BLACK PHARMA @ 5
VOTING OPEN
Time To Recognize And Honor Excellence In Black Pharma.
Gala & Awards Nights '25
Meet The Nominees And Honor Your Hero
Nike Olunyolo, Director, EH&S, Corporate Engineering & Facilities, is the Community Outreach Lead for GLOBE, Gilead Sciences Leadership Organisation of Black Employees. Nike has been a champion for mentorship and professional development for Black professionals from all industries through her decade-long partnership with Career Nuggets.
After graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry Tej went on to enter the world of recruitment. After 5 years of working for specialist recruitment agencies Tej went on to work for Syneos and Premier Research where he created their talent acquisition function for Europe. After 5 years in the CRO industry Tej went on to work at GSK, Merck and AbbVie in Talent Acquisition leadership roles before joining Jazz Pharma in 2022 as their head of R&D Talent Acquisition.
.png)
Onyekachukwu’s work blends grassroots impact, public health leadership, and cross-cultural advocacy. On World Health Day in 2024, she oversaw the free medical outreaches that was organized in Abuja’s IDP Camp and Lagos, serving over 250 displaced women and children in the IDP camp and 200 beneficiaries in Lagos with medical assessments, essential medications, counseling, and education on mental and environmental health.
.png)
Omar Ahmed is a visionary leader whose lived experience drives a relentless commitment to equity, opportunity, and inclusion. Motivated by the belief that no community should be left behind, he has dedicated his career to dismantling barriers and creating pathways for underrepresented talent to thrive in pharma and beyond.
At GSK, Omar founded EMBRACE, the company’s first global Employee Resource Group for racial and ethnic equity. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a movement spanning over 40 countries, fostering belonging and amplifying diverse voices. He supported the appointment of GSK’s first Black woman Non-Executive Director and helped shape senior leadership diversity targets in the US and UK.
Danielle Mitchell is a transformative leader whose work has created a lasting legacy in clinical research. As Founder and CEO of Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR), Danielle has built a global movement connecting over 25,000 members, offering mentorship, career development, and visibility for Black professionals historically excluded from the industry.
GLOBE - Gilead Leadership Organisation of Black Employees
GLOBE (Gilead Leadership Organization of Black Employees) is a dynamic ERG advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging for Black and Brown employees. Guided by four strategic pillars—partnerships, professional development, cultural awareness, and community engagement—GLOBE fosters a psychologically safe, empowering environment for members and the wider community.
Black Leadership Council (BLC) at Takeda UK & Ireland (UKIE
The Black Leadership Council (BLC) at Takeda UK & Ireland (UKIE) exemplifies innovation, dedication, and transformative impact in fostering inclusion, equity, and professional development for Black professionals, students, allies, and the wider organization. Despite being a volunteer group of just 13 members, the BLC consistently drives initiatives that create tangible pathways for underrepresented talent to thrive.
BayAfro
BAYAFRO UK has transformed from a small Employee Resource Group into a powerful, influential community that champions equity, inclusion, and representation across Bayer UK & Ireland. Their bold initiatives and unwavering commitment have reshaped Bayer’s culture, ensuring Black professionals are seen, supported, and celebrated.
Over the past five years, embRACE ERG has driven transformative change across the pharmaceutical industry by championing racial equity, empowering Black professionals, and fostering inclusive innovation. Through bold initiatives, strategic partnerships, and culturally responsive leadership, embRACE has become a blueprint for how ERGs can catalyse lasting impact. The Health Equity Hackathon, co-delivered with MSD UK’s LEAD EBRG, stands as a flagship example of embRACE’s mission in action.
Since joining Gilead in 2022 after two years at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Alyscia Curtis has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to equity and representation in pharma. As Holborn Lead and ACE Co-Lead for GLOBE, Gilead's ERG for Black and Brown employees, she revitalized the ERG’s strategy, championed member wellbeing, and led impactful recruitment and development initiatives.
