Hafa Adai, I am Nalene Mesa, from the island of Guam born from Chamorro parents with my mother from Saipan and my father from Guam. I’m passionate about advancing inclusive research and finding opportunities that reach indigenous communities across Pasifika and the diaspora. I co-lead an employee resource group at Genentech called Empowering Communities of Oceania that strives to foster belonging and transform society. I am eager to learn and share with others, especially within the context of strengthening our cultural ties and advancing our community. Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting various phases of clinical research studies that span from oncology to ophthalmology, which have deepened my understanding of clinical research and strengthened my commitment to health equity and inclusive research. I’m excited to be part of this conference because I believe in the power of collaboration and innovation. I look forward to connecting with like-minded professionals and exchanging ideas that can drive progress in health equity and inclusive clinical research. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy baking, dancing, and music which helps me stay balanced and inspired. I’m eager to engage with fellow attendees, share insights, and learn from everyone’s unique perspectives.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to connect!
