The Problem We’re Tackling

  • Underrepresentation Across Communities of Color

    Black, Indigenous, Latino/a/x, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and other racially and ethnically marginalized groups continue to be significantly underrepresented in clinical trials. This lack of representation leads to treatments that may not be as effective—or even safe—for the very communities most impacted by disease.

  • Mistrust Rooted in History

    A history of medical harm and neglect has created deep-rooted skepticism. Rebuilding trust requires more than outreach—it requires accountability and partnership.

  • Barriers to Access

    From geography and cost to language and digital divides, systemic barriers continue to make trial participation inaccessible for many.

  • One-Size-Fits-All Science

    Too many trials are still designed without cultural, linguistic, or community-specific considerations—leaving critical gaps in care and innovation.

Why Representation in Research Matters

When communities of color are left out of clinical research, the impact is more than just numbers—it’s personal, and it’s profound. Here’s why inclusion isn’t just important—it’s essential:

  • Treatments That Miss the Mark

    When new therapies are developed without diverse participation, they may not work as well—or at all—for everyone. In some cases, they can even cause harm. If a treatment wasn’t tested with your community in mind, how can it truly serve your needs?

  • Widening the Health Gap

    Lack of representation in research contributes to real disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. It deepens the divide in who gets access to the best care—and who doesn’t.

  • Missed Opportunities for Innovation

    Our communities bring unique genetic, cultural, and environmental perspectives to the table. When those voices are excluded, science loses out on the data and insights that could lead to better, more effective solutions for everyone.

  • Eroded Trust in the System

    When research doesn’t reflect the people it’s meant to serve, it reinforces mistrust—and keeps communities at a distance from the very systems designed to support them. Inclusion builds trust. Trust builds better health.

Let’s flip the script. Representation in research isn’t just about fairness—it’s about better science, better care, and better futures. And it starts with us.

Why CITE Exists

We’re here to flip the script—and rewrite the future of clinical research.

  • To rebuild trust where it’s been broken, with transparency and accountability at every step.

  • To ignite participation through education, access, and advocacy.

  • To reimagine research as a force for better medicine—advancing innovation.

We don’t just work in communities—we work with them.

Side by side with health systems and sponsors, we co-create solutions that reflect real lives, real needs, and real change.

Because when clinical trials include all of us, medicine works better—for every one of us.