PARTNER PROFILES
Belinda Stubblefield
HEAD OF DIVERSITY , EQUITY , AND INCLUSION
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Belinda Stubblefield is the head of Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative ( CZI ) which has partnered with CDU and the nation ’ s three other historically Black medical colleges ( HBMCs ) to advance genomics research through their Accelerate Precision Health program .
The collaboration is meant to further support the cutting-edge scientific research the institutions are leading to address significant gaps in genomics research , create new tools and methods to prevent and treat disease , and accelerate precision health for everyone , particularly Black people and other people of color .
" Looking specifically at our work as it relates to scientific progress , our mission is to support the science and technology that will make it possible to cure , prevent , or manage all diseases by the end of this century ," shared Stubblefield . " But we can ’ t prevent , cure , or manage all diseases if the research is based on datasets that are predominantly from individuals of European ancestry ."
CDU ' s leadership in health disparities research and the role the University plays in preparing Black physicians for careers in healthcare are some of the key elements that attracted CZI ' s attention .
" Overwhelmingly , CDU and other HBMCs produce graduates who fulfill
Colleen Byrnes
VP AND SITE HEAD
Grifols
Colleen Byrnes is the Vice President and Site Head of the Grifols site located in Los Angeles , California . She is responsible for overseeing nearly 1,000 employees working in Manufacturing , Quality , Facilities , Finance , and Compliance Training operations . In this role , Byrnes works closely with the Corporate Affairs Department and Los Angeles Social Impact Committee to support non-profit and community organizations in the Los Angeles region .
Grifols is dedicated to helping society on all fronts by strengthening their positive social , economic and environmental impact in the communities in which they operate . " Grifols is proud of the work we do on advocacy and our support of the principles of justice and equality in healthcare , particularly as it applies to our employees , donors , and patient access to plasma therapies ," said Byrnes .
Their efforts to prioritize the health and well-being of the communities they serve are closely aligned with those of CDU . " It was especially important to Grifols to find an organization that aligned with the company ’ s values and culture of promoting greater diversity in the field of healthcare and addressing the needs of its community , especially in areas that are underserved or underrepresented ," explained Byrnes . " Grifols ’ commitment to addressing these disparities in the communities we operate is a company priority ." social mission — especially in communities that are underserved — and who pursue in-demand primary care specialties , including family and internal medicine ," said Stubblefield . " So , Charles R . Drew University was a clear choice to advance precision health when we began building this partnership in 2021 ."
CZI recognizes that in order to accelerate science , they will need the fraternity of others whose values align with theirs . " We believe that those most impacted by challenges in their communities should be leading the development of solutions . Our approach is not top-down , but rather community-driven ,” explains Stubblefield . “ This has helped guide us to build more strategic collaborations that better empower leaders closest to these issues . By funding and supporting innovative science and technology , we can catalyze scientific discovery and accelerate the development of treatments and cures ."
Stubblefield envisions a positive outcome from CZI ’ s partnership with CDU as it will address the gap between representation and need in genomics research . “ Given the current growth of the field of precision health , there is no better time than now to support this research ,” said Stubblefield . “ Advances from collaborations with CDU and other HBMCs will result in broader participation in and access to genomics research , and expand the population that can benefit from precision health .”
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded in 2015 to help solve some of society ’ s toughest challenges — from eradicating disease and improving education , to addressing the needs of our communities . Through collaboration , providing resources and building technology , their mission is to help build a more inclusive , just and healthy future for everyone .
Grifols was first introduced to CDU in 2013 as an indirect partner via the National Medical Fellowships organization , which awarded the Victor Grifols Roura Scholarship to underrepresented students pursuing a medical degree in California . As the years progressed and Grifols ' commitment to greater diversity expanded , the organization took a closer look into the University as a potential partner .
" Grifols partners with organizations that share our commitment to improving access to health , protecting the environment and serving society ," shared Byrnes . " We choose partners who support our priority areas that include : Health and Well-Being ; Education and STEAM ( Science , Technology , Engineering , Arts , Math ); Building Strong Communities ; and Creating Green Spaces ."
Grifols made the decision to broaden their scholarship program by establishing the Victor Grifols Roura Scholarship to nursing students in the Mervyn M . Dymally College of Nursing . A larger contribution was also made to support the University ' s Saturday Science Academy II program , which expands STEM education to youth , pre-K to 12th grade , in the community .
“ By focusing on our commitment to patients , donors , employees , and our community , we can make meaningful decisions that provide a positive impact as a company on society and the environment ,” shared Byrnes . “ This impact can be seen in our partnership with Charles Drew University , especially in the way that we are invested in today ’ s youth for the future of diversity in healthcare and the industry as a whole . I am proud of our partnership and know that these efforts are only the start to a brighter future for all .”
Grifols is a global healthcare company founded in Barcelona in 1909 committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world . A leader in essential plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine , the company develops , produces , and provides innovative healthcare services and solutions in more than 110 countries .
42 Partner Profiles