Meet Carmen Banks

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carmen Banks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carmen, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

For me, being the only one in the room has always meant staying rooted in my bigger “why.” I remind myself that I’m one of less than 2% of Black women in STEM, and with that comes both a challenge and a responsibility. I’m not just there for myself — I’m there to help change the statistics, to shift the narrative of who gets to belong in science. That perspective keeps me grounded and helps me move with purpose, even when the room feels isolating.

It’s also why I started MelanInScience. I didn’t want my story to end with just me being the “only one.” I wanted to build something that uplifts others, creates pathways, and makes sure more Black and Brown scientists have access to opportunities that lead to thriving, not just surviving.

Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of leaning on my network and building strong relationships. Mentors have been critical, but I’ve also learned that sponsors — people who are willing to speak your name in rooms you’re not in yet — can make all the difference. And I’ve had to be intentional about advocating for myself and asking for what I want, because closed mouths don’t get fed.

The last piece is alignment. I’ve learned not to compromise on my values. If something doesn’t feel right, I’m not afraid to walk away, because staying true to myself has been the key to both my success and my ability to create impact for others.

So for me, effectiveness in those moments has been about purpose, community, and courage — knowing why I’m there, who I’m standing for, and never being afraid to take up space.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Dr. Carmen Banks, a cell and molecular biologist and the founder of MelanInScience, a workforce development company dedicated to building pathways into biotech for Black and Brown students and professionals. After earning my Ph.D. in Animal Biology from UC Davis, I’ve spent my career working in biotech startups, applying skills like genome engineering, cell line development, and cell- and molecular-based assays to drive innovation in fast-paced research environments.

While I love contributing to cutting-edge science, I’ve also experienced firsthand what it feels like to be the “only one in the room.” That’s what inspired me to create MelanInScience — to ensure that the next generation doesn’t face the same barriers, but instead has access, visibility, and opportunities to thrive in this industry.

What excites me most about this work is that it blends two worlds I care deeply about: scientific innovation and community impact. Through MelanInScience, we’ve launched three cohorts of our flagship biotech pathway program, STEM Connect, led industry tours at leading biotech and biopharma companies, and hosted more than 20 career development events that give students and early-career professionals the exposure and tools they need to succeed. At the same time, we’re creating a supportive community where representation isn’t an exception but the norm.

Right now, I’m especially excited about two upcoming initiatives. First, our Black in Biotech: AI Week this September — a four-day virtual series showcasing how Black scientists are shaping the future of AI in biotech. And second, our MelanIn Wellness Event in San Francisco on September 21st, designed as a healing space for Black and Brown women in STEM to rest, recharge, and connect. Both reflect our mission to not only build careers but to also nurture the whole person — because thriving in STEM is about more than just the lab, it’s about sustainability, wellness, and belonging.

At its core, MelanInScience is about rewriting the narrative of who gets to lead and innovate in science. We’re changing the face of biotech by creating pathways to six-figure careers for underrepresented communities, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say three qualities have been most impactful in my journey:

First, curiosity and innovative thinking. I’ve learned to never stop asking questions, but also to take risks and bet on my ideas. Science and entrepreneurship both require curiosity and courage — being willing to test new approaches and think outside the box has opened doors I never imagined.

Second, effective communication. As you grow, especially in science, your ability to explain complex ideas to non-technical audiences becomes just as important as the research itself. Senior leadership, collaborators, or even community partners often just want the key takeaways. Learning to tailor your message without losing accuracy and impact is critical.

And third, adaptability. Careers rarely follow a straight line. Being able to pivot, embrace change, and pick up new skills has not only made me more marketable, but it’s also been key to my personal and professional growth. The more comfortable you are with change, the more opportunities you’ll be ready to seize.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to practice these skills intentionally: stay curious, seek out opportunities to present and explain your work to different audiences, and push yourself into new environments where you can adapt and grow. Over time, these qualities compound and really shape both confidence and success.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at MelanInScience. We’re always looking to partner with biotech and biopharma companies, academic institutions, and community organizations that share our commitment to building equitable pathways into STEM. That could mean hosting industry tours, sponsoring or speaking at career development events, or creating internship and job opportunities for our students and early-career professionals.

We also welcome partnerships with brands and organizations outside of biotech that want to invest in wellness, education, and representation for our Black and Brown community — whether through in-kind support, sponsorship, or thought leadership.

If you’re interested in collaborating, you can reach me directly through our website at www.melanin-science.com or connect with us at [email protected].

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