Rachel Ziregbe is the embodiment of a Rising Star, an early-career professional whose leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to equity have already left a lasting mark on the pharmaceutical industry. As a Senior Device Compliance Engineer at Pfizer, her work reflects both exceptional promise and a deep sense of purpose. Rachel goes above and beyond to ensure inclusivity is not just a value but an actionable priority, leading with integrity even in the face of personal challenges.
During my internship at Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Sterile Manufacturing Site, I rotated across QA, Regulatory Affairs, QC Chemistry, and Microbiology, gaining hands-on experience in GMP operations. I contributed to audits, supported deviation management, and upheld compliance on the sterile shop floor. In client-facing engagements, I strengthened professional dialogue and global collaboration skills—bringing both representation and curiosity into technical spaces.
Lara deserves the Rising Star Award because she is mission-driven, grassroots-led, and unwavering in her commitment to equity and representation in pharma. Her journey began during lockdown with a reflective LinkedIn post on her thesis while interning at Pfizer—a moment she calls the “battery pack in her back,” confirming that her voice mattered.
Since beginning my career at Eli Lilly five years ago, I have engaged in over 80 mentorship conversations, offering practical guidance and encouragement to aspiring professionals. My support has directly helped individuals secure roles at companies like PPD and Medidata, including Denzel Igbinedion, Rosie Renwick, and James Abiwon, whom I continue to mentor as they grow in their careers.
Xoli Belgrave
Xoli Belgrave is a transformative leader redefining what inclusion means in clinical research. Rather than limiting diversity to race or ethnicity, she broadens the lens to include people with disabilities, neurocognitive challenges, older adults, rural populations, and those with limited technology access. Her mission is clear: ensure that medically underserved groups worldwide are no longer overlooked, advancing structural equity rather than tokenism.
LaToya Hinton-Howery is a true architect of health equity in clinical research. As Site Owner of Next Innovative Clinical Research in Chicago and Texas, she has built fully functioning sites that serve historically underrepresented communities, ensuring representation, accessibility, and cultural understanding are central to every protocol and patient interaction.
Dr. Lovie Negrin is actively dismantling the barriers that have created health disparities. Through her site, Randomize Now, she has established a community-anchored research model that prioritizes access, education, and cultural sensitivity. By bringing research directly to people—on their terms and in their own spaces—she makes true equity attainable.
Lola Enape is a trailblazer in pharmaceuticals and life sciences, recognized for her unwavering commitment to regulatory excellence, innovation, and inclusion. With over 22 years of experience across pharmaceuticals, clinical research, and contract manufacturing, she has consistently championed equity and representation in the industry.
Sittana Abdelmagid is a tireless advocate for equity in clinical research and healthcare access. A highly experienced research nurse, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that underrepresented communities are not only included in medical research but meaningfully engaged throughout the process. With a deep understanding of the historical mistrust between these communities and the healthcare system, she has made it her mission to rebuild trust through transparency, outreach, and culturally sensitive engagement. Rooted in compassion, strategy, and justice, Sittana exemplifies true leadership in health equity.
Xoli Belgrave is a transformative leader redefining what inclusion means in clinical research. Rather than limiting diversity to race or ethnicity, she broadens the lens to include people with disabilities, neurocognitive challenges, older adults, rural populations, and those with limited technology access. Her mission is clear: ensure that medically underserved groups worldwide are no longer overlooked, advancing structural equity rather than tokenism.
Deborah Westfield is a visionary leader whose inclusive approach to recruitment and talent development has transformed access and opportunity across the pharmaceutical industry. As UK Inclusion Recruitment Manager at GSK, she has not only broken down systemic barriers but built bridges for underrepresented communities to thrive. Her leadership goes beyond compliance; it is rooted in equity, representation, and the power of diverse voices. She leads with authenticity, innovation, and collaboration, inspiring change within GSK and across the wider industry.
