Young Black Pharma

Thank you Freda Lewis-Hall, MD, DFAPA, MFPM for showing up for YBP time and time again to show us what profound and servant leadership looks like in the biopharma space! ☺️

Humbled to share that I was recently honoured as one of the recipients of the “YBP Connect Intentionally Award” at the 2025 Young Black Pharma (YBP) Conference and Gala in Washington D.C earlier this month. Unfortunately I was unable to attend in person but I am so privileged to have been nominated alongside some amazing trailblazers and change makers in the industry. Super grateful to have been celebrated from afar with this award and I want to extend my gratitude to my peers and the YBP selection committee.  This award celebrates outstanding individuals who exemplify the values of YBP in facilitating inclusion through connecting, cultivating and inspiring.  I’ve always held the belief that its only through collaboration that we can create powerful initiatives to support under-represented populations. There are no better examples of this than observing some of the fantastic partnerships seen across the industry with the amazing patient advocacy groups showing up and fighting for the patient's voice every day.  I deeply identify with the mission of YBP and although being based on the other side of the Atlantic to a lot of my peers, I’m looking forward to seeing this organisation continue to grow and hopefully there will soon be enough of us in Europe to host a regional YBP catch up in Paris, London or Madrid! (Other European capitals are available!) Tagging in some amazing patient led organisations I’ve worked with past, present and hopefully in the future! Patient Empowerment Network, HealthTree Foundation, CancerCare, Cancer Support Community, Acute Leukemia Advocates Network, Sickle Cell Society, International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF), ACLT Wishing my US connections a restful thanksgiving weekend!

October and November have been a whirlwind. I started the fall travel season at the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Annual Conference, connected with colleagues who have become friends, and discussed salient issues for biotech and biopharma companies.  Later in the month, I headed to Charlotte, a new location for the OneWe Reach (formerly WOCIP®) conference and continued to collect valuable insights on how companies are navigating the emergence of AI, regulatory uncertainty, a fundraising environment that continues to impact all companies, but particularly early-stage companies, and preparing leaders to navigate all of these challenges. The following week, I headed to NYC and attended The Galien Foundation Forum for the first time.  It was an impressive gathering of R&D leaders who are shaping clinical trials, commercialization, and exploring cutting-edge breakthroughs to benefit the health of all. Next up, I flew to Vienna for my first BIO-Europe. It is a stunning city with deep history and absolutely gorgeous architecture. It was a great backdrop to learn more about the ecosystem of biotech in Europe, how companies are navigating geopolitical and fundraising challenges, and what framework would better position growth in this region. It was great to connect with the team at EBD Group and while this isn’t the primary purpose, you all know how to have fun. 12 hours after my return to DC, I attended Young Black Pharma and saw the promise of mid-career professionals who will be the upcoming leaders across their companies. One Fireside Chat speaker made the keen observation that some of them will be our bosses one day! I closed out this month of travel with the Latinos in Bio gala in Boston. The companies and individuals who received awards showed yet again the power of connection, leadership, and community. As I described all of this travel to a few people, they asked me why it was important. I didn’t hesitate to respond that as a team member at Biotechnology Innovation Organization which hosts the biggest gathering for biotech in the world, we can’t do this without relationships and  understanding the many organizations that strengthen connection and innovation in our industry. The talent and leadership across our companies and partners is of the utmost importance in an everchanging world with complex problems and complex illnesses. Thanks for all of the valuable insights and connections made and renewed.  Enjoy this week with family and friends as we wrap up the year and plan for 2026!

I’m thrilled to share that I was recently nominated for, and honored with, the Inspire Excellence Award at the 2025 Young Black Pharma (YBP) Conference. Although I was unable to attend in person, I was deeply honored to be recognized among my peers in multiple categories, and grateful to be celebrated with this award. Thank you to my colleagues for for this distinct honor and thank you to the Selection Committee for all that you do. The Inspire Excellence Award celebrates outstanding individuals who exemplify the mission of YBP and are making a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry. It is truly an honor to be recognized by such a remarkable organization and community, and I know that there is still more work to do.   I’d also like to share an excerpt from my award nomination: "Tatiana is a rising star in the pharmaceutical industry, known for her quiet confidence, clear excellence, and ability to elevate every team she touches. At her previous company, she quickly became one of the most sought after SMEs in Regulatory Ad/Promo- earning consistent praise from cross-functional leaders as 'the best Regulatory partner I've ever had.' At her farewell reception, over 30 colleagues across brands gathered to celebrate her impact and leadership.    Beyond her professional excellence, Tatiana embodies the spirit of mentorship and community. She has encouraged and guided fellow YBP members into new opportunities, championed peers through her leadership, and continues to inspire others in her current role at AbbVie. With 3 years of experience, she exemplifies Black Excellence-leading with grace, building bridges across cultures, and raising the bar for those who follow."