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Get to know BEACON: Parexel's Black Employees Advisory Consortium

Fostering Inclusion, Driving Change

Our Vision

To make Parexel the employer of choice for Black professionals in the Clinical Research Organization industry. To be a leader in fairness and inclusion by advancing the interests of both Black employees and Black patients we serve With Heart™.

Our Mission

BEACON is the catalyst committed to:

  • Creating a community for Black employees and allies, providing career and personal development resources, and celebrating cultural observances  
  • Influencing the recruitment, development, and retention of Black employees at all levels of the Parexel organization 
  • Engage with employees, leadership, allies, and external stakeholders to support the inclusion of Black patients in clinical research 

We strive for an inclusive environment that welcomes and invites all colleagues to bring their authentic selves and talents to work every day. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce, customers, patients, and partners and aspire to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported.

Addressing Workplace Disparities

Black Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) like BEACON are vital in fostering fairness and inclusion within organizations. Despite progress, Black professionals continue to face challenges in the workplace, including:

  • Underrepresentation in leadership positions
  • Pay gaps
  • Limited access to mentorship and sponsorship
  • Higher rates of experiencing microaggressions
  • Lower rates of promotion and career advancement

BEACON is dedicated to addressing these disparities through various initiatives and workstreams. BEACON addresses the unique challenges faced by Black employees while also contributing to Parexel's overall success and inclusive culture.

BEACON Initiative Spotlights

Networking


We foster a supportive internal network through regular virtual “Coffee Chats”, offering monthly topics around shared experiences, tools, and tips. BEACON also hosts in-person networking events across the US where Parexel colleagues are based. 

Cultural Celebrations


We spearhead many cultural celebrations, including:
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day commemoration
  • U.S. Black History Month (February)
  • Juneteenth commemoration
  • UK Black History Month (October)

Talent Acquisition


We collaborate with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and support diversity-focused conferences. Several of our members attended the Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR) conference in the last two years. 
Several BEACON members in a group image with Aida Sabo, Parexel's Senior Vice President Global Inclusion

Leadership Development


BEACON Wisdom Circles: This program offers a nine-month leadership journey for BEACON members at any level through to manager. It is a development and mentoring program focused on peer-based learning for personal and professional growth.
Screenshot of an online book club organized by BEACON

Career Development


  • Black Women in Clinical Research: Several BEACON members have attended the BWICR conference each year since its inaugural conference in 2021. Parexel is also a corporate sponsor of BWICR.  
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities: In collaboration with the Talent Acquisition team, BEACON collaborates with HBCUs and supports inclusion-focused conferences. 
Several BEACON members in a group image

Community Outreach


By request from Parexel's Patient Community Group, several gentlemen in BEACON volunteered to review some patient clinical trial documentation for a Prostate Cancer study being conducted in the UK.

BEACON Co-leads

Marlayna Fitts

CRA Line Manager, Clinical Operations and Co-lead of BEACON

“Being a co-lead of BEACON has allowed me to leverage my passion and support, highlighting the ongoing work required to ensure a safe environment for our Black and Brown colleagues.  Together, we strive to uplift our colleagues and create a positive impact through our workstreams. ”

Read more

Marlayna, a Black-American women, wearing shoulder long hair, a black-white striped jacket and a necklace.
A black American lady smiling towards the camera. She wears her hair up, has golden earrings and a golden necklace. She wears a fuscia pink sleeveless top.

Danaka Williams

Senior Director, Corporate Communications and Co-lead of BEACON

“Like its name implies, BEACON is a bright light for Parexel. It guides colleagues in their professional development, celebrates and brings awareness of Black culture, and spotlights opportunities to make meaningful change. As a co-lead for BEACON, I'm proud of our work to support Black colleagues and the ways this BRG impacts Parexel's Global Inclusion efforts.”

Insights from BEACON members

Ramona, a black American woman, wearing long dark curly hair and a pattern shirt.

Ramona Hurst

Site Contracts Associate I

“I am a firm believer in being the change I want to see. In BEACON, I can do just that as an active member of its Culture Workstream and by demonstrating allyship with other BRGs and leadership groups within Parexel.  I’ve also been able to participate in mentor programs, network with like-minded individuals, and make new friends! It’s gratifying to work for a company that encourages its workforce to find ‘community’ within its walls.”

LaTasha Cannon

Senior Clinical Research Associate

“I remember joining my first BEACON meeting, and I felt ‘at home’ with such a positive and motivational group of like-minded individuals. BEACON members share intellectual skills, various arrays of knowledge within departments as well as strategies to handle emotional and personal issues that could impact work responsibilities. As we encourage each other, we grow together all while emphasizing our main purpose to find life-changing medicines that will improve and prolong the health of each patient.”

LaTasha, a black American woman, wearing shoulder long straight hair, thin hoops, big black glasses and a black jacket.

Explore Parexel

Join us in driving change

Since our launch in 2021, BEACON has grown to more than 175 members. We invite you to be part of our journey in creating a more inclusive workplace and advancing access in clinical research. At Parexel, your voice matters, and through BEACON, you can contribute to meaningful change.

Discover how you can grow your career and make an impact with Parexel. Join a company that values fairness and inclusion at its core.

Explore our current opportunities and sign up for our Talent Community. 

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