John’s career in pharmaceutical medicine spans nearly three decades, defined by pioneering leadership, transformative impact, and unwavering advocacy for equity. Beginning as a Research Physician in 1997, he rapidly advanced to Director at Yamanouchi Europe and, following its merger with Astellas, became Vice President of Medical Affairs and Health Economics. At Astellas, he led the development and execution of a pan-European launch strategy across therapeutic portfolios—an achievement that earned him Honorary Life Membership in 2009.
Ona Gardner, Senior Director of Healthcare Compliance Training and Communications at Gilead Sciences, exemplifies ethical leadership, inclusive innovation, and transformative mentorship in life sciences.
Her career—spanning Medical Information, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, and Compliance—has shaped her into a dynamic leader with both breadth and depth. As architect of Gilead’s Global Compliance Training Revamp, she redesigned a static program into an engaging, scenario-based model that is culturally responsive across global affiliatesBeau Burton is a transformative leader whose bold vision and inclusive approach have reshaped the landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the pharmaceutical industry. As a senior DEI leader, he champions the belief that healthcare must reflect and serve all communities. Rooted in empathy, strategy, and a commitment to systemic change, Beau not only advocates for inclusion but builds the frameworks, relationships, and conversations that make it real. His leadership has opened doors for underrepresented talent and inspired a more equitable future across the industry.
.png)
Xoli Belgrave
Xoli Belgrave is a transformative leader redefining what inclusion means in clinical research. Rather than limiting diversity to race or ethnicity, she broadens the lens to include people with disabilities, neurocognitive challenges, older adults, rural populations, and those with limited technology access. Her mission is clear: ensure that medically underserved groups worldwide are no longer overlooked, advancing structural equity rather than tokenism.
As Executive Director of Drug Development Services at Parexel, one of the world’s leading CROs, Xoli has embedded DEI into core clinical trial processes. She partners with global sponsors to rethink eligibility criteria, design inclusive recruitment strategies, and embed equity into protocols early—reducing bias and ensuring trials reflect real-world populations.
Her leadership extends to building site capacity. Xoli spearheads cultural sensitivity and readiness programs that train frontline staff to treat all patients with empathy and respect, enabling sites to effectively engage diverse communities across continents.
With global experience across CNS, oncology, HIV, and cardiology, and a background shaped by her heritage and education at King’s College London, Xoli bridges science with equity. A respected thought leader, she drives industry-wide change through panels, publications, and advocacy—proving that inclusion must be designed, measured, and sustained.
.png)
Latoya Hinton-Howery, MPH
LaToya Hinton-Howery is the CEO and Research Director of Next Innovative Clinical Research (Next ICR), an independent, multi-specialty research site headquartered in Chicago’s Bronzeville community. Under her leadership, Next ICR has become a trusted hub for bringing clinical trials directly to underserved neighborhoods, expanding access, building trust, and ensuring that diverse populations are represented in medical research. With expansion sites in Houston, Los Angeles, and St. Thomas, Next ICR partners with academic institutions, community health centers, and industry sponsors to advance innovation in clinical research while addressing systemic gaps in participation.
Recognizing that equitable access also requires education and workforce development, LaToya founded the Next ICR Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing health disparities through community education, training programs, and philanthropic partnerships. The Foundation provides workforce development initiatives, including a Clinical Research Coordinator training course, along with wraparound services such as childcare, transportation, and career counseling to remove barriers to entry into research careers. In addition, the Foundation hosts community-based health education events, such as the Sickle Cell Education Summit, that empower patients, caregivers, and practitioners with knowledge and resources.
Together, Next Innovative Clinical Research and the Next ICR Foundation reflect LaToya’s mission: to transform clinical research into a tool for health equity, community empowerment, and future workforce development.
