Her Story
About Melissa
Melissa Delafe is an accomplished clinical research and project management professional with 19 years of experience in the field. She specializes in early phase oncology, CAR-T studies, and Phase 1 first-in-human oncology trials, serving as a subject matter expert in these areas. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in psychology, master's classes at Johns Hopkins, certification courses as a clinical research associate, and online courses through Harvard Medical School in oncology and immuno-oncology precision medicine. She attributes her success to hard work and speaking up for what she wants, and values kindness and putting patients first in her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work and speaking up for what I want. I wanted to work with CAR T studies so I found a company where they were hiring specifically for biotech clients in CAR-T. If you want to be heard, you have to say something. My unfailing ability to say hey this is what I need or want, that's probably what my success is from. Squeaky wheelness.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be kind to everyone. You do not know who has worked with who. The industry, clinical research is a large industry, except for it's also very, very small. Always be kind, and always work hard.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't wait. Just have your voice be heard, know what you want. You are in the room for a reason. So, be in the room for a reason. If you are always letting someone else speak for you, that's not gonna change.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: market is rough, shifting into more AI, learning curve, making sure sufficient headcount. Opportunities: shifts create opportunities to show up, be heard, and grab opportunities by putting your hand up.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
From work: patients first, it's a people business. Personally: kindness and passing it forward. Assume your kindness is going to be appreciated. You have no idea what is going on in somebody's life.
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