Calling on the next BLOC 100 for 2026
Second Annual Recognition of 100 Women of Color and Allies Making the Greatest Impact in Biopharma, Healthcare, and the Life Sciences
Biopharma Leaders of Color is proud to enter the second year of BLOC 100, our signature initiative recognizing women of color leaders and the allies who actively champion their leadership and success across the industry.
BLOC 100 is a first of its kind recognition initiative celebrating the women shaping the future of biopharma, alongside the sponsors, mentors, and advocates who use their influence, capital, and platforms to expand opportunity, visibility, and advancement.
Nominate a leader today.
Why BLOC 100 Exists
Women of color are driving scientific breakthroughs, leading biopharma and life sciences innovation, and shaping business strategy and outcomes. Yet they remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership and decision making roles across the industry,
Women of color remain one of the most marginalized communities in life sciences, navigating barriers of visibility, sponsorship, and access at the same time.
As an organization dedicated to upward mobility for people of color, BLOC believes equity does not happen passively. It happens through deliberate action.
Despite their impact, women, particularly women of color, continue to face structural barriers to leadership in biopharma:
Women hold only ~34% of executive team roles in biotech and fewer than 20% of CEO positions
Black, Latina, and Indigenous women account for less than 5% of executive roles
Fewer than 10% of biotech board seats are held by women of color
Women founded biopharma startups receive a fraction of venture capital funding compared to male founded companies
Representation is not just about numbers. It is about influence, decision making power, and accountability.
“You have to be intentional. It won’t happen by itself.”
Who Should Be Nominated?
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Luminaries
Women of Color who are Senior executives, C-suite leaders, and board members shaping the future of biopharma through leadership, vision, and influence.
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Vanguard
Women of color who are rising leaders driving change, delivering impact, and shaping the next era of biopharma leadership.
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Catalysts
Individuals who actively advocate for and create opportunities for women of color through mentorship, sponsorship, investment, and leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
General rules and frequently asked questions for nominating individuals.
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Anyone. Nominations may be self submitted or submitted by colleagues, mentors, sponsors, or peers.
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No. Nominations are open to the broader community. However, nominations submitted by BLOC members may include additional context related to sustained engagement with BLOC's mission.
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Yes. A separate form must be submitted for each nominee.
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No. Broad representation is encouraged.
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Yes, if they are being nominated into an elevated category. For example, a Vanguard may be nominated as a Luminary.
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No. Nominations are free.
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Yes! We encourage individuals to advocate for their own visibility. Individuals can self nominate for all three categories.
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Following the close of nominations, candidates are reviewed by both an internal BLOC advisory group and an external panel of industry leaders. Nominations are evaluated across a defined set of criteria, including leadership impact, career trajectory, community influence, and alignment with BLOC’s mission to advance equity and representation in biopharma. The final 100 is curated to ensure balanced representation across career stages, functions, therapeutic areas, and sectors. While visibility and engagement signal momentum, selection is ultimately grounded in demonstrated impact and contribution rather than popularity alone.
