Dymond James •  Clinical Strategist

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I am a

ClINICAL STRATEGIST

Dymond James

Presented by AMGEN FOUNDATION
MY PATH

Here’s how I became a veteran, athlete & clinical strategist.

MAJOR INFLUENCES

  • Military.

    The military has been a part of my life since childhood, first as the child of an Air Force Officer, and then becoming one myself. It shaped a lot of my values and discipline.

  • My Family.

    My father was very influential in my career path, and my mother’s strength through navigating health issues inspired me to work in healthcare.

  • Childhood Travel.

    Growing up living in 11 different places changed my outlook on life and made me more brave, adaptable, and adventurous.

  • Sports.

    Being an athlete, especially in team sports like basketball, taught me a lot about communication and dedication that still influences how I work with others.

As a kid, I knew I wanted to be a doctor.

But I had to give myself permission to change course when the path I was on didn’t feel right to me anymore. I pursued other fields and built skills that continue to serve me and make me better at my job, even though they may seem unrelated at first. It wasn’t until I encountered other parts of healthcare, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology that I realized how many different ways you can help patients besides becoming a doctor. I’m living my dream, it just looks a little different than I planned.

Major Milestones

Playing DI Basketball

I played on a nationally-ranked high school basketball team and earned several scholarships to play in college.

Attending the US Air Force Academy

I chose to pursue a path to be a doctor at the Air Force Academy. It wasn’t always an easy experience and I had to let go of that dream. But being in the military shaped so many parts of who I am today.

Transitioning to Biotechnology

After a nearly 10-year career with the Air Force, I made the tough decision to move on to something new. It took a lot of both personal and professional growth to change course, but I’m so grateful that I trusted my gut.

Things I learned

along the way:

  • Don't let the status quo stop you.

    As one of the few Black women at the Air Force Academy, I frequently experienced the effects of underrepresentation. It was crucial for me to remember why I chose to be there, lean on mentors who could relate and support me, and focus on my own path.

  • Be open to changing your path.

    My career path has continuously evolved. All of the times where I needed to make a change came with some level of discomfort, but it’s so important to give yourself permission to let go if the path you’re on no longer feels right to you.

  • Being a team player matters just as much off the court.

    The skills I learned on the court – paying attention to your teammates, coordinating, communicating – served me just as well in the military and workforce. It led me to develop both leadership skills and a critical understanding of what it means to be part of a bigger whole.

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Tandem Photo • Illustrator: Stephanie Singleton

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