and diagnoses that might otherwise have been

“INNOVATION

She remembers attending her first OneWe Reach conference and feeling the rare combination of belonging and empowerment. “I didn’t know how much we needed a OneWe Reach community until it existed,” she says. “Now that we have it, it’s impossible to imagine the industry without it.”

She applauds the OneWe Reach founders, including Dr. Charlotte Jones-Burton, for building a network that celebrates achievement, fosters mentorship, and accelerates progress for women of color in life sciences.

WITHOUT EQUITY IS INCOMPLETE.”

missed. She also helped launch the Health Equity (HE) Regional Symposia program, bringing local stakeholders together to address healthcare disparities, and partnered with the American Diabetes Association to improve vision care for patients at risk of diabetic retinopathy.

Highsmith leads with clarity: know your purpose, stay grounded, and protect what matters most. “The job won’t hug you at night. That’s something I always say and I mean it. Your work matters, but your people matter more.” Her family is her anchor, and her leadership style is rooted in authenticity, gratitude, and service.

She credits her mother’s words with shaping her sense of responsibility, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

She also continues to find inspiration in the reminder from her childhood hero, Mae Jemison: “The future never just happened— it was created.”

Those words fuel her drive to leave the industry better than she found it.

Why OneWe Reach Matters

Highsmith sees OneWe Reach as proof of what’s possible when women create their own table instead of waiting for an invitation.

Highsmith is watching the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare with equal parts excitement and caution. She sees AI as a tool that could transform diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient engagement—but only if it’s built on inclusive data. “Innovation without equity is incomplete,” she says. “If AI learns from biased or incomplete information, it can widen disparities instead of closing them. We have to get this right.”

She also believes the industry must double down on building trust in underserved communities. That means showing up consistently, listening to concerns, and delivering on promises. For her, equity is not a side project, it’s key to innovation.

Legacy: Changemaker

Her advice to rising leaders is straightforward: do work that matters, focus on results, and resist the urge to compare yourself to others. “Own your career by networking both in and outside of your company, and most importantly raise your hand for other assignments—getting visibility, being brave and taking risks will get you noticed.”

Highsmith wants her legacy to be defined by one word: Changemaker. “I want to be remembered as someone who stood up, spoke out, and helped push this industry toward a better, more inclusive future,” she says.

LEADING

With Data and Heart

From intern to executive leader, Angelique Hopkins, PhD, built her career on courage, curiosity, and an unshakable belief in people’s potential.

FOR DR. ANGELIQUE HOPKINS, SCIENCE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT USING DATA TO HELP PEOPLE. Her journey began with a love of biology and public health, but what truly drew her in was the opportunity to affect change. “I was drawn to healthcare because it aligned with my core belief that science and data, when paired with strategy, can improve lives,” she says.

From an internship at Bristol Myers Squibb to executive leadership, Hopkins’ rise in the life sciences industry has been anything but predictable. “Each step required reinvention,” she reflects. “What I thought would be a straight scientific career evolved into one where leadership, resilience, and the ability to align people around data-driven decisions became just as important as technical expertise.”

Anchored in Purpose

Now, Hopkins helps shape the future of healthcare by ensuring that innovation reflects the needs of real people. “It’s a challenge and a privilege to work in a space where innovation, access, patient demand, and the evolving state of healthcare all converge,” she explains. For her, the work isn’t just about numbers, it’s about the lives those numbers represent.

She’s also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of thinkers and leaders. “Helping others see a path for themselves has as much impact as any business outcome,” she says. “It’s not just about what we accomplish, it’s about who we bring along.”

Leading Through Change

Hopkins admits that guiding others through uncertainty has been one of her greatest professional tests. “Leading through change is always a challenge,” she says. “Whether it’s restructuring teams or shifting enterprise strategy, the uncertainty can be difficult to navigate. I lean on transparency, over-communication, and anchoring people in purpose. Even when outcomes aren’t ideal for everyone, people respect honesty and clarity.”

Grounded in Goodness

When challenges arise, Hopkins leans on her guiding principle: doing good and doing well. “I believe in the goodness of people,” she says. “With the right information and courage, we can make better decisions.” Her children remind her why the future of healthcare matters, and her faith in humanity keeps her steady even when the path isn’t clear.

The Power of Connection

For Hopkins, being part of OneWe Reach has been a grounding force. “It’s been a safe space where I don’t have to explain the ‘why’ of belonging,” she says. Through the community’s think tanks and advisory circles, she’s found sisterhood, mentorship, and accountability. “Those candid conversations with women who share lived experiences have been invaluable.”

