Voices of Inclusive Research

In this special compilation episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Ren brings together powerful moments and voices that highlight the heart of this movement: community, trust, and representation. From the importance of physician and community partnerships to the role of mentorship and education, this conversation emphasizes that meaningful change requires both awareness and action. It also c...

In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research , Dr. Ren speaks with Mary McGowan, President and CEO of the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, about the importance of awareness, policy change, and patient-centered solutions in advancing health equity. Mary shares insights on sarcoidosis, a complex and often misunderstood inflammatory disease that disproportionately impacts communities of color,...

Access to healthcare, awareness, and trust in medical research remain ongoing challenges for many underserved communities. In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Renarda speaks with Nicholas Jackson, founder of iHealth Network, about how culturally tailored media can bridge communication gaps and improve clinical research participation. Nick shares how the loss of his mother and gran...

Research isn’t just happening in labs. It’s happening in your everyday life. In this solo episode of Voices of Inclusive Research , I break down how research quietly shapes the products we use, the health choices we make, and the options available to our communities every day. From health and beauty to food, fitness, and mental health, research has evolved to better reflect real people and real ne...

History shapes the present and the future of research in Black communities. In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research , host Dr. Ren speaks with Dr. Crystal Glover, applied social psychologist and associate professor at UC Irvine, about conducting research with dignity, relevance, and respect for historically underserved communities. Dr. Glover discusses the resilience of Black communities,...

Trust and equity in research begin with acknowledging the lived experiences of communities. In this solo episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, I speak honestly about fear, unrest, and lived experience and how they shape health equity and clinical research participation. I reflect on the current realities impacting Black and Brown communities and why research cannot be separated from what people...

Health equity starts with inclusive research. In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research , Dr. Ren speaks with Dr. Camille Campbell, Biogen’s Lead for Health Equity and Clinical Innovation, about the critical work of making clinical research inclusive and representative. Dr. Campbell shares her experiences bridging the gap between pharmaceutical research and historically marginalized communit...

In this inspiring episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Ren Jones is joined by Zachariah Martinez, the first young guest to ever appear on the podcast. Zachariah shares his personal experience participating in pediatric clinical studies and explains how getting involved not only benefited science but also improved his mood, routines, and overall well-being. Dr. Ren and Zachariah discuss wha...

In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research , Dr. Renarda Jones speaks with Tony Wafford, founder of I Choose Life Health Foundation, about the importance of culturally grounded approaches to health education and research. Tony shares how his work blends social entrepreneurship and social justice. He uses creative strategies such as leveraging entertainment to increase HIV testing and research...

In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Renarda Jones speaks with Judy Galindo, site owner and co-founder of Latinos in Clinical Research, about how her team is expanding clinical trial access in Imperial County and beyond. Judy shares how Sun Valley Research Center has grown from psych CNS studies to new areas like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, driven by her community’s health...

In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research , Dr. Ren sits down with Jennifer Hairston to explore the intersections of self-reflection, accountability, and resilience in leadership. Jennifer shares her journey of navigating career challenges, personal loss, and the drive to create inclusive and equitable spaces in the workplace. Listeners will hear how self-awareness and education provide a fo...

In this solo episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, I reflect on the meaning and mission behind Diverse Research Now, and why the distinction between diversity and diverse matters. Reading from the organization’s latest blog, I explore how our language shapes inclusion, accountability, and representation in clinical research. I remind listeners that “diversity” can be a checkbox without action,...

In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Renarda Jones speaks with Dr. Jose Rubio, rheumatologist and clinical researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, about the future of lupus research and the importance of diversity in trials. Dr. Rubio explains how lupus is not a single disease but a spectrum of immune system misfires, which makes personalized medicine essential. He s...

In this compelling episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Ren speaks with Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., lung cancer researcher, advocate, and educator, about the critical need for equity, representation, and advocacy in lung cancer care and research. Dr. Manley shares his personal experiences navigating the healthcare system, including the challenges he faced as a Black Medicaid patient during his...

In this powerful episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Renarda Jones sits down with survivor and advocate Chenyka “Nyka” Ramos to talk about her journey with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, cold capping, and what it means to navigate treatment as a woman of color. Together, she and Dr. Ren unpack the larger issue of representation in research and treatment protocols—from the absence of women of color i...

“We are not bystanders, we are participants. We are partners and leaders in this space.” – Dr. Renarda Jones In this solo episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, I open up about why this work matters and why health equity must stay at the heart of clinical research. I share why brain health and lupus, conditions that deeply impact communities of color, aren’t just medical terms, but lived experie...

“Don’t come into someone’s home for a party without bringing a gift.” – Stephanie Monroe In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Renarda Jones sits down with Stephanie Monroe, advocate and community leader, for an empowering conversation about what true inclusion in clinical research really looks like. Stephanie shares her perspective on patient-centered care, and why small but vital...

“It might take me out, but it's gonna have to chase me down to do it.” – Shanell Matlock In this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, Dr. Renarda Jones sits down with Emmitt Henderson III — founder of Male Lupus Warriors — and Shanell Matlock, his partner and fellow advocate. Together, they open up about the raw realities of living with chronic illness, navigating kidney failure, and lear...

"Translations aren't just helpful — they're essential." In this episode, Dr. Renarda Jones sits down with Ricky Ricardo Villa, owner of Casa Sur Hacienda and a dedicated community leader who has been helping Diverse Research Now bring clinical trial education to Spanish-speaking communities. They talk about the importance of accurate translation and interpretation at research e...

Prescreening gives us a chance to educate before decisions are made. In this solo episode, I talk about why prescreening is one of the most important and overlooked steps in the clinical trial process. At Diverse Research Now, we use Advocate Assisted Prescreening to bridge the gap between clinical trials and the communities that are too often left out. Through health fairs, community events, and...

“Let’s stop just talking about inclusion. Let’s go do the work.” Host Dr. Ren Jones talks with Dr. Jazmine Crain, founder of Covalent Clinical Research, about building real trust and access in clinical research—starting in Mississippi. Dr. Crain shares how she meets communities where they are, from churches to clinics, making research visible and relevant.  Together, they call on sponsors and rese...

“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 vo...

What happens when a passion for research runs in the family? In this heartfelt episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, host Dr. Renarda Jones is joined by her sister, Elisha Butts—a clinical research professional with over 13 years of experience. Together, they reflect on their parallel journeys from Alzheimer’s research assistants to community-engaged advocates for inclusive science. Elisha shar...

What does it take to move health equity from conversation to action? In this special episode, Dr. Renarda Jones brings us inside the Health Equity Congress—where powerful voices from across disciplines gathered to reimagine inclusion in research and care. From bedside insights to boardroom strategies, you’ll hear from public health professionals, researchers, and community leaders who are challeng...

"I didn’t choose caregiving—it chose me." In this deeply moving episode of Voices of Inclusive Research , host Dr. Renarda Jones sits down with Carla Preyer, founder of From the Salon Chair to Self-Care and advocate for dementia caregivers. Carla shares the powerful story of caring for her husband, Patrick, through his eight-year battle with Lewy body dementia—a journey filled with misdi...