I'm working toward a better future for patients. And I do it
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 influencing the recruitment, development and retention of Black employees at all levels of the Parexel organization. BEACON will also use its collective voice and diverse experiences to 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.
Our Workstreams
BEACON operates through four key workstreams, each designed to address specific aspects of the Black employee experience and contribute to a more inclusive workplace.
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Parexel Culture: Improve processes to address racial and ethnicity-related concerns to contribute to creating a more inclusive workplace culture for all employees. Provide a safe space for Black employees to connect and support one another and actively celebrate Black contributions throughout the year.
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Career Development/Retention: Provide insights to develop and advance Black talent to ensure equitable career development, progression, promotion, and pay equity. Help retain diverse talent by fostering a supportive environment and offering mentorship opportunities.
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Community Outreach and Recruitment: Champion Parexel's wide range of inclusion efforts by being the publicity arm of BEACON in the social media space and support Parexel's Patient Community initiatives by using our connections to diversify and increase participation.
BEACON Initiative Spotlights
BEACON Co-leads
Moe Ba
Director, HR Program Management and Co-lead of BEACON
“BEACON is one of the most amazing things I'm involved in at Parexel. As a co-lead, I support putting forth mentoring programs, career development and retention programs.”
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. It is a joy to collaborate with Moe, whose expertise greatly enhances our efforts. Together, we strive to uplift our colleagues and create a positive impact through our workstreams. ”
Insights from BEACON members
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 ERGs 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.”
Explore Parexel
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Learn MoreInclusion at Parexel
Learn how Parexel celebrates the differences our workforce and patients bring and ensures an inclusive environment.
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Learn MoreOur work culture
Learn about our culture, perks, learning opportunities, and our corporate responsibility approach.
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Learn MoreLearning and development
We believe that investing in your professional and personal development is an investment in Parexel, and we want to help you realize your full potential and career. Ensuring we have a fully trained and capable workforce is a key part of delivering quality work and patient safety.
Join us in driving change
Since our launch in 2021, BEACON has grown from 32 to 169 members. We invite you to be part of our journey in creating a more inclusive workplace and advancing equity 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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