.png)
Dr. Lovie Negrin APRN, FNP,AGACNP
Dr. Lovie Negrin is actively dismantling the barriers that have created health disparities. Through her site, Randomize Now, she has established a community-anchored research model that prioritizes access, education, and cultural sensitivity. By bringing research directly to people—on their terms and in their own spaces—she makes true equity attainable.
Dr. Negrin goes beyond advocacy, implementing measurable change in study design, patient engagement, and community service. She ensures equitable access is not just opening doors but removing the fear of walking through them. Her commitment is intentional, rooted in the communities she serves, and reflected in initiatives such as Black Men’s Wellness Day, Morehouse Community Engagement Day, and mobile pop-up screenings.
She works with sponsors and CROs to rethink recruitment strategies, advocating for engagement budgets that fund education and local partnerships rather than focusing solely on enrollment. She develops culturally responsive materials to demystify trials and rebuild trust, ensuring Black and Brown patients are meaningfully represented throughout the research lifecycle.
Dr. Lovie Negrin’s visionary, community-centered leadership makes her a transformative force in advancing health equity in clinical research.
.png)
Lola Enape
CEO/Founder is an experienced Quality Assurance and Compliance professional with over 23 years in pharmaceuticals, clinical research, and contract manufacturing working with corporate pharma companies such as GSK, Roche, IQVIA, Parexel. Proven track record in Quality Management System (QMS) maintenance and implementation, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development, compliance oversight, and supplier management. Expertise includes strategic CAPA improvement initiatives, Computer System Validation (CSV), and audit management and regulatory inspection readiness. Throughout my career, I’ve led transformations that turned challenges into opportunities from implementing robust Compliance and Quality management systems and guided companies to achieve regulatory requirements. Lola’s focus remains on empowering teams, delivering value to customers, and driving sustainable growth for all stakeholders. She is also passionate about HealthTech, Compliance, Innovation and digital adoption.
.png)
Sittana Abdelmagid
Sittana Abdelmagid is a tireless advocate for equity in clinical research and healthcare access. A highly experienced research nurse, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that underrepresented communities are not only included in medical research but meaningfully engaged throughout the process. With a deep understanding of the historical mistrust between these communities and the healthcare system, she has made it her mission to rebuild trust through transparency, outreach, and culturally sensitive engagement. Rooted in compassion, strategy, and justice, Sittana exemplifies true leadership in health equity.
.
Sittana Abdelmagid is not just improving clinical research—she is transforming it. Her vision and dedication are shaping a future where every community is seen, heard, and supported. She is profoundly deserving of the Health Equity Champion Award.
.png)
Dr. Lia Hunter
Dr. Lia Hunter Leads Clinical Project Management Operations at CYTE Global and is the Founder of CGX Training, a specialist provider of scenario-based training for clinical trial professionals. With over 25 years in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry, Lia has led global clinical programs across all phases and therapeutic areas, while championing innovation, operational excellence, and workforce development. Through her leadership at CYTE, she oversees strategic partnerships and complex trial delivery, and through CGX, she empowers professionals with practical, task-driven learning. Lia’s commitment to quality, mentorship, and inclusive leadership continues to shape the future of clinical research.
.png)
Dr. John Bolodeoku
John’s career in pharmaceutical medicine spans nearly three decades, defined by pioneering leadership, transformative impact, and unwavering advocacy for equity. Beginning as a Clinical Research Physician in 1997, he rapidly advanced to Director at Yamanouchi Europe and, following its merger with Fujisawa Europe to become Astellas Europe, he became Vice President of Medical Affairs and Health Economics. At Astellas, he led the development and execution of a pan-European launch strategy across therapeutic portfolios—an achievement that earned him an Honorary Life Membership Award in 2009.
