DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Oregon Bio

 At Oregon Bio, we recognize our role as business leaders in advancing social justice and equity for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable bioscience industry that reflects the diversity of our communities and ensures opportunities for all.

 Our Commitment to Change

We believe that by addressing disparities and enlarging opportunities, the bioscience, medical device/technology, and digital health sectors can play pivotal roles in building a more inclusive future. To achieve this, we focus on:

• Expanding pathways for women and minorities to thrive in the bioscience workforce.
• Promoting equitable access to therapies and healthcare resources.
• Creating spaces where innovation and diversity go hand-in-hand to drive meaningful progress.

By fostering these initiatives with our sponsors, members, and peers, we aim to dismantle systemic biases that hinder the advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation.

 Our Journey Since 2020

In 2020 and 2021, Oregon Bio released public statements affirming our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, marking the beginning of our concerted efforts in this area. During this time, we:

• Established our first DEI Committee, the precursor to today’s BIPOC in Bioscience Committee, to guide strategic actions and foster a more inclusive community.
• Hosted listening sessions to understand the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the bioscience industry.
• Launched targeted initiatives to increase workforce diversity, including collaborations with local educational institutions and community organizations.

These foundational actions laid the groundwork for the ongoing initiatives and programs we continue to build upon today.

Attendees of the BIPOC in Bioscience Networking Event, August 2024, Portland, OR

 Key Initiatives

As part of our ongoing efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, we have launched several key initiatives that bring our commitment to life:

BIPOC in Bioscience Events and Committee

Our BIPOC in Bioscience events and committee create spaces for connection, collaboration, and celebration within the bioscience community. These events are modeled after Partners in Diversity’s Say Hey! events and are designed to:

• Facilitate networking and enriching conversations
• Foster the exchange of ideas and shared experiences
• Build a supportive and vibrant community for BIPOC professionals

The BIPOC in Bioscience Committee actively nurtures workforce diversity at all professional levels, including leadership. The committee’s key goals are to:

• Promote equity and inclusion through targeted awareness, programs, and opportunities
• Lead the industry in cultivating a culture of understanding, acceptance, and celebration of differences
• Build environments where individuals feel a sense of belonging, are heard, and are valued

Access Bio Apprenticeship Program

The Access Bio Apprenticeship Program is a groundbreaking initiative that provides opportunities for Oregon’s historically underserved and underrepresented communities to enter the bioscience field. Developed in collaboration with industry employers, community-based organizations, and education providers, this program:

• Equips apprentices with structured training and mentorship to succeed in biomanufacturing and other bioscience careers
• Connects industry partners with a talented and diverse pool of workers
• Supports apprentices in gaining the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly growing field

This program exemplifies our commitment to creating pathways for success while addressing critical workforce gaps in the bioscience industry.

Join Us

At Oregon Bio, we believe that diversity fuels innovation, and inclusion strengthens our community. Together, we can build a bioscience industry that is equitable, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse talent in our region. Whether through participation in events, committees, or apprenticeship programs, there are many ways to get involved. Let’s work together to cultivate diversity, equity, and inclusion in bioscience. Contact us today to learn more or join our initiatives.