At Foundation Medicine, we value the communities we’re a part of and recognize the importance of making a meaningful impact within them. Through our partnership with Bioversity, we honor this commitment by creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to get involved in the life sciences.   

Bioversity is a free, non-profit training program designed to prepare local Boston residents for entry and mid-level careers in the life sciences industry. In just 8 weeks, graduates develop technical skills, soft skills and knowledge of the Biotech industry that will leave them ready for employment and continued assistance with career placement. This innovative program is dedicated to creating an equitable life sciences industry that reflects the patient communities it serves. By providing career opportunities to all, Bioversity is opening doors for those who may not have a scientific background but are eager to enter rewarding careers while making a meaningful impact in the industry. 

Foundation Medicine became readily involved with Bioversity in the early stages of the program due to our shared mission to give back to our community and create opportunities within our teams and across the life sciences industry. Fostering a diverse and inclusive culture and supporting individuals’ personal and professional growth are central to the culture of our company. We are also incredibly passionate about the work being done in biotech and committed to supporting those who feel called to join the force. Bioversity is making a remarkable difference in the city we are proud to call our home base, and we are proud to offer our resources to support the members of the program. 

To further support  Bioversity’s mission, Ian Ide, Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Foundation Medicine recently joined its Board of Directors. As part of this team, Ian hopes to provide input into ways Bioversity can partner effectively with other companies in the Life Sciences space and help evolve the program for continued growth and success. He has also enjoyed providing opportunities for our Lab and Talent Acquisition employees to volunteer with Bioversity in meaningful ways, including participating in interview training and job fairs for Bioversity students. As an added benefit, he has seen many biotech companies engage more with each other, strengthening the network for each other and the graduates. 

Two of the graduates from the inaugural Bioversity class who joined Foundation Medicine — Christina Jones and Lazaro Rivera — share insight on their experience in the program and transition into our company. These individuals are resilient and dedicated, bringing exceptional talent and passion that fuels our mission. Their empathy, drive and skillset make them valuable additions to our team. 

Pictured: Christina and Lazaro with Foundation Medicine Lab and Talent Acquisition employees at the inaugural "Celebrate Bioversity" event in August 2024

Christina: Client Services Associate at Foundation Medicine 

Christina’s transition into biotech began after enduring difficult health challenges of her own; she suffered a brain aneurysm and a stroke in 2022. Immediately upon recovering, Christina courageously pursued her interest in being on the other side of patient care. She enrolled in Bioversity, driven by the goal of helping other patients.  

Bioversity proved to be a transformative experience for Christina. What she found most remarkable about the program was the genuine dedication of its mentors in seeing their participants succeed. This encouragement gave her a renewed sense of hope and motivation to uncover all that she is capable of — something she feels particularly grateful for as a minority and a woman.  

Christina chose to join Foundation Medicine for our commitment to diversity, empowerment of women and investment in our employees. Christina has a background in customer service, which made moving into a Client Services role feel like a natural fit. She utilizes her previous experience and strengths as well as the new tools and insights gained from Bioversity. She reports that the comprehensive training, including one-on-one sessions and shadowing opportunities, created a smooth transition into her new role where she feels supported by every member of her team. Reflecting on her journey so far, Christina marks enrolling in the Bioversity program as the best choice she has ever made.  

Lazaro: Molecular Lab Assistant at Foundation Medicine 

Lazaro's transition into biotech was inspired by the desire to create meaningful change in his life and channel his energy into something he is passionate about. He was looking for a career that offered stability and fulfillment, making the biotech field the natural fit given his long-standing interest in math and science. Coming from a background in food and beverage service, his proven skills as a hard-working team player have carried over into the lab.

During the Bioversity program, it came as a surprise to Lazaro to learn that he could master the skills needed to contribute and succeed in a lab — something that seemed intimidating before. He also gained an understanding of the biotech industry: what to expect and tips to succeed. The experience created a solid foundation for him to build on and a lasting support system from the Bioversity community. Lazaro praises the program as a powerful way to create change in your life and would encourage anyone to apply.  

Lazaro was drawn to Foundation Medicine by his connection to our mission. His mother's recent battle with cancer motivated him to start his new career as a Molecular Lab Assistant in the field of oncology. Truly passionate about his new line of work, he looks forward to coming to the lab every day. His dedication and enthusiasm are evident in his daily interactions and the positive energy he brings to the lab. He is motivated by the patient centered focus of his colleagues and values the recognition he receives in the supportive team environment. For Lazaro, this role provides a profound sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, making his start in life sciences a deeply rewarding experience.

Foundation Medicine proudly partners with Bioversity and welcomes graduates like Christina and Lazaro from the program onto our team as part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and helping to open doors for underrepresented communities. We believe in the transformative power of providing opportunities and resources to the program to support those passionate about making a difference in life sciences. Through our partnership with Bioversity, we aim to make the industry inclusive and equitable, ensuring everyone has a chance to contribute to and benefit from advancements in biotechnology.