We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Danielle Mitchell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Danielle, appreciate you joining us today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?
In order to create a more inclusive workplace we have to be intentional and contact organizations like Black Women In Clinical Research. Our mission is to educate, empower, support, and help black women thrive in the clinical research industry. It’s important to have employee resource groups where people feel connected. Employees feel included when you ask for their opinions and feedback.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
I wanted to be a doctor and when I decided not to go to medical school, it wasn’t a lot of career options. With a bachelor’s degree in biology, I could work in a lab or become a teacher. I worked in the lab for years but knew I wanted to make a more significant impact. When I ran into a college classmate, she told me she was a Clinical Research Associate. She said you get to work from home and travel. I wanted to sign up yesterday. I made it my mission to learn more about clinical research and I went to www.clinicaltrials.gov and found the nearest clinics near me. I started an unpaid internship and had to work Uber eats, doordash, Amazon flex, and Instacart to make ends meet. I used this internship to become a clinical research coordinator. I attended an investigator meeting. In a room of hundreds of people, there were only 2 black women, including myself. So it made me question if there is a lack of diversity in the room or the industry. This all started with a Facebook group. I never imagined that this would turn into a company. We offer resume reviews, interview prep, mock interviews, career coaching and LinkedIn summaries and more!
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new members has been from word of mouth. Networking on LinkedIn has increased my outreach. LinkedIn has helped tremoundsly with reaching members internationally.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I had to pivot when I decided to pursue a position as a full time entrepreneur as the CEO of Black Women In Clinical Research. I stepped out on faith with the support of my husband, Jeremy Mitchell. This experience has been challenging and rewarding. I love that I get to support black women with their career journey in clinical research. This is my passion and my calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWICR20
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellesmitchell
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bwicr20?t=7ERfZFxqmnedE_gF4TUxnw&s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/BlackWomenInClinicalResearch
Image Credits
Q11 Photography