Conversations with Rasheeda Hall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rasheeda Hall.

Hi Rasheeda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I fell in love with the clinical research industry after being introduced in a class during my Master’s in Public Health program. It merged my love of science with my newfound knowledge of public health and epidemiology. Right before I graduated my master’s program, my part-time job at a university hospital transitioned into a full-time job as a clinical research coordinator. That turned into several other roles, and 12 years of accumulated experience with several companies.

I’m happy I figured out an alternative career to being a medical doctor, which has also challenged me to find different ways of getting more involved in the industry.

Having an active LinkedIn and Instagram for my career gave others insight into how I got started and how others could take steps to a career in clinical research. I would get so many messages asking me for career advice, that in 2019 I started a YouTube channel. I discussed my journey as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) -CRAs travel across the country -most often on planes several times each week to ensure the safety of trial participants, and integrity of data for clinical trials. My YouTube channel allowed me to reach more individuals than I was currently able to chat with on social media.

Social Media has been an integral part of me getting information to so many. It has also given me so many organic connections with others with similar passions. One of those amazing connections was with Danielle Mitchell (Coe). She is the CEO and founder of Black Women in Clinical Research, and has a mission to increase diversity among the clinical research profession. After talking on the phone, she invited me to become an admin in her Facebook page. While helping to manage the page, I thought it would be great to formally create a mentoring program for others to progress through the industry.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve learned that fear can be used for good. The same type of energy that it takes your body to exert the emotion of fear is the same as feeling excited. The only difference is in the focus of the emotion. There was a time when the fear and dissapointment of not going to medical school was heavy on me. I was scared about my future, and did not know what direction my life should go. I did a lot of praying for clarity and direction, and opened myself up to new opportunities. Once I started shifting my focus on the possibilities of my career, it became a catalyst to discovering my gifts.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most proud of the success of the mentoring program. Many mentees transition into new roles, receive promotions, and are able to build skills to help them develop in their professional endeavors. The mentors pour into individuals and help them realize their capabilities. I am amazed at how many have come together to provide support and guidance to virtual strangers. It is truly a joy to see my passions come to life in real-time.

Contact Info:

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9658xYJ5Tey8cI1Y8vCL8A