John’s influence extends beyond corporate leadership. As founder of JB Consulting, winner of the 2020 GHP MedTech Award, and in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine, he was the first Chairman of the Committee of Associates, Affiliates and Members, and involved in contributing to the development of the curriculum of the Postgraduate Medical Specialist, He was awarded a Fellowship of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FFPM) for contribution and commitment to Pharmaceutical Medicine. He is a visiting Senior Lecturer at the Centre of Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, King’s College London, where he has shaped strategy, policy, and education. His mentorship of emerging Black leaders and sustained advocacy for inclusion have left an indelible mark on the industry.
.png)
Ona Gardner
Ona Gardner, Senior Director, Global Head of Healthcare compliance Training and Communications at Gilead sciences, exemplifies ethical leadership, inclusive innovation and transformative mentorship in life sciences.
She began her career as a clinical pharmacist before moving into the pharmaceutical industry over 20 years ago, in roles spanning Medical Information, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, Medical Affairs and Healthcare Compliance. This has shaped her into a dynamic leader with both breath and depth.
In her current role, she leads enterprise-wide strategies to drive ethical culture change and deliver impactful, high-quality compliance training programs that are engaging, accessible, and aligned to strategic business priorities.
Beyond her professional achievements Ona is a tireless advocate for representation particularly for young black men in leadership. She has mentored dozens of professionals offering both strategic guidance and personal advocacy to help them rise with confidence and clarity. Her influence extends far beyond compliance she shapes culture open stores and inspires the next generation of leaders Ona Gardner is not only a leader of today but a builder of tomorrow making her deeply deserving of the Excellence in Leadership Award.
.png)
Beau Burton
Beau Burton is currently Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, with a career spanning a range of HR disciplines and a variety of industries in Australia and the UK before finding a home in pharma 10 years ago. He is proud to have collaborated with Black Pharma since 2022, having been involved in expert panels and events, and providing guidance and insight to leaders. He is fiercely committed to harnessing the power of diverse teams and perspectives and creating the environment for all employees to thrive. In his current role, Beau works across all levels of the business, from executive leadership to individual contributors, to ensure that building a culture of inclusion and belonging is everyone's responsibility. Through a range of initiatives - education, policy and process, mentorship, storytelling and empowered employee networks - he has worked to ensure that representation, inclusion and diversity are valued as the foundation of a high performing organisation.
Xoli Belgrave
Xoli Belgrave is a transformative leader redefining what inclusion means in clinical research. Rather than limiting diversity to race or ethnicity, she broadens the lens to include people with disabilities, neurocognitive challenges, older adults, rural populations, and those with limited technology access. Her mission is clear: ensure that medically underserved groups worldwide are no longer overlooked, advancing structural equity rather than tokenism.
As Executive Director of Drug Development Services at Parexel, one of the world’s leading CROs, Xoli has embedded DEI into core clinical trial processes. She partners with global sponsors to rethink eligibility criteria, design inclusive recruitment strategies, and embed equity into protocols early—reducing bias and ensuring trials reflect real-world populations.
Her leadership extends to building site capacity. Xoli spearheads cultural sensitivity and readiness programs that train frontline staff to treat all patients with empathy and respect, enabling sites to effectively engage diverse communities across continents.
With global experience across CNS, oncology, HIV, and cardiology, and a background shaped by her heritage and education at King’s College London, Xoli bridges science with equity. A respected thought leader, she drives industry-wide change through panels, publications, and advocacy—proving that inclusion must be designed, measured, and sustained.
Latoya Hinton-Howery, MPH
LaToya Hinton-Howery is the CEO and Research Director of Next Innovative Clinical Research (Next ICR), an independent, multi-specialty research site headquartered in Chicago’s Bronzeville community. Under her leadership, Next ICR has become a trusted hub for bringing clinical trials directly to underserved neighborhoods, expanding access, building trust, and ensuring that diverse populations are represented in medical research. With expansion sites in Houston, Los Angeles, and St. Thomas, Next ICR partners with academic institutions, community health centers, and industry sponsors to advance innovation in clinical research while addressing systemic gaps in participation.
