An AstraZeneca intern and leader reflect on Historically Black College or University (HBCU) roots, shared growth and shaping what comes next
At AstraZeneca, what makes us a great place to work is not just the work we do, but the people who do it – and the distinct journeys that have shaped who they are. It’s through this richness of perspective that we continue to grow, innovate and lead – together.
Alana Carter-Grimes, a rising junior at Delaware State University (DSU), who is completing an internship at AstraZeneca, and Lorna Smith, an Executive Director within Operations at AstraZeneca, with nearly three decades of experience and a proud graduate of Howard University, reflect on identity, belonging, leadership and what it means to lift others as you rise.
Below are excerpts of a longer conversation that has been edited for clarity and brevity.
The HBCU Experience: Community, Culture, and Values
Alana Carter-Grimes: “The HBCU experience is really one of building a family. You build a family within the community of students and professors and staff because they all really want you to succeed. My peers and my professors influenced me to pursue this internship specifically because they highlighted the need and the importance of entering the workforce with experience behind you. You need credibility.
Also, they stress the need for your values to align with the values of the company that you work for, because that not only will make your experience working for that company much better, but you can grow and help those around you grow more.”
Lorna Smith: “My time at Howard University prepared me to navigate challenges in the corporate environment by providing academic rigor, cultural affirmation, leadership development and resilience.
When I look at the culture – just cultivating resilience and adaptability – Howard fosters this sense of determination and perseverance in students that walk through the doors.”
I saw AstraZeneca as a place where I would be able to grow as an early professional and learn from people who are at the forefront of science and change, and who really care about not only the environment, but the people who are doing the amazing work.
Choosing AstraZeneca: A Shared Sense of Purpose
Alana: “I was drawn to AstraZeneca because of its commitment to innovation and impact. I saw AstraZeneca as a place where I would be able to grow as an early professional and learn from people who are at the forefront of science and change, and who really care about not only the environment, but the people who are doing the amazing work.”
Lorna: “Working at AstraZeneca has been incredibly meaningful and purpose driven. It's a place where you look at the science, the innovation and all of that coming together. This is where I'm reminded every single day that my work has real impact on people's lives.”
The Power of Lifting Others and Giving Back
Alana: “I envision being, as I like to say, driven by ambition but grounded in purpose. Meaning I have the ambition to constantly improve myself, continue to learn and excel in my academic and professional pursuits, but foundationally, I must ensure that I am grounded in my purpose to give back to my community and to uplift those around me.
A thing I hear often at Delaware State University is, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.’ And I know that when I build up my community, I make a way for everyone to succeed. This looks like mentoring young professionals and helping people decide what they should do, what majors they should pursue, what career opportunities are open to them, how to create a resume and how to interview effectively.”
Lorna: “That is absolutely incredible, Alana, because you talk about giving back. When you talk about the fact that you're driven by ambition, but you're grounded in your purpose – for me, I was grounded in that purpose in wanting to give back.
I wanted to be a mentor, and even at AstraZeneca, I have taken the opportunity to be that mentor to many. I currently have about 13 to 15 individuals that I mentor at AZ and it's such a rewarding thing for me to just give back to someone else, to pour into someone else.”
Creating and Nurturing Cultural Parallels
Lorna: “When I look at the support system at Howard and the network at AstraZeneca – while the environments are different, the underlying structure in terms of community mentorship and purpose-driven collaboration are very much alike.
At Howard, I was surrounded by my faculty, peers and alumni who believed in my potential, and they pushed me to aim higher and reminded me of my worth. At AstraZeneca, I have a very similar experience where there are colleagues that I have who are advocates. They are also leaders in the organization who are not just mentors, but who really go out and advocate on my behalf.
Howard instilled in me a sense of purpose. What is my commitment to excellence? And that is what I carry with me at AstraZeneca. I am committed to excellence. Mediocrity does not sit in my space.”
Alana: “One thing I've noticed at AstraZeneca that reminds me of Delaware State University is the community aspect. There is a culture at AstraZeneca that this is a safe space. And that is something I've noticed at Delaware State University. As I said before, at DSU you build a family and a family supports you and they help you succeed. They help you work through challenges and they push you to be your best. And that's what I've noticed at AstraZeneca.”
Because, at the end of the day, belonging doesn't happen by accident. It's a daily build. It's a daily process.
Fostering Inclusion and Belonging
Lorna: “I am very intentional from a leadership perspective to make sure that everyone who shows up to work, everyone who's on my team, feels appreciated, making sure they have a voice, and they're valued.
I have time set aside on my calendar where I'm accessible. One of the other things is it's about learning from others. It’s really about collaboration.
Because, at the end of the day, belonging doesn't happen by accident. It's a daily build. It's a daily process. The actions, how I show up, the accountability that I have, the accountability that I place on my team as well – it’s really a daily process.
The advice that I would share for HBCU students is rooted in the experience I have gained throughout the years.
- Unapologetically, own your value. Coming from an HBCU is not a limitation, it is a competitive advantage. We have been trained in an environment that requires excellence, critical thinking and cultural awareness. Bring that with you in every single room that you enter. Let people feel the confidence that comes from knowing who you are.
- Build relationships early and intentionally. Take the time to connect. Connect with the Alumni Association and with individuals on LinkedIn. Ask for interviews and don't be shy. I think that's a great step in seeking internships in organizations where you see yourself.
- Don't just strive to fit in. Be willing to stand out. Drive for that excellence. Mediocrity does not sit in your space.
- Be comfortable with discomfort. Growth comes in when you have challenges. You’re going to be faced with many challenges as you go through school and your career.
- You belong and you are enough. And don't forget the most important thing: You are ready and don't let anyone tell you you're not. You have the gifts and the skills. I want you to go out there and I want you to soar.
- And most importantly, giving back. Make sure that you're giving back to others in your community.”
As I continue to grow in my career, I hope to become someone who uplifts those around me, who may feel unseen or underestimated. As my mom says, you never know who you can help by just being yourself.
Carrying Legacy Forward
Alana: “Carrying on my Delaware State legacy means creating a space for others the way a space was made for me. Everyone around you is there to cheer you on and support you.
That way, once you leave Delaware State University or any HBCU, you can take the voice that you found, you can take the skills you've learned, the experience that you've gained and you can translate that into your professional life and into any mentorship positions or leadership positions that you will end up in.
As I continue to grow in my career, I hope to become someone who uplifts those around me, who may feel unseen or underestimated. As my mom says, you never know who you can help by just being yourself. I try to be my most authentic self and lead with every part of my identity. That way I may inspire other people to feel confident in themselves and lead with their own identity.”
AstraZeneca takes pride in the journeys of all its employees and is dedicated to their professional development. If you or someone you know is interested, please visit https://careers.astrazeneca.com to learn more about what AstraZeneca has to offer.