At her center, Dr. Angelique Hopkins leads with purpose. “I hope my legacy reflects my eternal optimism and my core belief in the goodness of people,” she says. “I hope it shows how I used data and influence to expand access, elevate equity, and open doors for the next generation of leaders.”

“I STAY GROUNDED BY REMEMBERING MY ‘NORTH STAR’: DOING GOOD AND DOING WELL.”

PLANTING Seeds, Growing Leaders

From defining her own path to leading as a senior executive of strategy and operations, LaToya Coffey, PhD, turns possibility into impact.

WHEN DR. LATOYA COFFEY FINISHED HER PHD IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, SHE DIDN’T HAVE THE NEXT STEP MAPPED OUT. “Most PhDs finish with a post-doctoral fellowship or industry role,” she recalls. “Bench chemistry had lost its appeal during graduate school and I trusted my instinct.”

During long days in the lab, she discovered she loved the science but craved connection. “I refused to be put in a box,” Coffey says. “I needed to explore my options.” Although she considered leaving early with her Master’s degree, a mentor urged her to stay—a conversation that helped define her trajectory.

“I REFUSED TO BE PUT IN A BOX.”

That clarity led her to pivot from experimental research to pharmaceutical sales. “What I learned from how I entered the pharma industry has served me well. Brainstorm possibilities, tap into your network, and tell your story.”

Since boldly entering the industry, Dr. Coffey has continued to chart her own path. From sales specialist to Senior Executive of strategy and operations, she’s led global teams with empathy, amplified diverse voices, elevated others, and followed her inner compass. “I feel grateful for all I’ve accomplished and know there’s more to come.”

Community Through OneWe Reach

OneWe Reach has been a well of inspiration and support in Coffey’s journey. “OneWe Reach helped me recognize my power and impact regardless of

the seat in which I sit,” Coffey shares. Through its Global Impact program, she joined a cohort focused on bridging executive representation gaps—an experience that expanded her worldview. The program eventually led her to Nairobi, Kenya, where she led a conversation on Partnerships to Advance Health Equity on a global stage. “Never would I have had that opportunity if it wasn’t for OneWe Reach,” she says.

Guided by Mentors, Grounded by Faith and Family

Coffey credits her mother, a longtime school principal and matriarch of their family, for modeling the power of education and service. “My mother taught me to value young people and their development. In many ways, I’m continuing her work, just within my own industry.”

Mentorship has shaped how Coffey leads and how she lifts others. “What started as an idea planted during an informal touch base grew into a new role, a project to lead, an initiative to bring forward,” she reflects. That pattern has become a hallmark of her leadership. She also draws strength from a spiritual foundation her father nurtured from childhood. “Spirituality and an overall knowingness of well-being are my sources of strength,” she says. “Staying focused on the end goal—to improve health outcomes for all patients—keeps me grounded.”

For Coffey, legacy is about cultivating others, just as her mother did. “I’ve focused my time planting seeds in others and helping them take root,” she says. “I see my legacy in the next generation who will become impactful leaders in this industry and beyond.”

SHAPING Biopharma With the Ripple Effect

In her own experience and path, Charlotte Jones-Burton, MD, MS, models how sponsorship can change the future.

DR. C HARLOTTE JONES-BURTON’S LEADERSHIP IS DEFINED BY COURAGE, CLARITY, AND AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING INNOVATION

WHILE UPLIFTING OTHERS. As a physician, strategist, and Founder and President of OneWe Reach (formerly WOCIP), she has shaped the biopharma landscape through her ability to drive scientific progress and build a global community of empowered leaders.

A Global Connector

Charlotte’s impact extends beyond scientific leadership. One of the most pivotal moments came in 2017, when Wande Osuntokun, Global Operations Head in Infectious Diseases, reached out to explore expanding the mission of OneWe Reach beyond the United States.

“We had a very insightful discussion around women of color in pharma and our experiences on both sides of the ocean,” Wande recalls. After several conversations—and attending her first conference the following year—the vision expanded. Chapters soon emerged across the U.K., Canada, Europe, and Africa.

This outreach marked the beginning of OneWe Reach’s global growth, rooted in belonging, representation, and collective progress.

Leading with Heart Colleagues describe Charlotte’s leadership as visionary yet deeply personal. They speak often about her emotional intelligence, her presence, and her ability to create space for others.