Recognizing that equitable access also requires education and workforce development, LaToya founded the Next ICR Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing health disparities through community education, training programs, and philanthropic partnerships. The Foundation provides workforce development initiatives, including a Clinical Research Coordinator training course, along with wraparound services such as childcare, transportation, and career counseling to remove barriers to entry into research careers. In addition, the Foundation hosts community-based health education events, such as the Sickle Cell Education Summit, that empower patients, caregivers, and practitioners with knowledge and resources.
Together, Next Innovative Clinical Research and the Next ICR Foundation reflect LaToya’s mission: to transform clinical research into a tool for health equity, community empowerment, and future workforce development.
Dr. Lovie Negrin APRN, FNP,AGACNP
Dr. Lovie Negrin is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Randomize Now Research Centers and a pioneering advocate for increasing medical research participation among underrepresented communities. Her unwavering commitment to research and patient advocacy is evident in her efforts to educate these communities and ensure access to groundbreaking therapies. Under her leadership, Randomize Now has expanded to five integrated research clinics within medical offices, features eight physicians serving as principal investigators across six therapeutic areas, and includes an independent practice in College Park, Georgia.
Dr. Lovie’s journey began in the biomedical laboratories at Valdosta State University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She received numerous recognitions for her bench research at VSU, where her surgical studies on hamsters helped shape early insights into medications for sleep cycles. In 2009, Dr. Lovie was awarded the Botanical Society Award for her contributions to the botany lab at VSU, where she studied the behaviors of various plant species. These experiences fueled her decision to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in nursing at Kennesaw State University, where she aimed to combine her passion for science with patient care, ultimately becoming an intensive care nurse at Grady Hospital. In 2012, she initiated her career in clinical research at Emory School of Medicine, where she led the emergency neurosciences lab to numerous nationwide patient enrollment successes during her nine-year tenure. In 2021, Dr. Lovie took a leap of faith and pursued entrepreneurship to make a greater impact in the research industry, launching Randomize Now’s corporate office within a private practice in Peachtree City, Georgia.
Holding dual master’s degrees as a Family and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of South Alabama, Dr. Lovie is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the American Nurses Association, an Executive Director for a local Miss America pageant organization, a co-founder of the site network, Noir Research Collective. She is 2025 graduate of both the Atlanta Business League’s Bridge and Next Level entrepreneurship programs, 2025 ABL Businesswoman to Watch honoree, and 2025 ABL Businesswoman of the Year. As a devoted wife, Christian, mother, and caregiver to her aging parents and late mother, she remains steadfast in her mission to enhance healthcare access for marginalized communities. This commitment solidifies her legacy as a transformative leader in clinical research and the visionary behind one of the most sustainable research networks in the industry.
Lola Enape
CEO/Founder is an experienced Quality Assurance and Compliance professional with over 23 years in pharmaceuticals, clinical research, and contract manufacturing working with corporate pharma companies such as GSK, Roche, IQVIA, Parexel. Proven track record in Quality Management System (QMS) maintenance and implementation, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development, compliance oversight, and supplier management. Expertise includes strategic CAPA improvement initiatives, Computer System Validation (CSV), and audit management and regulatory inspection readiness. Throughout my career, I’ve led transformations that turned challenges into opportunities from implementing robust Compliance and Quality management systems and guided companies to achieve regulatory requirements. Lola’s focus remains on empowering teams, delivering value to customers, and driving sustainable growth for all stakeholders. She is also passionate about HealthTech, Compliance, Innovation and digital adoption.
Sittana Abdelmagid
Sittana Abdelmagid is a tireless advocate for equity in clinical research and healthcare access. A highly experienced research nurse, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that underrepresented communities are not only included in medical research but meaningfully engaged throughout the process. With a deep understanding of the historical mistrust between these communities and the healthcare system, she has made it her mission to rebuild trust through transparency, outreach, and culturally sensitive engagement. Rooted in compassion, strategy, and justice, Sittana exemplifies true leadership in health equity.
