Bright Lights is an ongoing series that highlights the activities, causes, and passions that fall outside of Inlightened Experts’ dedicated day jobs, and truly set them apart. These initiatives represent experts’ abilities to transform their interests and experience into meaningful ventures that drive positive change. This installment of Bright Lights features CEO/Founder, Danielle Mitchell, and Black Women in Clinical Research.

How did Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR) come to be? Take us from idea to execution.

Danielle Mitchell, CEO, and Founder of Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR), embarked on this journey driven by a profound understanding of the challenges and barriers faced by Black women in the clinical research industry. As a Black woman herself working in this field, Danielle recognized the glaring lack of representation, support, and recognition for Black women professionals. She identified a pressing need to address systemic inequalities, and did something about it, creating a platform dedicated to empowering and advocating for Black women in clinical research.

The idea for BWICR emerged from Danielle’s personal experiences navigating the industry, coupled with her passion for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a clear vision in mind, Danielle set out to create an organization that would catalyze change, foster a supportive community, provide resources, and amplify the voices of Black women in the clinical research space.

The journey from idea to execution involved meticulous planning, strategic partnerships, and unwavering dedication. Danielle collaborated with like-minded individuals and stakeholders who shared her vision, leveraging their expertise and resources to bring BWICR to fruition. She conducted extensive research to identify the most pressing needs and develop tailored programs and initiatives to address them effectively.

Upon launch, BWICR quickly gained traction, attracting members, volunteers, and supporters eager to join the movement. Danielle’s leadership, coupled with the passion and commitment of the BWICR team, propelled the organization forward, driving tangible impact and achieving significant milestones along the way.

Today, BWICR stands as a beacon of empowerment and advocacy, providing a vital platform for Black women professionals in clinical research to thrive, connect, and effect change. Danielle’s visionary leadership and unwavering determination have been instrumental in shaping BWICR into a transformative force within the industry, inspiring countless individuals and organizations to support its mission of equity, diversity, and excellence.

Can you provide a brief overview of your mission?

The mission of BWICR revolves around empowerment, equity, and excellence. BWICR seeks to amplify the voices and contributions of Black women within the clinical research field. Through advocacy, mentorship, and networking opportunities, BWICR aims to address the systemic barriers that Black women face in clinical research and foster an inclusive environment where their talents and expertise are recognized and valued. By promoting diversity and representation, BWICR strives to enhance the quality and impact of clinical research, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for all.

Tell us more about BWICR target audience.

BWICR primarily targets Black women professionals and aspiring professionals within the clinical research field. This includes individuals working in various roles such as researchers, clinicians, data analysts, project managers, and more. BWICR aims to provide support, resources, and opportunities for career advancement and professional development to this demographic. Additionally, BWICR also welcomes allies and advocates who are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the clinical research community. Through its programs, events, and initiatives, BWICR strives to engage and empower its target audience to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions to the field.

What key milestones has BWICR accomplished to date?

BWICR has achieved several significant milestones since inception. Some key accomplishments include:

1. Establishment of a supportive community: BWICR has successfully built a vibrant and supportive community of over 11,000 Black women professionals in clinical research, providing a platform for networking, mentorship, and collaboration.

2. Advocacy for diversity and inclusion: BWICR has been instrumental in advocating for greater diversity and inclusion within clinical research, raising awareness about the importance of representation and equity.

3. Mentorship and professional development programs: BWICR has developed mentorship programs and initiatives to support the career growth and advancement of Black women in clinical research, offering guidance, resources, and opportunities for skill development all hosted on our app.

4. Educational outreach and awareness campaigns: BWICR has conducted
educational outreach and awareness campaigns to highlight the contributions of Black women in clinical research and address systemic barriers and challenges they face.

5. Partnerships and collaborations: BWICR has forged partnerships and collaborations with other organizations, institutions, and industry stakeholders to further its mission and amplify its impact in promoting diversity and excellence in clinical research.

These milestones demonstrate BWICR’s commitment to empowering Black women in clinical research and driving positive change.

Can you share an example of someone whose life has been changed through working with BWICR?

“I’m so excited to share that I got the job!!!

I had given up on clinical research and my dream job. I applied for positions in the past and got a rejection after the rejection email. My friend told me about this group and I joined.

I saw so many women entering into clinical research and I started to get inspired again…maybe it wasn’t too late for me. I met with another friend and colleague and she helped to revamp my resume. She is a miracle worker!! She helped me to see some of the skills I’d overlooked and use those as talking points.

I started applying to jobs again, and I started to get interviews!! I listened to her and I only applied for positions that were management. I even was daring enough to apply for my dream job: A Director’s position. They called me back for an interview and I fell in love. Long story short.. I got the job! I am a Director of Research!! I am working in the field I want (cardiology) doing what I love (helping others).

Special thanks to the individual who was open to talking about the position and to my mentor who encouraged me and coached me along the way! #Igotthejob”

— A Member of the BWICR Community

How can people get involved?

There are several ways individuals can get involved with BWICR:

1. Membership: People can become members of BWICR to gain access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and events tailored to support Black women in clinical research.

2. Volunteer: BWICR often relies on volunteers to assist with various initiatives, such as event planning, mentorship programs, and outreach efforts. Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the organization’s mission and make a positive impact.

3. Attend events: Keep an eye out for BWICR’s events (including the upcoming BWICR Conference), workshops, and seminars, and attend them to connect with fellow professionals, learn from experts, and stay updated on industry trends and advancements.

4. Spread awareness: Help raise awareness about BWICR and its mission by sharing information about the organization on social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube), in professional networks, and within your community as Brand Ambassadors.

5. Collaborate: Individuals and organizations interested in collaborating with BWICR on projects, initiatives, or events related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical research are encouraged to reach out and explore partnership opportunities.

By getting involved with BWICR, individuals can actively contribute to promoting diversity, equity, and excellence in the clinical research field while supporting the advancement of Black women professionals.

Learn more about BWICR.

Danielle Mitchell is an experienced clinical research professional bringing diversity and much-needed change to one of the most critical industries. She has helped many professionals increase their reach and opportunities through Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR), Black Men in Clinical Research (BMICR), and Minorities In Clinical Research (MICR). Presently, BWICR has over 15,000 active members. The mission is to educate, empower, support, and help Black women, men, and minorities thrive in the clinical research industry.