Our Mission
Why We Exist: Championing Representation in Clinical Trials
At CITE (Community Initiative for Trial Equity), we’re not here to tweak the system—we’re here to transform it.
Our mission is bold and focused:
To ensure that people of color are seen, heard, and centered in every stage of clinical research.
Because medical breakthroughs should benefit everyone—and that starts with inclusive, community-powered science.
We’re working to remove the obstacles that have historically limited opportunities for communities of color, creating space for everyone to thrive:
Building trust through culturally grounded, community-led engagement
Fueling participation with education, access, and real support
Driving equity in science, policy, and practice
From rural towns to urban centers, we work hand-in-hand with sponsors, advocacy groups and healthcare systems to co-create solutions that reflect real lives and real needs.
We’re not just advancing research—we’re advancing relevant representation.
By addressing the root causes of exclusion and embedding equity into every step—from awareness to follow-up—we’re creating a future where clinical trials work for all of us.
Our Vision
Where Every Voice Shapes the Science
We’re not standing by—we’re nurturing a future where equity is the foundation of everything we build
At CITE, we envision a world where clinical research reflects the full spectrum of humanity—across race, ethnicity, geography, and lived experience. A world where treatments are not just effective, but inclusive, personalized, and just
In this future:
Communities of color aren’t just included—they’re leading the way.
Their voices shape the science.
Their needs drive the innovation.
Their trust is earned, not assumed—through transparency, respect, and shared power.
We’re removing systemic barriers and amplifying community leadership to create a healthcare system that’s not only representative—but revolutionary.
Through bold advocacy, transformative education, and deep collaboration, we’re not just imagining this future—we’re making it real.
One trial. One voice. One breakthrough at a time.
Our Core Values
The Principles Powering the Movement
At CITE, our values aren’t just statements—they’re the foundation of everything we do. They drive every step toward a more just research system.
Equity First, Always
We don’t do “diversity someday".
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Equity is the launchpad
We advocate for fairness in access, representation, and outcomes—because justice in research is justice in care.
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Community-Led, No Exceptions
We don’t speak for communities—we stand with them.
We listen. We co-create. We show up.
Trust is built, not borrowed. -
Power Through Knowledge
We equip people with the tools, language, and confidence to own their role in research.
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Radical Integrity
We lead with truth, transparency, and accountability—even when it’s hard.
Our impact is measured in trust earned, not just metrics hit. -
Impact That Outlives Us
We’re here with a purpose.
We’re here to shift systems, close gaps, and change lives—for this generation and the next. -
Collaboration Is Our Superpower
We break silos and build bridges—uniting researchers, providers, and communities to create something bigger than any one of us.
Because real change takes all of us.
Founder’s Story: Pearl Phillips
The spark behind the Community Initiative for Trial Equity (CITE) is Pearl Phillips, MBA, MSc., BSN, RN-BC — a powerhouse in public health, a visionary in clinical research, and a relentless advocate for equity. With over 30 years of experience spanning public health, the pharmaceutical industry, and clinical trials, Pearl’s mission is deeply rooted in both expertise and lived experience.
As a Black woman of Puerto Rican, Barbadian, and African American descent, the experience brought her even closer to the mission she had long championed: ensuring that clinical research reflects the full diversity of the communities it serves. In January 2022, her life took a deeply personal turn when she was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) – Stage 0 Breast Cancer. This moment wasn’t a revelation of injustice — it was a powerful reaffirmation of what she had long known. Experiencing the healthcare system as a patient only deepened her resolve to dismantle the barriers that so many in her community face. Her diagnosis became a rallying cry — a renewed call to action to ensure that clinical research truly reflects the people it aims to serve in all therapeutic areas.
Pearl’s leadership is bold, informed, and transformative. She has built global partnerships across health systems and the pharmaceutical sector. Pearl has extensive experience in clinical trial design, particularly in developing inclusive, community-centered research models that prioritize cultural responsiveness and accessibility. Her work has helped shape trials that are not only scientifically rigorous but also equitable and representative.
With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Villanova University, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Health Policy and Research from Cornell University, and Board Certification in Nursing Informatics, Pearl brings a unique blend of clinical, strategic, and policy expertise. Her leadership is grounded in equity, access, and innovation.
Through CITE, Pearl is building more than an organization — she’s igniting a movement. A movement to empower people of color to take their place in clinical research. A movement grounded in trust, representation, and systemic change. Her story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of turning adversity into impact.
Our Story
CITE was founded on a simple but powerful belief: clinical research can only reach its full potential when it includes everyone. Pearl Phillips, a thoughtful and experienced leader, saw the ongoing gaps in clinical trial participation among communities of color—not as a new discovery, but as a long-standing challenge that needed thoughtful, sustained attention.
She imagined an organization that would do more than highlight the problem. CITE would serve as a connector—bringing together researchers and communities that have too often been overlooked. What started with listening sessions, community outreach, and identifying barriers has grown into a shared effort rooted in education, trust-building, and collaboration.
At CITE, we’re working to reshape the clinical research landscape so it better reflects the diversity of our society. We believe that when research is inclusive, it leads to better science, stronger trust, and healthier outcomes for everyone.
We’re still early in this journey, and we’re excited about what lies ahead. We invite you to join us—to learn, to partner, and to help shape a future where equity is at the heart of discovery.