Dr. Ike Ogbaa, Vice President of Global Medical Affairs, reflects on how Charlotte transformed his leadership:

“Because of Charlotte, I now prioritize emotional intelligence and foster inclusion in every discussion.”

For Maimah Karmo, Charlotte’s impact created space for authenticity:

“Charlotte helped me believe in myself as a leader and to know that my heart-based approach to leadership is needed and valued.”

Wanda Osuntokun receiving WOCIP Global Icon Award in 2023 with Dr. Charlotte Jones-Burton

Driving Change Across the Industry

Charlotte is known for shaping policy, culture, and strategic innovation. Charles Imara, Senior Policy and Access Leader, reflects:

“She took what began as a small internal group and grew it into a powerhouse global community—one that now reaches beyond the borders of the U.S. and even beyond pharma.”

A Managing Partner at a global venture firm recalls watching her moderate a high-profile symposium:

“She has super strong interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and the ability to manage circumstances on the fly.”

Her advocacy for broader representation in clinical research contributed to structural change. Leaders across the industry credit her influence with strengthening efforts to improve diversity in clinical trials.

Voices From Across the Industry

The depth of Charlotte’s influence is best captured through the voices of those she has mentored, sponsored, and inspired:

“She builds bridges, not walls.”—Kalahn Taylor-Clark, Senior Leader in Social Impact

“Meeting Charlotte was like witnessing the beginning of a movement—one that would shape the biopharma industry for the better and help improve the lives of patients worldwide.”—Jayson Johnson, Industry Strategist

“She is highly knowledgeable, pragmatic, kind, and supportive. Despite her senior leadership position, she meets everyone at the point of their need in a truly authentic way.” —Dr. Fafa Addo Boateng, Senior Medical Affairs Leader

“Charlotte showed me what it means to truly value diverse viewpoints and welcome input from people with different backgrounds and experiences.”

—Michele Lentz, Global Insights Leader

“One of the most meaningful aspects of her legacy is the space she created for professionals to be coached, mentored, heard, and seen.”—Dr. Bill Carson, Former Biopharma CEO

“She embodies the principles of servant leadership… She leads in practice. She leads in principle. She leads by example.”—Dr. Anne Beal, Healthcare Executive

“I have always believed in paying it forward, but she showed me what it means to be a true sponsor—uplifting others and investing in relationships that grow.” —

Dr. Eileen Koske, Senior Commercial Operations Leader

“Charlotte’s bias for action and unyielding leadership inspire me to continue to build and dream bigger.”

—Ibraheem Alinur, Global Innovation Leader

“This ability to connect authentically—whether with one person or an entire community—exemplifies her global leadership.”—Dr. Huwaida Bulhan, Global Medical Leader

“WITHOUT HER PRESENCE, THERE WOULD BE A REAL VOID IN THE DIALOGUE. WITH HER PRESENCE, THE INDUSTRY IS BETTER, STRONGER, AND MORE ACCOUNTABLE.”

— ANDREA WALTON

“CHARLOTTE HAS HELPED ME BELIEVE IN MYSELF AS A LEADER AND TO KNOW THAT MY HEARTBASED APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP IS NEEDED AND VALUED.”

— MAIMAH KARMO

SHAPING LEADERS AND INDUSTRIES THROUGH SPONSORSHIP

In 2015, when Dr. Fouad Namouni stepped into his new role as head of medical affairs at Bristol Myers Squibb, one of his first priorities was to meet the company’s rising stars. Among them was Dr. Charlotte Jones-Burton, a highly trained nephrologist with a passion for innovation and impact.

“I would go and look at the talent, talk to people, see who the key players were,” Fouad recalls. “Are we taking care of them? Are they happy? Are we supporting their personal development?”

That focus on nurturing talent led him to have a conversation with Charlotte that would prove transformative, not only for her career, but for countless others who would later be touched by her leadership.

A Pivotal Conversation

Charlotte had come to discuss applying for a leadership position directing the company’s affinity group for Black employees. Fouad remembers being taken aback by the request.

“I was a little surprised,” he says. “Here’s someone who’s an exceptionally well-trained physician with all the skills to become a great developer of drugs and medicines.” He told her plainly that he saw something bigger in her future: “You can become one of the most senior drug developers in the industry. People need to see your special story.”

