Dani Tomko
Healthcare provider and LGBTQ+ leader in the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) space Dani Tomko graduated from Penn State with a degree in biology before receiving her doctorate in Pharmacy with an expertise in Oncology and Medical Aesthetics from Temple University. With years of experience under her belt, Tomko is now the Oncology Senior Medical Science Liaison at AbbVie, a research-driven biopharmaceutical company that develops new approaches to today’s health issues. Tomko is also the company’s current LGBTQ ERG Leader, working to keep a robust and inclusive environment for patients and employees alike. Being out is a relatively new reality for Tomko. Noticing that many co-workers struggle to be out at work because they believe conformity is critical to their career advancement, Tomko worried that her delay in coming out may have contributed to that belief. She knew the only way forward was to be out — and proudly. “At some juncture, the only ethical option was to move forward in finding practical ways to weaponize my privilege and pave the way for those who are more marginalized,” she says. Now, Tomko challenges herself — both in her professional role and as an individual — to seize these visible opportunities to claim and use her voice. It’s not an easy process, and she often deals with embracing her own identity despite internal fears and phobias, but Tomko is committed to creating space for everyone. “While striving to find a cure for cancer is central to my job as an oncology expert, removing my mask; diagnosing the malignity in our culture; and working with my team to cultivate a more equal, diverse, and inclusive environment is central to my work,” she says. “I’d even deem it essential.” —IL
