Clarkston’s Erica Parks Murray, LaToya Lee Jones, and Brandon Miller recently attended the 8th annual Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP) Conference in Scottdale, Arizona. Over the course of 4 days, executives, physicians, scientists, researchers, clinical professionals, and technology experts gathered to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities driving unity in the life sciences industry. Given the extent of content shared, we’ve decided to split our key takeaways into two parts. This is part one.  

From workshops and panels to fireside chats and networking sessions, the overarching message of this year’s conference was “Unity – Amplify, Activate, Act.” Professionals shared their perspectives on how to best promote unity in life sciences industry, with a focus on six key themes: health equity and inclusive research; mentorship, leadership and career empowerment; health, wellness, and sisterhood; corporate strategy; industry and market trends; and collaboration. Keeping these themes in mind, below are our key takeaways. 

Takeaways from WOCIP’s 8th Annual Conference 

1. DEI at Every Stage Promotes Better Healthcare for All 

To build equitable health outcomes and diverse clinical trials, companies must embed DEI at every stage—from data design to patient recruitment—by fostering meaningful community partnerships, leveraging technology inclusively, and supporting diverse teams.   

What does this look like? 

• Integrating DEI Beyond Traditional Efforts: Clinical trial inclusivity requires more than typical workplace DEI—trials should reflect the diversity of those affected by diseases to produce equitable health outcomes. Inclusive protocols consider specific disease demographics and broaden trial representation. 
• Embedding DEI Across the Trial Lifecycle: Lasting DEI impact in trials begins with inclusive protocol design and patient engagement. Early and continuous partnerships with advocacy groups prevent “helicopter research” and build trust within communities. 
• Forging Strong Community Partnerships: Collaborating with community organizations and advocacy groups is essential. Sustainable relationships enhance access to underrepresented populations and promote community trust in trial participation. 
• Prioritizing Representation in Staffing: Clinical trial sites with diverse staff are more effective at enrolling underrepresented groups. Diverse recruitment teams build rapport with patients, fostering engagement and improving retention rates. 
• Addressing Technology Gaps with Flexible Solutions: Digital recruitment tools are valuable, but not all patients have easy access to technology. Offering both digital and physical resources ensures broader access and supports participation from diverse backgrounds. 

In the session, “Stronger Together: Leveraging Faith-Based, Community, and Corporate Resources to Combat Chronic Diseases,” for example, speakers shared how the traditional healthcare model is undergoing a significant transformation. Overburdened hospitals, stressed healthcare professionals, and increased healthcare costs are driving a shift towards community-based care and innovative solutions. 

According to the American Hospital Association, the U.S. is projected to face a shortage of about 100,000 critical healthcare workers by 2028. This shortage is particularly acute in primary care, where the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates a shortfall of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. 

This shortage is exacerbated by the uneven distribution of healthcare providers, with many rural and underserved communities facing even greater challenges. In Philadelphia, for example, the ratio of primary care physicians to residents varies widely, with wealthier neighborhoods having significantly more access to care than poorer neighborhoods. 

Social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and housing, further compound these disparities. Individuals from marginalized communities often face additional barriers to accessing healthcare, including financial constraints, transportation difficulties, and cultural barriers. 

To address these challenges, the speakers stressed the value of unconventional partnerships and the power of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and addressing complex healthcare challenges. For example, faith-based organizations are emerging as key players in delivering healthcare services. These organizations are uniquely positioned to address health disparities and provide culturally competent care. By leveraging their strong community ties and trusted relationships, they are establishing healthcare centers and providing essential services like health screenings, counseling, medication assistance, and education to more complex care. Another approach is growing reliance on non-traditional healthcare providers, like Community Health Workers, often trained and supervised by healthcare professionals, who can provide essential services such as patient navigation, health education, and support. By combining the strengths of different stakeholders, it is possible to develop effective solutions that benefit the entire community. 

Ultimately, addressing health disparities requires a multi-faceted approach that embeds DEI at every stage and tackles both the immediate needs of patients and the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to poor health. By working together, healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers can create a more equitable and just healthcare system. 

2. Inclusive Marketing is Marketing 

Inclusive marketing is marketing, and it’s integral to increasing market share. As your organization builds its inclusive marketing practices, keep these considerations in mind: 

• Inclusive Teams Are Essential: An inclusive marketing campaign must be built by a diverse team to authentically represent various communities. A narrow perspective risks reinforcing stereotypes and alienating target audiences. 
• Audience Nuances Drive Engagement: Understanding the unique needs, challenges, and aspirations of specific communities is crucial for effective messaging. Inclusive campaigns balance universal themes with tailored insights to maximize relevance. 
• Measure Success with Purpose: Clear metrics are necessary to demonstrate the ROI of inclusive marketing. Inconsistent funding for DE&I initiatives can be stabilized by showcasing tangible outcomes, ensuring long-term commitment. 
• Intersectionality Prevents Stereotyping: Truly inclusive campaigns recognize intersectionality and cultural nuance within communities, ensuring that diverse experiences are reflected without oversimplification or stereotyping. 
• Community-Driven Messaging Builds Trust: Engaging communities as experts—beyond mere consultation—fosters trust and avoids “othering.” Using language that resonates with each community ensures authenticity and strengthens connections. 

Johnson & Johnson provided an example of this, highlighting their “Talk That Talk” campaign with Shannon Sharpe. This campaign was targeted towards Black men and encouraged them to get screened for prostate cancer. One aspect of the ROI they mentioned was that although it was targeting Black men, they found that it resonated with all men (because they knew or could relate to Shannon Sharpe.) They also used “TransCreation” instead of “Translation” to ensure that the marketing was authentic to Afro-Latinos, Latinos, and other demographics. 

Wrapping Up 

This year’s conference provided an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals to connect and discuss the current and future landscape. What we’ve shared is just the tip of the iceberg.  

Please follow along as we continue to share updates and takeaways from the 8th Annual WOCIP Conference. If you’re interested in learning more about what these takeaways mean for your business, contact our experts directly.