Young Black Pharma

There was a master plan already in store for us from the beginning - we just had to make it through 🙏🏾 We are beyond grateful yet still in shock from the 600+ attendees that took part in the 2024 YBP Conference & Gala! From securing Kenneth C. Frazier and Ted W. Love, MD as headliner speakers to selling out our most well-attended conference thus far, we want to thank all of our supporters, sponsors, committee leaders, and members across our network who continue to drive us even further toward YBP’s mission. THE BEST IS YET TO COME! 🙌🏾

There are many things to be thankful for today! I am thankful to have attended the Young Black Pharma Conference and Gala in Washington, DC this month, where I gained an invaluable experience like no other. My reflections highlight the incredible impact this event had on me, both personally and Professionally. ✨️The recognition of the founders - Ijeoma Oyetunde, PharmD , Dawn Bey, PharmD, MBA , Marissa West, PharmD, RPh and Irene Okeke, PharmD, RPh - is especially important as they have created an amazing platform for connection and growth within the pharmaceutical industry. it's inspiring to hear how they organized an event that emphasizes excellence and cultivates meaningful connections. ✨️The opening speaker, Chair, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Dr. Ted Love's insight about living life in thirds is truly profound. His advice encourages a balanced approach to career and life, emphasizing personal growth, mastery of craft, and ultimately, the importance of giving back. It's reminder that success is not just about personal achievement but also about uplifting others. ✨️The keynote speaker was retired Chairman and CEO Merck, Kenneth C. Frazier and his words about self-worth and embracing failure resonate deeply, as they highlight resilience and the lessons that can only come through overcoming challenges. His approach to leadership and growth, rooted in authenticity and persistence, is a powerful takeaway for anyone striving to make a difference. ✨️Finally, the YBP community service event stands out as a beautiful reminder of the power of giving back and the importance of inspiring future generations, especially in fields like STEM. It's encouraging to see how YBP is committed to shaping the future while fostering personal and professional growth. ✨️I would like to thank and appreciate the many companies that sponsored YBP but especially a BIG Thank you to #TeamLilly for being a #DiamondSponsor for this event. #YoungBlackPharma #MindsetVsMentality #IndustryProfessionals #TeamLilly

This post is intended for a US audience. Earlier this month, AstraZeneca hosted a welcome event during the Young Black Pharma Conference & Gala in Washington, DC. Drawing 600+ attendees, the conference provided an opportunity to connect with many emerging leaders in the industry and offered a platform for professional development, fostering diversity and inclusion within the pharmaceutical sector. I had the opportunity to connect with emerging professionals and discuss their aspirations, development paths and the importance of mentors and sponsors along the way. I’m proud to be part of an organization supporting I&D initiatives that empower Black professionals with essential resources and networking opportunities, increase diverse representation, and improve the trajectory of Black professionals within the industry. Thank you to everyone at Young Black Pharma for hosting such an energizing and inspiring event. Your work demonstrates the power of diversity in our workforce and the incredible role different backgrounds, thoughts, voices and experiences bring to our work every day. #YoungBlackPharma #ProfessionalDevelopment #DiversityAndInclusion #DEI #TalentEngagement #Leadership #Networking

Attending my first Young Black Pharma conference earlier this month was such a transformative experience for me! Seeing that Daiichi Sankyo US was a silver sponsor made me jump on the opportunity to learn and build community in an environment that was designed to cultivate talent, inspire Black pharmaceutical industry professionals, and foster connection. This year’s theme was #MindsetvsMentality was timely for me in navigating recent personal and professional life transitions. As a HEOR Scientist, I was exposed to the multitude of career paths available within the US/Global Medical Affairs functional area and began to build relationships outside of my enterprise. Connecting more with Daiichi Sankyo colleagues and learning best practices from executive leaders ranging from biotech start-ups to large global pharmaceutical companies was truly a gift and an honor! I left #YBP feeling a new level of confidence in my organizational awareness, ready to position myself to build credibility through performance/relationship currency all while enhancing my subject matter expertise! Looking forward to next year! #YoungBlackPharma #YBPCon #DiversityinPharma #CultivateInspireConnect

