Diversity Alliance for Science (DA4S) is a leading life science organization focused on supplier diversity, bringing together like-minded corporations and suppliers to advance equity and inclusion in the life science/health care global supply chain.
The East Coast Conference, held May 2-4 in Newark, New Jersey, featured top-level pharmaceutical executives and CEOs of diverse scientific and clinical enterprises. Over the past 16 years, DA4S has been a wonderful opportunity to foster effective, mutually beneficial partnerships between diverse suppliers and big pharma, biotech, med device and health care companies.
DA4S events are designed to bring everyone together through educational programs, keynote and guest speakers, as well as ample networking opportunities. This year’s theme for the conference was “Resilient, Bold and Strong,” and keynote speakers brought the attendees amazing content on this theme.
On day one, motivational speaker Bruce Turkel inspired the audience with ways to uncover creative solutions and messaging strategies that can future-proof their brands in a world of constant disruptive upheaval, and how to turn the lens around and focus relentlessly on your customer. He brought the house down using his harmonica as a tool for emphasis—everyone enjoyed the fun. Day two brought us the incomparable Pauline Nguyen and her story of survival and resilience. Calling herself a “spiritual entrepreneur,” Nguyen, as the owner of the Red Lantern restaurant in Australia and author of several books, uplifted the audience to lead with their heart and mind.
The conference showcased the mentoring program standouts in a live pitch competition. The eight finalists pitched their innovative ideas to a panel of judges live on stage! The Elevate Black Showcase event included a special matchmaking session with corporate buyers for all BBE members in the program. The roundtable session brought corporate members and suppliers the opportunity to connect and engage. And the signature “Eight That Innovate” was again a unique opportunity for suppliers to demonstrate how they use novel ideas to drive value. These, along with many other opportunities for networking, gave members a chance to connect.
This year, DA4S launched a new supplier partnerships group called “SPIRAL” to a packed room of member suppliers for discussions on best practices for entrepreneurs, networking opportunities and educational sessions run by DA4S members.
Stay tuned for registration information for our West Coast Conference on Sept. 12-14 in Laguna Beach, California.
If you would like to hear more about DA4S corporate or supplier member benefits, please reach out to [email protected].