.
Sittana Abdelmagid is not just improving clinical research—she is transforming it. Her vision and dedication are shaping a future where every community is seen, heard, and supported. She is profoundly deserving of the Health Equity Champion Award.
.png)
Alyscia Curtis
Alyscia Curtis, Associate Director, Business Analytics is the current ACE Co-Chair for GLOBE, Gilead Sciences Leadership Organisation of Black Employees. In her previous role dual role as UK&I GLOBE Lead and ACE Co-Chair, Alyscia reset the ERG’s direction with a renewed focus on member wellbeing, professional development and recruitment
.png)
Rachel Ziregbe
Rachel Ziregbe is a Rising Star in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, celebrated for her leadership, resilience, and commitment to equity. As a Senior Device Assurance Engineer at Convatec, her work reflects both exceptional promise and a deep sense of purpose. During her time at Pfizer, she led career workshops for aspiring pharma professionals and advanced STEM outreach in underrepresented communities. Rachel continues to champion inclusion and professional growth as a board member on the WISE Young Professionals Board (YPB).
.png)
Grace Ekanem
At 19, I am committed to reshaping how the pharmaceutical industry approaches patient access, quality, and inclusion. My journey reflects more than academic promise—it reflects action and impact in spaces where diverse voices are often absent.
During my internship at Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Sterile Manufacturing Site, I rotated across QA, Regulatory Affairs, QC Chemistry, and Microbiology, gaining hands-on experience in GMP operations. I contributed to audits, supported deviation management, and upheld compliance on the sterile shop floor. In client-facing engagements, I strengthened professional dialogue and global collaboration skills—bringing both representation and curiosity into technical spaces.
Beyond industry exposure, I serve as an Academic Representative, Student Ambassador, and Outreach Intern, mentoring underrepresented students and inspiring young Black girls to see STEM as a space they belong. Even while on placement, I remained active in student societies, stepping into leadership gaps with consistency and resilience.
My vision is clear: a future where science benefits everyone, grounded in equity, transparency, and patient input. This award would affirm that transformation can start early—and I am determined to lead that change.
.png)
Lara Akala
Lara deserves the Rising Star Award because she is mission-driven, grassroots-led, and unwavering in her commitment to equity and representation in pharma. Her journey began during lockdown while interning at Pfizer in her final year of university—contributing to unprecedented, lightning-speed work behind the scenes in clinical trial study start-up at a company that truly spearheaded efforts during a globally unprecedented time. She describes this period as the “battery pack in her back.”
Since then, Lara has consistently stepped into spaces of impact. She is a founding member of Young Women in Pharma (YWIP), helping to deliver its first in-person event. She also served as Community & Communications Lead at Wenite, where she doubled the membership of its WhatsApp community in less than 3 months, planned and executed its inaugural networking event for early-career professionals, and planned and recently hosted a sold-out webinar with over 100 sign-ups on Consulting in Life Sciences. At Black Pharma, she mentors emerging talent, offering consistent support and guidance even beyond the six-month programme.
Beyond pharma, Lara is deeply community-driven. She served as a Trustee at Open Palm, delivering career insight days and work experience weeks and supporting underserved schools with technology donations. She now continues her community work as a primary school governor, advocating for STEM visibility at the local level.
Professionally, Lara has progressed from an intern sheepishly volunteering to be a part of Pfizer’s Diversity Committee in 2020 to driving inclusion initiatives at Evaluate, her former employer. She now works as a Delivery Manager in Life Sciences at Faculty, one of Europe’s leading applied AI companies, founded in 2014.
Lara’s vision also extends globally, beginning with her home country, Nigeria, where she hopes to launch a fruitful health tech initiative in the near future.
Lara’s leadership, impact, and authenticity make her a true Rising Star.
Tyrrell Okolo
I have consistently used my platform and career to lift others, ensuring that young Black professionals not only break in but thrive in the pharmaceutical industry.
