Honoring MLK

As I prepare to pass the torch as Global Chair of the HBA Women of Color Affinity Group , I find myself reflecting on the journey we’ve shared, especially on this day honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King’s words and actions serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience required to drive change in the face of resistance. In these past years, our community has stood strong against shifting political winds embodying his belief that progress comes through collective action and unwavering commitment to justice. As I reflect on his legacy and the work we’ve done together, I am filled with hope that the foundation we’ve built will continue to inspire and empower the next generation to lead boldly and rise together.

We are living in a time when anti-DEI sentiments and policy reversals threaten to undo years of progress. These challenges, though disheartening, compel us to revisit the core of our affinity group’s purpose: advocating for equity and amplifying the voices of women of color in healthcare and beyond. Dr. King stated “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in moments of challenge and controversy.(1)” His timeless words continue to resonate deeply, reminding us that true leadership shines not in times of ease, but in times of trial.

As HBA’s WoC Global Chair, I’ve witnessed the sting of resistance—sometimes subtle, sometimes overt—to the work we do across the industry. However, I’ve also witnessed the extraordinary power of choosing courage over complacency. Dr. King’s legacy inspires us to lean into the discomfort of these moments, to remain steadfast in championing the voices of those who are often excluded, and to encourage our members to do the same.

It is not easy to challenge the status quo, especially as we experience burnout and exhaustion from the heavy lift in these spaces. Advocacy for inclusion is rarely met with applause, and progress often feels painstakingly slow. But courage calls us to press on, even when it feels as though the work isn’t ready to embrace change. There have been moments when the work has felt thankless and the emotional labor overwhelming. But Dr. King’s life reminds us that resilience is not just a survival tool---it is a catalyst for transformation. ?

This is not the time to waver. It is the time to rise. Together, we must continue creating spaces where women of color can thrive, where their contributions are celebrated, and where systemic barriers are dismantled. That is what our HBA WoC affinity group aims to achieve. It will not be easy, and it will not always feel rewarding, but the impact of our efforts will outlive the challenges we face today. Let us draw strength from Dr. King’s words and example and remain focused in driving our mission forward—because the work we do today has the power to create a more equitable tomorrow.

Today, I invite you to stand with us. Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by continuing this work together. We are stronger as a collective, and our impact is undeniable. Together with more than 475 champions across the globe, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future where diverse leadership thrives. Your voice, your passion, and your commitment matter and it is exactly what we need to continue this critical work and achieve our goals. Click here to join us today! ?

(1) Dream – The Words and Inspiration of Martin Luther King, Jr. 2007.

Authored by?Vanessa Nortey, Global Chair for the HBA Women of Color affinity group.

Vanessa Nortey is the Program Manager, R&D Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at?Amgen. An active member of the HBA community Vanessa is one of the original co-founders of the HBA Women of Color affinity group.