Founded in 2000, Tris Pharma, Inc. is a leading privately-owned biopharmaceutical company inthe U.S. Tris Pharma is using its industry-leading capabilities and innovative, proprietary technologies to develop and market therapies that uniquely solve some of the most difficult treatment challenges in these diseases and conditions.
Over the past two decades, they have established a foundation of exceptional technologies, differentiated investigational therapies pushing the boundaries of innovation, and market-leading medicines that are making a tangible difference in patient outcomes. Their successful partnerships have amplified its reach and impact, and they’ve assembled a team of experienced people dedicated to delivering transformative solutions. By leveraging the breadth and depth ofthis comprehensive foundation, they are making significant strides in improving the lives ofpatients globally. They have also been a long-time leader in delivering high-quality, patient-friendly generic medicines across many therapeutic categories.
HBCU Research had the pleasure of being able to speak with Dolores Scotto, Sr. Manager of Talent Acquisition, Cheryl Patrick, Chief Administration Officer, and D’Shonda Brown,Corporate Communications Manager at Tris Pharma to get their inside take on the company and the collaboration they have coming soon with HBCUs.
-How do you plan to develop talent at HBCUs
Students and alumni associations can partner with Tris Pharma to provide professional development and skill-building opportunities. These can range from resume reconstruction andmock interviewing to personal branding and presentation confidence. We not only want to play to the strengths of each and every student, but we want to give them skills that they can further strengthen to position them for the best career trajectory possible–no matter what area of STEM they choose to embark on.
-How will this opportunity be different from others?
We want this initiative to be a unique and interactive experience where students come away feeling they have expanded and honed their skill sets and resources and gained valuable insights to help them navigate their professional journeys. We want to help students believe they can, an important pillar of Tris’ company culture we call our “Culture of Care.”
The pharmaceutical industry is a dynamic, ever-evolving field, but it can be somewhat of a juggernaut, especially for students and recent grads just beginning their careers. Universities aregenerally doing a better job at introducing students to the potential and scope of opportunitiesavailable in pharmaceuticals, but it is still an industry requiring real-world experience to trulygrasp its impact and the potential it offers.
At Tris, we want to lead by example. Our goal is to amplify our entrepreneurial ethos, innovative spirit, culture of care, and patient-first philosophy by offering students a chance to connect and build relationships with like-minded professionals while they explore the myriads of possibilities, both scientific and non-scientific, available in the pharmaceutical sector. Our HBCUxTris partnership will offer opportunities including hands-on projects, mentorships, and career development. These real-world challenges and networking events will allow HBCUstudents and alumni to connect with Tris’s professionals on a more personal level to build skillsand receive invaluable guidance, career advice, and industry insight while gaining exposure tothe pharmaceutical industry.In exchange, Tris gains the privilege of nurturinga more inclusive and innovative workforceboth within our organization and throughout pharma to drive fresh perspectives, enhanceproblem-solving and business growth, and ensure better patient outcomes. It is a win-win for allof us!
-What steps should any interested students take?
Students can reach out to our designated email, [email protected] for general information about the initiative. If they have any time-sensitive questions, they can reach out to Shonda at [email protected].Any questions about job postings, they can reach out to Dolores at [email protected].If students or administrators have any further questions aboutpartnerships and opportunities, we encourage them to reach out to Cheryl at [email protected].
In the meantime, we encourage everyone to follow us on LinkedIn,Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Students can also check out our Glassdoor and Indeed pages to see what former and current employees have to say about their experiences at Tris from the inside out.
-When will this start?
The official launch date for the initiative will be May 1st, which is also dubbed National CollegeDecision Day. We intentionally chose this date because National College Decision Day is notonly the day that people finalize their college acceptances, but it sets them up for the rest of theiracademic, and possibly professional, careers. We wanted to show our support for prospectiveHBCU college students by letting them know that whatever decision they make throughout theircollege journey, Tris Pharma is right there beside them every step of the way.-Why is this so important to the company?
Over the past two decades, Tris Pharma has built a strong foundation of exceptional technologies, innovative investigational therapies, and market-leading medicines that significantly improve patient outcomes.
Our inner strength emanates from our commitment to a Culture of Care that ensures that each employee’s voice is heard, thereby strengthening an environment that encourages diversity of thought and celebration of the unique contributions of all team members-ultimately curating a professional community valuing equitable access and inclusion for all.
By partnering with HBCUs, Tris Pharma aims to celebrate the talent of its diverse team and inclusive company culture. The HBCUxTris Initiative is dedicated to cultivating meaningful partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to attract and empower students, recent graduates, and alumni by providing opportunities for scientific and technological advancements through mentorship, hands-on experience, and career advancement.
-What is one thing that a student should be able to take away from this opportunity?
We want HBCU students, alumni, and even prospective students to have a sense of confidence and support through our initiatives and programs. Yes, this program was created by our talentacquisition and human resources team, but the overall goal is not just about us diversifying ourcompany’s talent pool. The larger picture is creating equitable opportunities for Black andAfrican American students in STEM, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. We want tobroaden their knowledge regarding the abundance of opportunities out there and we wantthem towalk away from these partnership programs with the knowledge and experience to help navigateprofessional journeys with a sense of professional and personal responsibility and ownership.