Since beginning my career at Eli Lilly five years ago, I have engaged in over 80 mentorship conversations, offering practical guidance and encouragement to aspiring professionals. My support has directly helped individuals secure roles at numerous companies within the industry.
Beyond direct mentorship, I actively prepare candidates for interviews, provide resources, and share strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in the pharmaceutical industry.
Professionally, I’ve advanced from a Drug Safety Associate to a Solution Consultant at a clinical trial software company, where I am involved in multi-million-pound deal cycles. Through every stage of my journey, I have remained committed to representation, visibility, and creating space for others to rise.
For me, leadership means breaking barriers and bringing others with me.
.png)
GLOBE, Gilead Sciences’ Leadership Organisation of Black Employees, champions equity, inclusion, and belonging through intentional, community-driven efforts. Over the past year, we’ve empowered Black and Brown employees via culturally rich programmes, strategic partnerships, and professional development. Our initiatives span multiple sites, foster cross-ERG collaboration, and strengthen external community ties through impactful charity partnerships
The Black Leadership Council (BLC) at Takeda UK & Ireland (UKIE) exemplifies innovation, dedication, and transformative impact in fostering inclusion, equity, and professional development for Black professionals, students, allies, and the wider organisation. Despite being a volunteer group of just 13 members, the BLC consistently drives initiatives that create tangible pathways for underrepresented talent to thrive.
.png)
BayAfro
BAYAFRO UK has transformed from a small Employee Resource Group into a powerful, influential community that champions equity, inclusion, and representation across Bayer UK & Ireland. Their bold initiatives and unwavering commitment have reshaped Bayer’s culture, ensuring Black professionals are seen, supported, and celebrated.
.png)
embRACE ERG
Over the past five years, embRACE ERG has been a part of driving transformative change in the pharmaceutical industry by championing racial equity, empowering Black professionals, and fostering inclusive innovation. Through bold initiatives, strategic partnerships, and culturally responsive leadership, embRACE has become a blueprint for how ERGs can catalyse lasting impact. From practical tool kits to utilising innovation to explore and address inequities, embRACE works to create an environment where people are empowered to be their authentic selves.
Nike Olunyolo, Director, EH&S, Corporate Engineering & Facilities, is the Community Outreach Lead for GLOBE, Gilead Sciences Leadership Organisation of Black Employees. Nike has been a champion for mentorship and professional development for Black professionals from all industries through her decade-long partnership with Career Nuggets.
After graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry Tej went on to enter the world of recruitment. After 5 years of working for specialist recruitment agencies Tej went on to work for Syneos and Premier Research where he created their talent acquisition function for Europe. After 5 years in the CRO industry Tej went on to work at GSK, Merck and AbbVie in Talent Acquisition leadership roles before joining Jazz Pharma in 2022 as their head of R&D Talent Acquisition.
Onyekachukwu’s work blends grassroots impact, public health leadership, and cross-cultural advocacy. On World Health Day in 2024, she oversaw the free medical outreaches that was organized in Abuja’s IDP Camp and Lagos, serving over 250 displaced women and children in the IDP camp and 200 beneficiaries in Lagos with medical assessments, essential medications, counseling, and education on mental and environmental health.
Omar Ahmed is a visionary leader whose lived experience drives a relentless commitment to equity, opportunity, and inclusion. Motivated by the belief that no community should be left behind, he has dedicated his career to dismantling barriers and creating pathways for underrepresented talent to thrive in pharma and beyond.
At GSK, Omar founded EMBRACE, the company’s first global Employee Resource Group for racial and ethnic equity.
.png)
Danielle Mitchell is a transformative leader whose work has created a lasting legacy in clinical research. As Founder and CEO of Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR), Danielle has built a global movement connecting over 25,000 members, offering mentorship, career development, and visibility for Black professionals historically excluded from the industry.
