Join WIB-RTP and the RTP Chapter of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) for the 3rd Annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Panel. This year’s discussion will explore the tension between psychological safety and performance pressure, including where safety can break down in fast-paced environments, and the role managers play as gatekeepers of inclusive cultures. Panelists will also examine the quiet inequities that often go untracked, from ERG fatigue to the emotional labor frequently carried by women and underrepresented professionals. The panel will also address the ongoing confusion around equity versus equality, why the language continues to challenge leaders, and how organizations can approach these conversations in ways that resonate across diverse perspectives.

WIB-RTP and ACRP-RTP continue their shared commitment to advancing inclusive and equitable workplaces, offering practical insights for leaders, managers, and professionals navigating today’s evolving workplace culture.

Note: Each ticket includes appetizers and two drink vouchers.

Program 

5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Check-in and Networking
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Panel Discussion
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Networking

Speaker Bios

Teena Aytch-Burwell, MHR, SHRM-SCP, Human Resources Business Partner at Lenovo

Eisha Clyde, MS, Founder & Executive Director of HBCU STEMulUS

Eisha is a Clinical Immunology Scientist and founder of The HBCU STEMulUS, a non-profit organization based in Raleigh, NC. Eisha has research experience in HIV-1, SARS-COV-2, and gene therapy research. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in 2015 and later completed her master's degree in biology from Towson University in 2018. Eisha's passion for diversifying the nation's STEM workforce is evident in her work with The HBCU STEMulUS, whose mission is to educate, train, and develop Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Her organization aims to educate HBCU students on a variety of STEM fields, increase the number of minorities in STEM careers, and aid in the development of a diversified STEM workforce. Eisha's expertise enables her to observe the disconnect between minority communities and corporate organizations. She recognizes that preparing students for life after college is not the only challenge to tackle, but also working with pharma and tech companies to ensure that minority students have equal access to internship and job opportunities. Outside of her nonprofit, Eisha has developed a partnership between her alma mater, NCCU, and her current company AskBio, to host students for laboratory tours, conversations with scientists, and introduction to the gene therapy sector. Eisha's contributions to the HBCU community and the corporate sector have earned her numerous speaking opportunities, including the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Math - Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation, where she joined conversations to advance the vision for a more efficient, effective, and inclusive workforce by 2030. The discussion also included ways to prepare a more diversified workforce for clinical trial professionals. Her work has also been highlighted in Forbes, VoyageRaleigh, STEM Crew Magazine, and QCityMetro. Eisha believes that instead of criticizing the system, it is more productive to work towards its dismantling. Her passion and expertise make her an engaging and dynamic speaker, capable of inspiring and educating audiences on the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.

Sunny Myers, Senior Employee Experience & Belonging Partner at Fastly

Sunny Myers is a technologist, bridge-builder, and strategist, and a proud citizen of the Lumbee and Sappony Tribes of North Carolina. With a foundation in engineering and operations, she brings over a decade of experience leading cross-functional initiatives at Amazon, Palo Alto Networks, and Fastly, where she serves as Senior Employee Experience and Belonging Partner. She blends technical expertise with cultural advocacy to drive inclusive, scalable change. Sunny is the Founder and Advisor of the AUNTIE Tech Collective, uplifting Indigenous girls and womxn in tech, and serves on the boards of Triangle Women in STEM, Natives in Tech, and the Triangle Native American Society. She shows up with big earrings, bold allyship, and unapologetic Auntie Energy.

Maria Thurman, Director Clinical Portfolio and Services at  Alnylam

Shaun Venable, Head of Corporate Communications at Biogen, Moderator

Shaun is the Head of Corporate Communications, RTP at Biogen, where she leads internal and external communications for the site. With more than 25 years of experience across the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, Shaun is passionate about maximizing human performance through storytelling, employee engagement, and sustainable collaboration. Her career began on the production floor and evolved into leadership roles spanning technical operations, quality, chief of staff, and communications—giving her a unique perspective on organizational culture and change. Shaun is also the Global Co-Chair of Biogen’s MOSAIC Multicultural Employee Resource Group, where she helps advance inclusion and community across the organization. Outside of her role at Biogen, Shaun is deeply involved in the community and professional organizations, supporting initiatives that strengthen leadership, advocacy, and opportunity in healthcare and beyond. In her personal life, Shaun enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, including her high school sweetheart husband and their four children. Her favorite quote is from Maya Angelou:  “My mission in life is not to merely survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

Pricing Information

• Members: $25
• ACRP Members: $25
• Non-members*: $35

*Not a Member? Click here to purchase a WIB membership and gain access to our video library, mentorship opportunities, and more.  

Please read WIB's Code of Conduct and Refund Policy.

Note: A confirmation email will be sent after registration has been completed.  

Maximum Capacity

100

Parking Information

Free parking is available onsite.

Accessibility Accommodations

This location is fully accessible to those with physical disabilities. If you need any additional accommodations, please contact us at rtp@womeninbio.org before the event.