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Understanding and celebrating diversity is essential in every aspect of society, especially in the sciences and healthcare. Genentech, a pioneering biotechnology company, conducted a recent report to evaluate its diversity and inclusion progress since 2020. In doing so, Genentech was able to identify areas they want to target to further build upon diversity by 2025.
Transforming Belonging and Equity for Underrepresented Groups
One of the company’s steadfast goals is to create an environment where everyone feels they belong. By advancing inclusive research and championing health equity, Genentech aims not just to transform itself, but to set an example that could help transform society at large. By 2025, the company hopes to double the representation of Black, Hispanic, and Latino individuals in leadership roles—both at the director and officer level, as well as within the extended leadership team.
Addressing disparities in healthcare, Genentech has been focusing on the underrepresentation of certain groups in clinical tests and healthcare coverage. As such, they’re committed to tackling these challenges head-on. One way the company did this was with their Phase IV Chimes study, which centered around multiple sclerosis in Hispanic, Latino, and Black patients, who are often left out in clinical studies.
“Real change starts at home. Our progress in inclusive research wouldn’t be possible without the deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at every level across Genentech,” says Quita Highsmith, vice president (VP) and chief diversity officer at Genentech. “All of our officers [VPs and above] have formalized officer action plans, which include specific individual commitments for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their teams and our industry.”
Hispanic and Latino Progress
As of 2023, 5.1 percent of directors and officers at Genentech were Hispanic or Latino, marking an increase from previous years. Notably, 10 percent of all their employees belong to this demographic, showcasing a steady rise in representation.
Genentech has also been active in its outreach, partnering with organizations like Día de la Mujer Latina to promote health awareness and preventative measures in the Hispanic and Latino community. These partnerships include providing health screenings and connecting individuals to essential healthcare services.
In collaboration with the University of Oklahoma Health Stephenson Cancer Center, Genentech cohosted the first Spanish-language state cancer education and prevention conference in 2023. Additionally, the company sponsored the Univision Health Fair, which works to bring healthcare education to the Hispanic and Latino community in cities like Los Angeles and New York City.
Additionally, Genentech Foundation made a significant investment of $14 million to San Francisco State University, a school serving a large Hispanic and Latino population, furthering their commitment to education and advancement.
One individual highlighted in the report was Patricia Siguenza, VP of bioanalytical sciences in Genentech’s research and early development department. Originally from El Salvador with over three decades of experience, she cofounded a program providing invaluable industry experience to college students. Her contributions have earned her the title Trailblazer of the Year by Women of Color in Pharma in 2023.
Looking Ahead
In a few short years, the US Food and Drug Administration will require diversity plans for all clinical study requests, a move that Genentech is already preparing for. The company is expanding access to vital clinical research in areas such as oncology and ophthalmology.
As Genentech looks forward, its commitment to DEI remains a beacon, guiding the company towards a future where diversity in healthcare and leadership is not just an aspiration but a reality.
“We’re not just looking back at our progress from this past year—we’re also looking forward and doubling down on our vision for D&I,” Highsmith says. “Genentech is committed to this work for the long haul, and we hope this work inspires other industry leaders to continue investing in this important work.”
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This article was written with the assistance of AI.