Charlotte was moved to tears. That conversation, Fouad says, “unleashed the power of, ‘I can do this.’” From there, Charlotte shifted her trajectory, moving into clinical development and rising through the ranks. She eventually became chief medical officer (interim) at a biotech company—one that successfully developed innovative treatments for kidney disease before being acquired by Novartis. During this time, she also co-founded Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP), which has since flourished.

Power and Responsibility

For Fouad, now president of Research & Development at Blueprint Medicines, sponsorship goes beyond mentorship. It’s not just about offering advice; it’s about standing up and showing up for someone.

“As soon as you believe in someone and their aptitude, you help them advance their vision,” he explains. “Sponsorship means being willing to stand behind someone, defending them if they’re misunderstood, connecting them with the right people, and investing time in their growth.”

That investment, he believes, is particularly crucial for underrepresented leaders.

“The world really is not fair, as we all know,” Fouad says. “People with the same aptitude don’t always get the same opportunities because of who they are.” He says sometimes underrepresented groups simply need an advocate to help navigate into key leadership positions.

A Ripple Effect of Leadership

Fouad’s sponsorship of Charlotte has not only changed her trajectory but it has also created a ripple effect.

Charlotte now mentors and sponsors leaders of her own, extending the reach of Fouad’s influence across generations.

But for Fouad, his vision goes beyond individual careers. He wants to help reshape the face of leadership in biopharma.

“Advancing diversity isn’t about creating head-of-diversity jobs,” he says. “It’s about helping people at the beginning of their careers become future leaders of biopharma.”

It’s a mission that requires boldness from sponsors and from those they support. Fouad often encourages the people he mentors to step outside their comfort zones “to really move mountains and shake things up.”

Changing the Face of Biopharma

For Fouad, true leadership is measured not by titles or accolades but by the doors you open for others, and the leaders who emerge as a result.

“If we can change how executive teams, boardrooms, and senior levels look,” he says, “that’s a major focus for me.”

Through his unwavering sponsorship, Fouad helped unlock Charlotte’s potential, and together, they’re redefining what leadership in biopharma looks like.

A Lasting Legacy

Charlotte’s recognitions—including PharmaVoice’s Top 100 Inspiring People, the Global Icon Award, the Fierce Pharma Most Influential People in Biopharma honor, and BLOC’s Luminary 100 List—reflect the breadth of her impact.

But her legacy is defined not by accolades, but by the movement she continues to build: a global network of leaders using their voices, advancing progress, and shaping the future of healthcare together.

“She encourages us all to use our unique gifts to help

change our industry,” says Andrea Walton, Chief People & Culture Officer. “I now understand my power, and I know I have a sisterhood behind me when I feel isolated. Having this support is priceless.”

Charlotte’s ripple effect can be felt across continents, across companies, and across generations. Her influence is rooted in the belief that leadership is both a responsibility and an act of service—one that begins with courage and expands outward, transforming others along the way.

Global Conversations & Connections

OneWe Reach Executive Director LaCresha L. Lightfoot shares why this annual international event is having an impact by uniting leaders in the life sciences and forging deep connections for the future.

As Executive Director of OneWe Reach, I’ve had the privilege of attending all three of our sold-out Global Conversations & Connections (GCC) gatherings in Nairobi, London, and Paris. Each city affirmed the same truth: when leaders come together across borders, transformation follows. In 2026, GCC continues that momentum with our convening in Accra,

Ghana on April 16–17, inviting leaders to learn, connect, and widen their global perspective.

GCC is designed for those who want to deepen business insights, sharpen communication, and strengthen their voice in an increasingly interconnected industry.

Our program addresses the most urgent themes shaping healthcare and life sciences today—from digital health and AI to

clinical trial diversity, rare disease innovation, leadership strategy, and the well-being required to sustain impact.

Ahead of GCC, leaders will also have access to optional Industry Impact Tours that may include visits to places such as clinical trial sites, hospitals, or partner organizations, offering an informed view of healthcare systems in context. Fees apply for all optional experiences.

Following GCC, attendees can participate in the BeWell experience and an immersive Accra city tour, including visits to historic castles and dungeons that honor truth, resilience, and heritage.

Join us. The conversations we begin together can shape a more equitable world. Visit onewereach.org for details.

Executive Director LaCresha L. Lightfoot standing in Accra, Ghana, at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

The OneWe Reach Foundation supports vulnerable communities through programs and partnerships that advance education for students in collaboration with advisors and partners, enhance social support through advocacy and improved access to opportunities, and foster both mental and physical health and well-being.

Learn more about the OneWe Reach Foundation and donate today!