"The Importance of Diverse Representation in Clinical Research: The All of Us Research Program" Diversity Week Keynote Lecture Video Link

Dara Richardson-Heron, MD, Chief Engagement Officer of the All of Us Research Program, is leading efforts to engage and retain one million or more volunteers in a landmark effort to advance innovative health research that may lead to more precise treatments and prevention strategies. All of Us, a cornerstone initiative of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to build one of the largest biomedical data sets in the world, involving participants from diverse communities across the United States. Richardson-Heron is responsible for forging partnerships with research participants, health care professionals, and national and community-based organizations to raise awareness of the program, with a special focus on populations that have been historically underrepresented in research. She is also working with the NIH and All of Us Senior Leadership Team to develop strategies for creative and innovative programmatic efforts and enhancements. 

Richardson-Heron has more than 20 years of leadership and management experience in the health care, corporate and nonprofit sectors, having served in Executive leadership positions at YWCA USA, Inc., Susan G. Komen for the Cure, United Cerebral Palsy Association and Consolidated Edison of New York, Inc. 

Dr. Richardson-Heron is a physician by trade and an advocate by choice who is passionate about leveraging her skills, experience and expertise to make the world a better place. She holds a doctorate in medicine from New York University School of Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Barnard College.