Thrilled to attend my first Young Black Pharma conference—an inspiring conference packed with insights from exceptional leaders. The sessions on AI, health equity, and emerging trends in pharma were impactful, sparking new ideas and perspectives. Kenneth C. Frazier, former CEO of Merck, highlighted the importance of “performance and relationship currency” in building credibility and trust. Dr. Ted Love’s reminder that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” underscored the value of resilience. Wendie Short Bartie’s emphasis on mentorship at every level—a senior, a peer, and a junior—was a powerful takeaway for growth. Our own Novo Nordisk Leader Negelle Morris talked about the power of strategic networking in this ever-evolving pharma landscape and emphasized that what got you here won’t get you there. The journey isn’t about a set path but continuous learning. Excited for what’s ahead! #YoungBlackPharma #GrowthMindset

Feeling so inspired and empowered after attending the Young Black Pharma “Mindset vs Mentality” conference in the great Washington DC! Being surrounded by brilliant minds and seeing the passion, resilience, and excellence in this space was truly a reminder of the impact we’re all capable of making. 🌟 From hearing about groundbreaking advancements to connecting with like-minded professionals, this experience reminded me of the importance of representation and support in our industry. I was also honored to receive a Sponsorship Ambassador Award for playing a significant role in registering 50+ Sanofi employees for this inspiring conference. Grateful for all the support from Paul Rowe, MD, ATSF and the entire NextGen Immunology team at Sanofi. Also, a very special congratulations to my lifetime mentor, a Howard University legend, Dr. Earl Ettienne for his Young Black Pharma Cultivate Award. Together, we’re paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in healthcare. Here’s to amplifying our voices, supporting each other, and breaking barriers every step of the way! ✊🏾💊💡 #YoungBlackPharma #Sanofi #RepresentationMatters #PharmaCommunity #Inspiration #BreakingBarriers”

I had the distinct honor of kicking off the 2024 Young Black Pharma Conference, and what an incredible experience it was! This year’s theme, #MindsetvsMentality, resonated deeply as we explored powerful strategies for success. The energy, insights, and connections shared throughout the event were truly inspiring, and I’m confident that everyone left with actionable takeaways to craft their own playbooks for success in the industry. Excited to see the continued growth and impact of this amazing community! #YoungBlackPharma #YBPCon #CultivateInspireConnect #Leadership #Innovation #DiversityInPharma

At Chiesi USA, we are committed to fostering diversity and innovation, and our recent participation in the Young Black Pharma 2024 Conference & Gala was a testament to this dedication.     Our colleagues Devechio Edwards, DMSc, MBA, PA-C; Renadin Siagat, PharmD, PhD, MEd, BCRCP, CTTS; Emily Buckley Dana Waters, MSOL; Esther Owusu-Flannery; Anthony Compton; and Dylan Young immersed themselves in impactful discussions around representation, networking, and DEI initiatives in Washington, D.C.    The conference provided invaluable insights into how diverse perspectives drive industry innovation and how personal growth and networking can lead to substantial career advancements. We're excited to integrate these learnings as we continue to champion diversity and inclusion within the pharmaceutical sector.    A heartfelt thank you to our attendees for bringing back such significant lessons and for reinforcing our vision of an inclusive and progressive work environment. Together, we strive to make a lasting impact!    Learn more about this event: https://lnkd.in/gVKVrsXK    #Chiesi_USA #LifeinChiesi #ThePlacetoBe #YBP2024 #DiversityInPharma

This past weekend many industry colleagues attended Young Black Pharma. The meeting was a dynamic environment to learn … grow … and create meaningful connections. I was honored to take part in a panel with Erica Taylor, Ph.D., Squire Servance and Mnwabisi Mbangata, PharmD, RPh. We were joined by a host of exceptional speakers including including Rodney Gillespie (He/His/Him) and Ken Frazier. Most importantly, I was inspired by the people. Shoutout to the YBP founders for a spectacular event!

Still in awe of the wealth of knowledge, insight, and inspiration at Young Black Pharma (YBP) earlier this month. YBP’s mission to CULTIVATE, INSPIRE, and CONNECT resonated throughout each session. If I had to summarize my experience in one phrase, it would be ‘Empowered to make an impact.’ Thank you, Sanofi for sponsoring and wholeheartedly supporting my personal and professional development. It was an honor to attend such an impactful conference. Special shoutout to Paul Rowe, MD, ATSF and Brian Foard for their candid conversation on shaping the future of healthcare with a focus on health equity, AI, and innovation. I am excited to be part of an organization that tackles these critical issues head-on. To Ted W. Love, MD, former President and CEO of GBT, thank you for the reminder that tough days do not last. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Thank you to YBP for creating this community, and to all the incredible professionals I met and reconnected with. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and bringing our full selves to the table. The future of healthcare is brighter because of leaders like US, and I’m grateful to be on this journey together.