Young Black Pharma

Two things to be immensely proud of here: 1️⃣ - The continual commitment from CooperCompanies in the space of diversity & inclusion 2️⃣ - Extraordinary conference provided by Young Black Pharma to create growth in all aspects of Career Development, Networking and Job Opportunities! The connection 🔌 of both companies is an example of how we continue to provide the village we all love to work and grow in! #GrowingAtCooper #DifferenceMaker

Wonderful way to bring in the holidays by driving community service for our NY/NJ YBP members! Thank you for your amazing leadership Beagy J. Fils-Aime!

🚨 Exciting News for PharmD Students! 🚨  The Young Black Pharma (YBP) PharmD Student Internship Program Recruitment Cycle is officially open! 🌟  Young Black Pharma (YBP) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to Cultivating, Inspiring, and Connecting Black professionals in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Since its founding in 2021, YBP has fostered a community where Black pharma professionals can network, share experiences, and grow in a trusted and empowering space.  As a YBP intern, you’ll gain access to exclusive benefits that will set you up for success in your future career:   ✨ 2025 YBP Conference & Gala Sponsorship ✨ Personalized 1:1 Mentoring to guide you in achieving your professional goals   ✨ Live & Virtual Professional Development Resources   ✨ Access to a 2,000+ Member Network spanning 40+ pharmaceutical companies   ✨ Invitations to YBP Social Events and Local Meet-Ups 📄 Application Requirements: Submit an updated CV and  Letter of Intent  to membership_social@youngblackpharma.com by January 31, 2025.  Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to build your network, grow your skills, and become part of a transformative community!

🚨 Exciting News for PharmD Students! 🚨  The Young Black Pharma (YBP) PharmD Student Internship Program Recruitment Cycle is officially open! 🌟  Young Black Pharma (YBP) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to Cultivating, Inspiring, and Connecting Black professionals in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Since its founding in 2021, YBP has fostered a community where Black pharma professionals can network, share experiences, and grow in a trusted and empowering space.  As a YBP intern, you’ll gain access to exclusive benefits that will set you up for success in your future career:   ✨ 2025 YBP Conference & Gala Sponsorship ✨ Personalized 1:1 Mentoring to guide you in achieving your professional goals   ✨ Live & Virtual Professional Development Resources   ✨ Access to a 2,000+ Member Network spanning 40+ pharmaceutical companies   ✨ Invitations to YBP Social Events and Local Meet-Ups 📄 Application Requirements: Submit an updated CV and  Letter of Intent  to membership_social@youngblackpharma.com by January 31, 2025.  Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to build your network, grow your skills, and become part of a transformative community!

A fulfilling life is lived in thirds. As a mentor once told me, the first one-third should be selfish. Follow your curiosity, discover and hone your skills, and identify your path. The second one-third should be devoted to applying everything you learned to your career. The final one-third – and where I feel I feel fortunate to be now – should be dedicated to giving back. As I reflect on 2024, a few “giving back” experiences stand out. Mentoring current and future leaders of our industry and sharing my career lessons at Young Black Pharma’s annual gala, joining the Timmerman Traverse team in summiting Mount Kilimanjaro to help advance empathetic #SickleCellDisease awareness and funding, and, alongside Joyce, pledging lasting support to compassionate and advanced care for this rare disease. I am humbled, energized, and inspired by the thought of what comes next. Regardless of what era of life or career you’re in, I challenge you to set meaningful goals for yourself in 2025. Ask yourself – what legacy do I want to leave behind, and what can I work toward this year to help me do it? Let me know in the comments. 

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