Voices of Inclusive Research
Voices of Inclusive Research is a podcast dedicated to exploring the diverse and dynamic world of inclusive research. Each episode features thought leaders, community members and advocates who we welcome to share their questions, concerns, insights, lived experiences and groundbreaking work. Our mission is to give the community a voice in clinical research. We aim to inspire and inform by highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusivity in clinical research.
Voices of Inclusive Research
Shifting Gears, Staying Focused: A Community Update from Dr. Ren
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“Just because we’re slowing down doesn’t mean we’re stopping.”
In this special solo episode, I share some exciting updates, a few changes, and what’s ahead for Voices of Inclusive Research.
We’re shifting from a biweekly release to a monthly schedule so I can pace myself and still show up with the energy this work deserves. Don’t worry—we’re still here, and I’m still committed to amplifying the voices of our community.
I also share a behind-the-scenes look at our second annual Community Clinical Trial Health Forum—yes, clinical trial trivia was a hit! We’re finding creative ways to make research education fun, accessible, and culturally relevant.
Coming up, we’re focusing even more on lupus initiatives, brain health, and mindful aging in our local communities. And as a nonprofit, we’re calling on our supporters—if this podcast or our mission has made an impact on you, I hope you’ll support however you can.
🎧 Tune in for a heartfelt check-in, some celebrations, and a reminder that this fire is still burning.
Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments
- We’re Pacing for Impact - I’m moving the podcast to a monthly format—not to slow down, but to sustain the work and protect the mission.
- Clinical Trial Trivia Was a Hit! - We brought research education to life at our health forum with competitive, fun, culturally relevant trivia. Yes, learning can be fun.
- Our Work on Lupus & Brain Health is Growing - I’m excited to expand our lupus partnerships and continue our mindful aging events focused on Alzheimer’s and cognitive health.
- Community Always Comes First - If it matters to our community, it matters to us. We’ll keep showing up and creating space for your voices in this movement.
- This Is Purpose Work, Not Profit Work - We’re a nonprofit driven by passion, not funding—and I’m calling on you to help sustain this work in whatever way you can.
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Note: We use AI transcription so there may be some inaccuracies
Dr. Ren: Hey everyone. It is Dr. R, and welcome back to another episode of Voices of Inclusive Research. I want to thank each and every one of you for tuning in, sharing episodes, and most importantly, continuing to be a part of this movement to make research more inclusive and community centered. I have a quick update to share with you.
Today is just a solo episode. Some changes will be coming, some celebrations I wanna share with you and a look ahead what's going on. First, let's talk about the podcast schedule. You might notice soon that you won't see our episodes as much. That's because we've decided to shift from our biweekly schedule to a monthly release.
For now, this is due to some scheduling changes within our organization and for myself personally, there's been some changes. So, but don't worry, we'll still hear and we are still dedicated and we're still committed to highlighting and amplifying the voices of our community. Our advocates, thought leaders, and everyday people involved in clinical research.
We'll continue to show up for you each month with a meaningful conversation and powerful stories that matter because this work is too important to pause. We're just pacing ourselves a way that allows us to sustain and grow. Now for some exciting news, we just wrapped up our second annual community clinical trial health form, and beautiful San Diego, California.
And let me tell you, it was powerful. Okay. We were able to educate and engage with around 100 people in the community, all with the goal of raising awareness about the lack of diversity in clinical trials and the importance of knowing what research even means in our communities. One of my favorite moments.
Was clinical trial trivia, y'all, the community loved it and it was fun. It was competitive and it was educational, and it was just one out of the box way to make learning about research. More approachable, old. We're working hard to package up that trivia game. And get it out to the public because we do believe that clinical research education can be fun, it can be accessible, and of course, culturally relative.
So now looking ahead, we are rolling into some meaningful projects. we will take it up a notch with our incredible ongoing lupus initiatives with one of our partners. We'll be hosting more events that center community voices, lupus education, and sharing research opportunities with people who truly need them.
We're not just talking about research for research sake, we're talking about finding solutions for people living with chronic illnesses like lupus. We want to be a resource. We want to be a bridge and a help for those looking for better treatment options. We'll also continue our mindful aging events in the LA area, which bring brain health education to our older adult communities, brain health, Alzheimer's research, and aging.
Well, these remain key focus areas for us.
And even with these two major focus areas, lupus and Alzheimer's disease, we remain open to other health research education opportunities. So that's not all for us because we do believe that if it matters to the community, it matters to us. So that's our goal. Now I wanna talk honestly about something that's always on our minds as nonprofit.
Remember, we're a nonprofit that's funding diverse research now is a public benefit organization and we operate from a place of passion and purpose, and we depend on grants, donations, and community support to keep us going. We hosted a fundraising gala recently. And while we didn't quite meet our goal, we're still pushing forward.
We're actively seeking funding so we can continue to show up, do this work and reach even more people. Reach is so important to us. If you believe in us and what we're doing, if you've been impacted by this podcast, one of our Amen. or our presence in the community, please consider supporting us however way you can.
Whether it's a donation, volunteering, or just sharing our work, it really does help us. So here's what I'll leave you with though. You'll hear from us a little less often. Just once a month. Now our fire is still burning. We have not given up. We will continue to speak up, educate and advocate for research that includes and reflects us, our lives, our health, our journeys, and our stories.
And to next time, keep learning, keep sharing, and keep believing that you belong in the conversation around clinical research because you do. Stay connected with us on social media, and we'll see you again next month on Voices of Inclusive Research.
