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Meet the Next Women in Life Sciences Speaker: Janisha Thomas

Women in life sciences are driving innovation, breaking barriers and shaping the future – and 2026 is the year to lead boldly. Learn how to lead with confidence and embrace fresh opportunities at the next SCbio Women in Life Sciences Breakfast, sponsored by Poly-Med Inc. and Womble Bond Dickinson.

Hear from Janisha Thomas, MSHRM, chief human resource officer at The Ritedose Corporation, as she shares powerful insights and lessons learned from her leadership journey. Discover how to set your intentions, overcome challenges and create impact that lasts. Step into the new year empowered, inspired and ready to lead with purpose.

The regional breakfast will be held on Wednesday, February 4, at 8 a.m. at the South Carolina Hospital Association in Columbia.

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Thomas is an accomplished human resource (HR) executive with over 20 years of experience leading human capital strategies across various organizations and industries. Currently serving as the chief human resource officer at The Ritedose Corporation, Thomas leads the company’s vision and key strategic initiatives in talent acquisition and management.

Prior to joining Ritedose, Thomas held HR leadership positions at GE Healthcare, FritoLay and Waste Management. She also provided independent staffing and HR consulting services for various clients nationally and internationally.

Thomas holds a master’s in human resource management from Purdue University, a master’s in counseling from Loyola University and a bachelor’s in business administration from Bennett College.

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.