Divergent CRO, co-founded by Abiel Obanjo and Shawn Williams, is transforming clinical trials by prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Inspired by their grandmothers’ healthcare struggles, the founders are committed to addressing the underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in medical research.
Abiel’s experience with his grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s shaped his patient-centric approach as a Senior Global Clinical Trial Manager, while Shawn’s advocacy stems from witnessing the lack of diverse trials during her grandmother’s cancer treatment. Together, they aim to create more inclusive clinical trials that reflect the global population and improve healthcare for all.
Divergent CRO stands out in a competitive industry for its unwavering focus on ensuring diversity in clinical trials. While many CROs overlook the importance of including BIPOC communities in research, Divergent CRO is committed to engaging these groups in the process. The organization actively works to recruit participants from diverse populations and collaborates with community leaders and healthcare providers to build trust and ensure culturally sensitive practices throughout the research process. This approach is grounded in the belief that medical advancements must reflect the genetic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity of the global population to be truly effective.
The importance of diversity in clinical trials cannot be overstated. When research fails to include diverse populations, the resulting treatments may not work as effectively for certain groups. This is especially true for BIPOC communities, who often face unique health challenges due to genetic, cultural, and environmental factors. Divergent CRO’s focus on these underserved populations helps ensure that clinical trials are not only more equitable but also more relevant, improving the accuracy and applicability of research findings across all demographics.
Divergent CRO’s dedication to diversity has already earned the company recognition in the life sciences industry. Recently, Divergent CRO was named one of the “10 Preeminent CROs 2024” by Life Sciences Review, a leading publication in the sector. This mention is a testament to the organization’s dedication to innovation and excellence in clinical research, as well as the trust it has earned among clients and industry peers. As part of the selection process, Divergent CRO was evaluated by a panel of experts who acknowledged the company’s exceptional contributions to the clinical research field.
Photo Courtesy: Divergent CRO
Beyond its recognition, Divergent CRO has pioneered innovative approaches to ensure that clinical trials are inclusive and representative. The company has developed tailored recruitment strategies designed to engage underrepresented communities in the research process. These strategies include collaborating with community leaders, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to create trust and ensure that parties feel comfortable and confident in the trials. Divergent CRO also uses culturally sensitive communication practices to overcome the barriers that often prevent diverse populations from participating in clinical research.
Abiel and Shawn’s dedication to transforming the clinical research landscape is evident in every aspect of Divergent CRO’s work. Their mission is not just about improving healthcare outcomes for BIPOC communities but about ensuring that medical research as a whole is more reflective of the world’s diverse population. By advocating for greater inclusivity in clinical trials, Divergent CRO is helping to create a future where medical treatments are more effective and equitable for everyone.
Divergent CRO is also committed to ongoing transparency in its research process. The company maintains open lines of communication with participants, researchers, and stakeholders to ensure that all aspects of the clinical trial process are conducted with the highest benchmarks of integrity and ethical conduct. This commitment to clearness is vital in building trust with diverse communities, ensuring that participants feel confident in the research process and its outcomes.
Divergent CRO’s innovative approach is rapidly gaining attention in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. In addition to its focus on diversity, the company’s commitment to ethical innovation and accountability has positioned it as a leader in the field. Abiel and Shawn’s personal motivations, rooted in their family experiences, have driven the organization to adopt a unique perspective on clinical research—one that prioritizes inclusivity and strives for a future where healthcare is accessible, effective, and equitable for all.
Looking ahead, Divergent CRO plans to continue expanding its impact in the clinical research space. The company is actively seeking partnerships with organizations that share its commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as with healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups working to address healthcare disparities. Through these collaborations, Divergent CRO aims to further its mission of advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes for diverse populations.
For more information on Divergent CRO and its innovative approach to clinical research, visit the company’s website at DivergentCRO.com. You can also follow Divergent CRO on social media at:
Divergent CRO’s commitment to advancing diversity in clinical trials is reshaping the future of healthcare research, ensuring that the voices and needs of all communities are heard and addressed. With a focus on ethical innovation, the organization is leading the charge toward a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape.
Published by Mark V.
