Young Black Pharma (YBP) stands as a beacon of empowerment and connection within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Established in 2016 by a dedicated group of black healthcare professionals, YBP is committed to fostering, inspiring, and uniting individuals with shared backgrounds. With a mission centered on Health Equity, the organization strives to amplify the representation of people of color in the pharmaceutical sector. Recently, YBP hosted its second conference and Gala, titled "Vision to Fruition: Be the Leader That You Seek" in Atlanta, GA.
The three-day event, held from November 3rd to 5th, featured a compelling agenda designed to facilitate networking, knowledge sharing, and skill development. The Friday evening kicked off with a vibrant networking event, setting the stage for the transformative experiences that followed.
Saturday's sessions included a series of insightful discussions, with a standout keynote delivered by Reshema Kemps-Polanco, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Novartis US. Sharing her journey from a social worker in Louisiana to a sales leader in Pharma, Kemps-Polanco touched on her experiences with imposter syndrome and the path to becoming 'enough’.
The conference also covered an array of pertinent topics and breakout sessions, some notable topics were, "Advocating for Health Equity: Be the Change You Seek," "A Seat at the Table: The Senior Leadership Assembly," "Fireside Chat: Focus Your Powers" with Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, and "Securing the Bag: The Sequel." The day concluded with the VIBE AWARDS and GALA, celebrating achievements, and fostering a sense of community.
Attending the Young Black Pharma Conference and Gala was a truly transformative experience for me. It provided a platform for professionals to exchange knowledge, build connections, and empower the upcoming generation of leaders. In the dynamic landscape of the pharmaceutical industry, initiatives like YBP are essential for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a newcomer to the event, I was thoroughly impressed and left feeling empowered and invigorated, ready to make a meaningful contribution to leadership in the medical affairs field. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Alphanumeric for their partial sponsorship and support, and I eagerly look forward to next year's conference.