LaShell Robinson

Bio:

LaShell Robinson is the Executive Director and Head of Global Feasibility and Trial Equity at Takeda, where she leads global strategy to embed health equity into every stage of clinical research. Her work focuses on leveraging social determinants of health to identify communities historically missing from research whether due to geography, socioeconomic barriers, or lack of access to research active clinicians and building pathways that increase their participation. She previously led Takeda's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Clinical Research function, where she advanced the  P.A.V.E.  program to expand partnerships with community stakeholders and remove operational barriers that prevent underrepresented patients and research nave sites from participating in clinical trials. A breast cancer survivor, LaShell brings not only professional expertise but lived experience to her mission. Her journey through diagnosis and survivorship deepened her understanding of how trust, representation, and access shape patient outcomes strengthening her commitment to ensuring that every community sees themselves in research and benefits from scientific innovation. Her passion for equitable participation began years earlier while volunteering at a research site, where she witnessed the life changing impact clinical trials can have on families and communities. Growing up in Salt Lake City, she was rooted in service from an early age tutoring, supporting voter registration efforts, and serving in student leadership experiences that continue to guide her values driven leadership. Before joining Takeda, LaShell was part of Janssen's inaugural Diversity & Inclusion in Clinical Trials team, serving as the first Clinical Operations Lead for DICT and supporting portfolios across therapeutic areas, including COVID 19 programs. She is a proud alumna of Tuskegee University, where she earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Physics, and holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of South Florida. Today she resides in Maryland with her family and continues to champion a global vision of health equity.