Jhon Henry Velasco, associate director of culture, wellness & engagement at Novo Nordisk, understands the power of vulnerability and authenticity in driving meaningful change. He believes that by embracing his own identity as a Latino and member of the LGBTQ+ community living with PTSD in his day-to-day at Novo Nordisk, he is creating space where individuals feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work, regardless of their background or experiences. "I bring in that inclusivity,” Jhon Henry explained, noting that it is an easy thing to take for granted. He further emphasized the importance of leading by example, and how that can pave the way for others to do the same. 

He has committed himself to building an inclusive environment by creating a space where others can bring their backgrounds to the table and leverage them as strengths. “We have new generations coming into the workforce that are looking for space to be themselves, so I am very mindful of how I show up...to open those avenues to start giving them space and permission to bring their full selves to work when they're ready,” he shared. 

This emphasizes the importance of representation, and how crucial it is when scientific innovation is at stake. Jhon Henry’s approach is not only a reflection of our value system, but it also exemplifies what it means to be a pioneer of change, and how leading by example – while it takes courage – can be the catalyst to ensuring diverse perspectives always have a seat at the table.

Melissa Harakuni, RD, CDCES, a senior endocrinology diabetes care specialist at Novo Nordisk, leads with a passion for fostering connection and belonging. As the co-lead of HoLa, Novo Nordisk's Hispanic & Latino Employee Resource Group (ERG), Melissa channels her energy into creating a supportive and empowering space for Hispanic and Latino colleagues.

Melissa first got involved with HoLa during the pandemic, when a sense of community was hard to come by during a time of isolation. “The space that was created there was for anybody to express what they were dealing with. It was an open invitation to just have courageous conversations,” she shared. “What I experienced there inspired me and I aspire to be the kind of leader that creates that environment for others.” This introduction to HoLa sparked a passion in Melissa for giving people a home at work by organizing impactful events to forge valuable connections within the company as well as partnerships with external organizations.

Through community gatherings like volunteering at the New Jersey Boys and Girls Club, open forum sessions for members and allies, and collaboration with Novo Nordisk’s Talent Acquisition team to engage future Hispanic professionals, HoLa is pioneering change by helping employees and the greater community embrace their individuality. “Being a pioneer of change is embracing those things that make us, us, and channeling that for growth and contribution,” Melissa explained. She went on to emphasize the ability of a collective voice and how coming together can make a single voice more powerful. “As an ERG, we can inspire others. Let’s find our voice, connect with others, and advocate for ourselves and the Hispanic community.” Melissa’s ongoing work with HoLa spotlights how fostering community and working together to shape the future can pioneer change.  

Much like leading by example and fostering community during Hispanic Heritage Month, another integral part of the Novo Nordisk Way is a focus on patients, including spreading awareness of conditions that disproportionately impact Hispanic communities.

Super Bowl Champion Victor Cruz, who is of Puerto Rican descent, is an ambassador for the “Tackle Obesity” initiative with our partner the National Football League Alumni (NFLA). Through this program, Victor is helping raise awareness of the increased rates of obesity and diabetes among Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. “My grandmother passed away from diabetes and now my mother and sister deal with the same thing. It is extremely important to have a support system with people standing by your side who care about your well-being. Obesity is a disease and not something you can tackle alone,” he shared.

With obesity having the potential to lead to long-term health risks including heart and cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers, it is important to embrace advocacy initiatives to raise awareness for communities that are most impacted. That’s why we’ve partnered with Victor Cruz and the NFLA during Hispanic Heritage Month to ensure critical messages about these risks are reaching vulnerable populations.