Tom notes that most clinical trials are not representative of the overall population due to barriers that exclude individuals based on demographics or socioeconomic status, which compromises the quality of research and the safety and efficacy of treatments. Creating a diverse workforce, he explains, facilitates participation by historically excluded groups in these trials and helps improve health equity. It also contributes to a stronger team dynamic, he adds. “If you look at the core elements of high-performing teams, DE&I is a key component with individuals playing their unique part. We know that leads to high-performing organizations, which leads to a better world for all of us.”

Tom’s DE&I initiatives have also led to Kelly experiencing an impressive increase in applications from women to scientific careers — 26% more in 2021 than in 2020. Kelly helped one candidate in particular find her dream career as a field application scientist, a profession in which only 2% are Black women like herself. “Stories like that drive me,” Tom says proudly. “Developing great teams requires DE&I; [it is] the only way to bring intellectual capabilities together to create something that has never been done before.”