At Greenphire, we believe in clinical trial access for all and are committed to making a difference in diversity – both as an employer, as well as in the global clinical trial industry. Through networking and attending industry events this year, I’ve found many other organizations looking to advance representation in trials, one of which I’ll share with you today.
The Greenphire All In diversity committee recently continued its “Leaders in Our Field” Lunch and Learn Series with a recent interview of the five founders of a grassroots, clinical research network called Latinos in Clinical Research (LICR). You can watch a replay of the session if you were unable to attend.
The LICR is an organization that began in 2021 and is led by volunteer professionals in the clinical research industry who reside in California and Texas, but who network across the US and internationally. A key goal for LICR is to increase the representation of Latinos in the clinical research workforce and to support the careers of individuals of all ethnicities by offering education in clinical research (through the LICR-sponsored Clinical Research Associate, Clinical Research Coordinator, Principal Investigator and Site Owner Clinical Research Academies). By increasing the Latino workforce, greater opportunities, awareness, and trust regarding the benefits of clinical research can be shared and explained across Latino communities.
The group also aims to educate students in Latino communities beginning in high school, vocational school and college regarding the vast career opportunities in the field of clinical research. The overarching vision for broad education of the Latino community was described by one LICR member as ”making what is currently invisible, visible, to the Latino population.”
The LICR group facilitates events and networking interactions using common social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), and through their website. LICR has weekly and monthly networking events that connect members, showcase industry-leading guest speakers, and provide resources for career opportunities across the country through its job posting website. I encourage you to get involved!
During the Lunch and Learn, the LICR members highlighted an important difference with their group: membership is free. There are no fees to members. The LICR simply wants to “make a positive change in the industry by expanding exposure to the field of clinical research.” Many of the informational materials within the network are provided in English and Spanish as well as some of the social media discussions. The LICR team commented, “it doesn’t matter what your ethnic or educational background, there’s a place for you in clinical research” and the LICR network is committed to helping you get there! When asked about the best part of being involved in the LICR group to date, the founders said, “making a positive impact in the industry!”
Future activities in 2021-22 include a media overview of the LICR network, career development videos, a clinical research technology education series, and a job fair. It was noted by the LICR leaders that pharmaceutical sponsors can help in the effort to broaden awareness of clinical research study opportunities among Latinos through national marketing campaigns, education of community clinicians regarding research opportunities for patients, and by providing bilingual, patient-facing study materials.
Greenphire was very honored to interview the LICR members and will continue to support the goals of these industry leaders.
If you’d like to network with the group, please visit the Latinos in Clinical Research website and connect thru LinkedIn and Facebook. The Founders of LICR can be found on LinkedIn: Dan Sfera, Monica Cuitiva, Chris Sauber, Judy Galindo, and Ashley Margo.
As a reminder, Greenphire’s solutions, such as ClinCard, are fully translated into Spanish (and many other languages!). In addition, our new Spanish-language brochure, created in conjunction with CISCRP, is now available for order: A Guide to Costs and Payments in Clinical Trials.
