Dozens of life sciences professionals gathered in New York on October 11 for the ‘National Coming Out Day Executive Leadership Panel,’ co-sponsored by Slone Partners and Syndax Pharmaceuticals. The event was an opportunity for industry leaders to share their experiences and insights on LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.
National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11 each year to raise awareness about and support for the LGBTQ+ community. It is a day for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other non-heteronormative sexual orientation or gender identity to share their stories with friends, family, colleagues, and peers. The objective is to foster a safer environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to be open and honest about who they are and provide an opportunity for allies to demonstrate their support and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
The Executive Leadership Panel featured several distinguished speakers, each of whom offered their unique perspectives and valuable contributions to the discussion, sparking an interesting exchange of ideas and viewpoints on an array of important and timely issues.
Included in the conversations were John Nordberg, Executive Director at Syndax Pharmaceutics, who delivered opening remarks; Patrick Leroy, Senior Scientist at Takeda Oncology; Richard Pulik, Chief Financial Officer at Roivant Sciences; Amit Rakhit, M.D., Chief Executive Officer at Flare; and Kendyl Schaefer, portfolio and program management executive. Candace Nortey, Managing Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Slone Partners, served as the program moderator.
(From L to R): John Nordberg, Syndax Pharmaceuticals; Patrick LeRoy, Takeda Oncology; Amit Rakhit, Flare; Kendyl Schaefer; Richard Pulik, Roivant Sciences; Candace Nortey, Slone Partners.
“This event was a testament to the commitment of Slone Partners and Syndax Pharmaceuticals to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organizations and beyond,” said Nortey. “It is also a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating safe and healthy workplaces where individuals can be their authentic selves and achieve their maximum potential.
“Gatherings like these serve as a powerful catalyst for change, driving conversations and action towards a more inclusive and accepting society. They remind us that by celebrating our differences, we can collectively move forward toward a more equitable, dynamic, and well-rounded future,” she continued.
“As we reflect on the insights and conversations that transpired during this remarkable event, we are inspired to continue the journey towards a more inclusive world, not just on National Coming Out Day but every day. I hope this event will serve as a call to action to champion diversity and embrace the strength it brings to our workplaces and communities.”
Key takeaways:
- Small gestures can make a big difference.
- Leadership actions are crucial in creating inclusive workplaces.
- We ALL have so much learning to do.