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Voices of Inclusive Research
Voices of Inclusive Research
Author: Dr. Renarda Jones
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© 2026 Voices of Inclusive Research
Description
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.
39 Episodes
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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 needs, especially in Black and Brown communities that have historically been excluded from these con...
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, the importance of mentorship, and how inclusive research empowers communities, increases participa...
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 are living through in real time. I share why trust is built in moments like these, why silence i...
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 communities, emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are and building trust. She also dive...
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 what it’s really like for kids inside clinical studies: the procedures, the compensation, the suppor...
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 participation in Black communities as he emphasizes the need for Black voices and leadership in p...
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 needs. She highlights the value of collaboration, education, and culturally informed engagement....
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 foundation for confidence and growth, even in difficult circumstances. Jennifer discusses the import...
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, while diverse centers real people and lived experiences often excluded from medical research. Thi...
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 shares how genetic markers, biologics, and targeted therapies are helping researchers move closer ...
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 post-surgical recovery. Dr. Manley underscores the importance of engaging patients at all s...
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 in cold capping studies, to the small yet meaningful resources and advocacy networks that can make...
“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 experiences for families and caregivers. Even with challenges like limited funding and pushback, we at D...
“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 supports like patient navigators, and trusted advocates make or break participation in clinical t...
“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 learning how to love, support, and grow through the chaos. Emmitt shares how lupus transformed his life an...
"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 events and how language is deeply connected to culture, trust, and access. Ricky shares why adapting messages to refle...
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 real conversations, I have seen how trust and education help open doors. Inclusion does not begin...
“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 researchers to invest in underserved areas, build infrastructure, and partner with local leaders...
“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 Clini...
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 shares her unique perspective as a coverage analyst in pediatric clinical trials, offering insights i...



