Each February, Black History Month is observed to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans. It's a time to spotlight the rich cultural heritage and major role that Black Americans have played in shaping our society.
The tradition began in 1926, thanks to historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. They set out to bring recognition to the achievements of African Americans and to embed their stories firmly within the broader narrative of history. Recently, Moderna team members hosted a virtual tour of Dr. Woodson's neighborhood to gain deeper insights into his history and the significant contributions he made.
We know that our strength comes from our diversity, and we are committed to building a culture of inclusion and belonging for all. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) help us build the most impactful version of Moderna, creating a strong sense of belonging and building trust with our communities.
mPOWER, one of our ERGs, aims to empower every Black employee to reach their highest potential and lead a fulfilled life within and outside of Moderna. In celebration of Black History Month, we’re proud to share stories and feature members of mPOWER at Moderna.
Meklit Workneh
Meklit, Director of Clinical Development/Infectious Diseases, was born and raised in Ethiopia. She also lived and spent time in Kenya, Burundi and Switzerland in her childhood, and moved to the U.S. as an international undergraduate student.
With an interest in infectious diseases and global health, she caught the ‘travel bug' early and spent time working and doing research in several countries including Vietnam, Kenya and Uganda as a medical student and infectious diseases fellow.
She lives with her husband and two children and in her spare time enjoys going to yoga and barre, frequenting local coffee shops and going on long walks with the family.
Chuka Anude
Chuka is Vice President of Clinical Safety and Risk Management for Infectious Diseases. He was born and raised in Nigeria, and he studied and spent time in both South Africa and the United States. As a physician-scientist trained in family medicine and infectious disease epidemiology, he’s deeply committed to patient care, clinical safety and pharmacovigilance.
He has traveled to thirty countries across five continents, is a Baltimore Ravens Fan, and loves playing and watching soccer (#MCFC). He is also an entrepreneur, life and leadership coach, and marriage and spiritual counselor.
His advice to young Black professionals: Discover your purpose, develop your potential, deploy your power, and determine your productivity. Leadership is about your mindset, skillset and toolset. Focus on how you can create impact and be a blessing to people and to your world. You are not remembered by what you get but by what you give.
Jameka Hill
As Senior Director, Patient Engagement and Clinical Trial Health Equity, Jameka leads Moderna’s patient advocacy and clinical trial diversity efforts. She works to ensure medically underrepresented groups and vulnerable populations are included in the drug development process and represented in our clinical trials.
Jameka has dedicated over two decades to promoting health equity by working with pharmaceutical companies, patient groups, and communities to improve access to clinical trials. Originally from Seattle, she currently lives in Dallas with her husband and three young children. When not cheering her kids on in sports, she is traveling and experiencing new cultures, foods, and adventures with her family.
Her advice to young Black professionals: As you navigate your career, keep in mind that your journey is uniquely yours. Take pride in your identity and the rich cultural heritage that shapes you. Confidently bring your unique perspective to the table, aware of its critical impact in every professional space you enter.
Jessica Silencieux
Jessica is a Senior Contracts Analyst within our Clinical Trial Excellence team. A graduate of Eastern Nazarene University (Go Lions!), she calls the North Shore of Boston her home.
She is a dedicated member and long-time supporter of Raw Art Works in Lynn, MA, an organization that offers art therapy and film school education to kids and teenagers from diverse economic and demographic backgrounds — programs that fill a vital gap in the public education system. Having been a part of her school and gospel choirs, Jessica has been an avid singer for most of her life, loves hiking, and is the designated party planner for friends and family.
Her advice to young Black professionals: There is great purpose behind that passion - pursue it! Illuminate the path for others as you climb and let your achievements be the symphony of progress.
These profiles represent only a handful of the many diverse and impactful voices within Moderna. By celebrating these narratives, we acknowledge the important influence of the Black community and the integral role they play in driving our mission forward.
Moderna is committed to delivering the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines, and to fostering a culture of belonging, inclusion, and diversity where our colleagues can do their best work. Explore ourcareers pageto find your next opportunity and learn more about life at Moderna.