WorkPride - Focus Panels for Industries: Science

Speakers:

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  James Cheng

  Global Head of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
  Zimmer Biomet

  Global DEI Executive | Strategy and Implementation | Veteran - A passionate, results-driven strategist with a solid record of achievement and demonstrated success driving global Diversity Equity & Inclusion while providing inspirational leadership in a highly competitive market by gaining buy-in, hands-on leadership, learning & development, organizational development with a growth mindset. Unwavering in developing employees, employee engagement, securing brand loyalty, and building strong relations with internal and external stakeholders. Record of accomplishment of performance while spearheading operational enhancements to drive productivity, managing in hyper care environments, elevating work in hyper-growth organizations, and reduce costs in multiple industries. Excel in self-motivated, ambiguous, global, demanding, highly matrix environments, while remaining grounded and focused. Specialization in building and leading high-performance teams. My passion is to empower the right people to work together and create innovative solutions while creating an inclusive culture through the employees and promoting a growth mindset. To own, lead, and create the vision and strategy at a committed global enterprise.

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  Jim Donnell

  Business Analyst (M&A IT)
  AstraZeneca

  Lead Business Analyst at AstraZeneca in the M&A IT team, previously I spent over 20 years in the Financial Markets locally and at a Global level in operations and project work. I'm a proud straight super ally and work closely with our employee resource group AZPride. Away from work most of my energy is focused to my family but I still have time for my passion for rugby, photography, and Live Action Roleplay (LARP).

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  Lee Perry

  Deputy Manager, Insourcing Solutions UK at Charles River Lab
  Charles River Laboratories

  Passionate about driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the workplace, I am a Deputy Manager in the life sciences sector with a strong commitment to creating a workplace environment where everyone can thrive and feel like they belong. With extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, I have a proven track record of leading research projects, developing scientific strategies, and coordinating teams to achieve results. I have a strong background in promoting and implementing stringent safety protocols, procedures, and training programs to mitigate workplace risks and ensure the well-being of all employees. I collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify potential hazards, perform risk assessments, and develop strategies to prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, my scientific knowledge and analytical skills allow me to evaluate hazards and risks in scientific processes and experiments, implementing effective solutions to maintain a culture of safety and comply with regulations. In my highly valued DEI work, I work towards creating a psychologically safe and empowering environment where all individuals can bring their authentic selves to work. In my previous role, I was a proud member of the UK & Ireland Leadership Team for Spectrum, GSK & ViiV Healthcare’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), where I connected colleagues, provided support, and helped shape a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, as the corporate Lead for LGBTQ+ Pride and External Engagement/Partnerships, I collaborated with organisations like myGwork and the Proud Science Alliance (PSA) to foster partnerships and promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in the healthcare and life science sector. Outside of work Caribbean carnival culture has played a significant role in my life, and for over a decade I was part of a team of volunteers that managed one of the largest Trinidadian Mas Bands at Notting Hill and Rotterdam carnival. Through this work, I gained extensive experience organising cultural events, parties, socials, live concerts, and excursions. This experience also exposed me to the intricacies of marketing and events management, and deepened my understanding of the importance of celebrating cultural diversity and heritage. Overall, my work in DEI, both within the company and in the wider community, has fueled my passion for creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all individuals. I am dedicated to driving positive change and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of their background or identity.

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  Devin Ibañez

  Customer Success Manager and Public Speaker
  myGwork

  Devin Ibañez is the first openly gay Major League Rugby player and is dedicated to LGBTQ+ advocacy in sport. He hopes to inspire the next generation of LGBTQ+ athletes and make sport an inclusive space for them. Raised in Boston, MA, Devin played for Major League Rugby team, the New England Free Jacks, in their 2019 exhibition season. He won a gold medal while representing Team USA at the 2017 World Maccabiah Games in Israel. He also won the 2018 D1 National Championship with his club team, Mystic River Rugby Club. When not playing, Devin has coached rugby at Westlake Boys High School in New Zealand, his alma mater Brookline High School and most recently with the Northeast Academy. He holds a degree in sport management and education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Devin was announced Global Ambassador for International Gay Rugby (IGR) in May 2021. He is now looking towards a career in Public Speaking and Community Engagement. As of December 2023, Devin joined myGwork as a Customer Success Manager, the largest global business community for LGBTQ+ professionals and inclusive employers.

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  Simon Fleming (he, him, his)

  Executive Vice President, Clinical Operations
  Precision for Medicine

  I have recently joined Precision for Medicine as an Executive Director within their Clinical Solutions group. In total, I have been working within the Pharmaceutical and CRO industry for 30+ years, as a Statistical Programmer before moving into successive management roles covering global Quality Management, Data Management, Biostatistics and Statistical Programming operations in both Full-Service and Functional Service Provider (FSP) engagements. In my previous role, I was the Executive Sponsor for the company's Pride initiative, which was an internal committee that sought to advance and promote an inclusive culture where colleagues could bring their authentic selves to work.

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