Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our country is in the middle of a significant reckoning over its history of racism and injustice. The life sciences sectors are not exempt from these inequities: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are significantly underrepresented in our industry because they lack pathways into, and equal opportunities to succeed in, our industry sectors.

We at BioscienceLA will use our voices and positions of influence to stand up for change, speak out against racism and discrimination, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This is far greater than just “the right thing to do.” Numerous studies are clear: diverse businesses are more innovative and more successful. Diversity unlocks innovation by creating an environment where “outside the box” ideas are heard and welcomed. Organizations that are highly diverse along many dimensions –age, culture, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, national origin, religion, etc. – unleash an explosion of ideas that can form the basis of new products, technologies, and solutions. In an increasingly innovation-enabled world, organizations that fully embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion will provide the answers to challenges of the future. In healthcare, this is essential, since products and services must meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population – not to mention be accessible to that population.

“The mission of BioscienceLA is to place the greater Los Angeles life sciences ecosystem at the forefront of global innovation. A diverse ecosystem is a high performing ecosystem, so we believe strongly that equity, diversity, and inclusion must be reflected in the recruitment, retention, and promotion strategies of all our stakeholders.”

Susan R. Windham-Bannister, PhD, BioscienceLA Board Chair

BioscienceLA will use our role in the greater Los Angeles life sciences community to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by:

Investing in programs and initiatives that promote greater diversity and inclusion in the Los Angeles life sciences community
Bringing the life sciences community together for inclusive, open, and productive dialogue
Using our position of influence to stand up for change

As a catalyst for innovation, BioscienceLA seeks to enable diversity, amplify science, and accelerate collaboration.

Learn more

Other Resources

Learn more about California Life Sciences Association’s “Racial & Social Equity Initiative” here.

Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath Announces the BIOEquality Agenda & the 3 Pillars of Change.

You can learn more about BIO’s 3 Pillars of Change here.

**DOWNLOAD BIO’S REPORT ON MEASURING DIVERSITY IN THE BIOTECH INDUSTRY**

Recent Events

In October, the Amgen Health Equity Summit brought together diverse experts and leaders from across the healthcare industry to discuss both the history and current reality of racial disparities in health outcomes.
(October 22, 2020)

Venice Family Clinic’s discussion about the effects of racism on health from the perspective of leaders working to create equity in the health care system, featuring BioscienceLA Board Member Dr. David M. Carlisle of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. (September 2, 2020)

All Raise: A community to amplify female voices, accelerate their success, and create a tech culture where women are leading, shaping, and funding the future

BLCK VC Institute: An intensive, curriculum-based program, as well as continuing education, to give established Black operators the education, experience, and connections they need to become angel and venture investors
BIOEquality Agenda: A national effort in collaboration with BIO’s partners and member organizations in the biotechnology sector that aims to counteract the systemic inequality, injustice, and unfair treatment of underserved communities

BIO’s Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit: A set of practical tools for developing programs, procedures and best practices to build the right mix for your team
Cowboy Ventures: DEI Resources to help you track progress, including Board slides you can use
Interchange: Aggregates startup jobs across the city in an effort to make early-stage tech opportunities more open and accessible
PledgeLA: A collective of LA-based tech companies and venture capital firms working to create measurable change
RENEW Task Force: The Racial Equity and Newly Empowered Workplaces (RENEW) Task Force is a broad coalition committed to a clear goal: rooting out structural racism in our businesses and building a more just, fair, and equitable Los Angeles