Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) lives at the heart of Novartis culture and is an integral part of everything we do. It is key to driving innovation and business performance as we push boundaries and reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives.

At Novartis, we embed DEI within our organization, not just because it helps our business to succeed, but also because it’s the right thing to do. We bring our genuine selves – our unique perspectives and imaginations – to work each day, united by our common purpose. As we chart a path toward a more inclusive culture, we strive to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all associates with dignity and respect and provides everyone with equal opportunities to develop and succeed.

Our commitment goes beyond the workplace, through our efforts to help build a more equitable society. By addressing health disparities and investing in health equity initiatives, we further our mission to reimagine medicine and help improve the lives of our patients. DEI is at the core of our cultural aspiration to be inspired, curious, and unbossed, and it drives us to set the standard for inclusive organizations everywhere.


Marion Brooks Headshot Image

Novartis is committed to building a workplace that actively seeks out and values different perspectives and experiences. We view DEI as the impetus for driving innovation and sustainable change, and look to embed it in everything we do.

Explore our initiatives

Disparities are endemic across our healthcare system. Novartis and the Novartis US Foundation took a major step forward to address the root causes of disparities in health and education by launching Beacon of Hope, an innovative ten-year collaboration initially with 26 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including four HBCU Medical Schools, plus Merck, Sanofi, the National Medical Association, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and Coursera. Recently, Novartis and the Novartis US Foundation are proud to welcome The Global Black Economic Forum, Advarra, Virb, BeeKeeperAI, Amgen and Alnylam to Beacon of Hope. 

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Each year, members of our ERGs meet with members of Congress to share the work they are doing to further enhance the Novartis culture and society, as part of our Capitol Hill Day initiative. Through this experience, ERG leaders have the opportunity to represent the organization externally and gain professional development and access to decision makers.

Each year, Novartis associates across the US come together for our annual DEI countrywide event: Day of Reflection. It is a meaningful opportunity for associates to have courageous conversations and ignite actionable ideas on how each of us can play a role in cultivating inclusion as well as advancing a more equitable healthcare ecosystem.

Day of Reflection began in 2020 as a way for associates to gather as a community and commemorate Juneteenth, in the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. Now in its fifth year, Day of Reflection serves both as a poignant reminder of the work that still lies ahead of us as we strive for true equity in many facets of society, including healthcare, as well as a chance to learn, connect, reflect and discover the many ways we can be more inclusive.

Esteemed guests join Novartis executives, industry experts and thousands of participants from all areas of the business for provoking discussions and opportunities for creativity. 

The Novartis US DEI Council is dedicated to representing diverse voices from various areas of the business. Working collaboratively with leaders throughout the organization to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy is deeply ingrained in all areas of our organization. The council actively advocates for and implements initiatives that promote DEI, taking a leadership role in driving change and progress. The Novartis US DEI Council plays a crucial role in fostering connections and unifying our goals. By supporting our mission of reimagining medicine for everyone, the council helps create an inclusive environment that benefits both our associates and the communities we serve.

Hiring, developing and retaining diverse talent 

Through Diverse Workforce Acceleration (DWA), we are creating a more innovative workforce that reflects the patients and communities we serve. It is a business imperative for Novartis to recruit and develop people with varied perspectives, ethnicities, races, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, ages and abilities, in order to advance our organization as an inclusive and competitive employer of choice.

We partner with organizations such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Ascend Pan-Asian Leaders, the National Black MBA Association, National Sales Network, Out & Equal, Service Academy Career Conference, GettingHired and more as well as work in collaboration with internal partners to increase their DEI acumen. We also support internal initiatives that provide mentorship, coaching and professional development for all of our associates. By strengthening our talent lifecycle through equitable policies, processes and practices, DWA is helping embed DEI into the DNA of our business.

In 2018, Novartis made a public pledge with the United Nations’ Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) to help close the overall gender pay gap. 

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At Novartis, inclusion is anchored in creating a sense of community and belonging. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) make incredible strides in building on our culture while providing associates with opportunities to connect to others with similar visions and interests, develop professional capabilities and enjoy participating in celebrations and workshops. The collaboration of our ERGs throughout the organization plays a critical role in driving business results.

Associate volunteers help make the 2023 multicultural teen corporate mentoring program a success. 

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Novartis is always looking for opportunities to work with best-in-class diverse suppliers, who provide unique expertise as well as innovative ideas, products and services.

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Our People & Perspectives

Portrait of Marion Brooks discussing during the Beacon of Hope event

Beacon of Hope Lights Way for More Equitable Future

Three girls smiling at the camera

Associate volunteers help make the 2023 Multicultural Teen Corporate Mentoring Program a success

A portrait of Stephie, Global Head of diversity, equity, and inclusion, responsible for disability equity at Novartis

How Novartis Helped Me Come Out As A Transgender Woman

Two US military veterans embrace

Remembering men’s health this National Veterans and Military Families Month

Colleagues meeting in Open Space

Progress in our Pledge to Reduce the Gender Pay Gap

Taking Collective Action to Advance Health Equity


Awards & Recognition

Novartis is honored to partner with numerous organizations whose visions align with ours, including the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, Seramount, and Disability:IN. We are also proud to be the recipient of multiple prestigious awards and honors, including most recently: 


For more information about our Global DEI efforts, visit our Global DEI page.