June 26th 2024.
The Cannes Lion Festival of Creativity is going strong with its diversity initiative, which is reflected in its panel discussions. One such panel, called "Lunch and Learn," was hosted by Novartis and focused on promoting healthy equity and innovation. The event also included a delicious four-course meal, courtesy of Barbados Tourism and chef T. Stoute.
The Inkwell Beach event on June 21 was emceed by Monique Idlett, who is part of the Cannes Can: Diversity Collective. The panel discussions at this event were led by esteemed speakers who all share a common goal of promoting inclusivity in both the workforce and healthcare industry. One of the panels, moderated by Ida Harris, director of digital content for BLACK ENTERPRISE, focused on the topic of achieving equity. The panelists included SurviveHER founder Lyndsay Levingston, Black Heart Association founder Tara Robinson, and Martin Hamlette, Head of US ESG Strategy, Ops & Partnerships. Hamlette, a diversity leader for Novartis, shared insights on the company's initiatives, including their "Healthy Zip Codes" program, which aims to reduce health disparities that disproportionately affect minorities.
During the panel, Hamlette explained, "Health equity means bridging the gaps in chronic conditions. People of color often experience worse health outcomes for these conditions, and it's an issue that needs to be addressed. I'm proud to be a part of Novartis' Global Health and Sustainability team, as we work towards finding solutions to these problems."
The panelists also spoke about their ongoing commitment to promoting health equity and making healthcare more affordable for underserved communities. Robinson and Levingston, who both launched nonprofits after their personal battles with health issues, shared their experiences and discussed their efforts to ensure a healthier future for Black people. Harris also highlighted the shocking statistic that 60% of Black women are dying from heart disease as young as age 20, sparking a conversation with Robinson, who survived three heart attacks in one week. Robinson spoke about her work with the Black Heart Association, which aims to address systemic issues related to heart disease in communities of color.
Another panel, titled "Shaping the Future of Work: Talent, Innovation, and Inclusivity," brought together pioneers in diversity, including Marion Brooks, the vice president and U.S. Head of DEI for Novartis. The discussion also featured Dr. LaKendria Brown, a Thurgood Marshall Scholar and Beacon of Hope Fellow at Novartis, who shared her experiences as a recipient of the Beacon of Hope program. This program, which provides a three-year scholarship, has helped transform Brown's academic future and continues to support diverse scholars.
Brown shared, "The Beacon of Hope program has been amazing for me. It has opened doors to many opportunities, awards, and scholarships. The mentorship program has also been invaluable, providing us with access to courses and resources. I am still benefiting from this program and am grateful for the opportunities it has given me."
Brooks added, "The Beacon of Hope program is a 10-year, $50 million partnership with 26 HBCUs and 4 historically Black medical schools. We are not just making a commitment or pledge, but forming a true partnership. We are working to build infrastructure and resources so these schools can conduct research. It is crucial to have Black patients represented in clinical trials, so having people of color conducting the testing, training, and trials is a big part of our commitment."
These panels at the Cannes Lion Festival of Creativity serve as a reminder of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all industries and on a global scale. The festival is not only a celebration of creativity, but also a platform for important discussions and initiatives, such as Nikkia McClain's Power Initiative, which empowers Black women to be unapologetically themselves. With these efforts, we can continue to make progress towards a more diverse and inclusive world.
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