Black History Month Q&A with Nate White

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of Black and African Americans’ accomplishments and a time for appreciating their critical contributions to U.S. history. To mark the occasion, we are featuring some of our African American employees at Sema4. In our first Q&A, Nate White, National Sales Director for Oncology Solutions, discusses his role in leading Sema4’s Diversity & Inclusion Council and why Martin Luther King Jr. and his father are his role models.

• 1. What is your role at Sema4?

I am the Senior Director of National Sales for our Oncology Solutions division. I lead the Oncology sales team, which is comprised of professionals that focus on building our market share of germline (hereditary) cancer testing.

• 2. What motivates you to work at Sema4?

I’m motivated by a desire to prevent cancer and to improve treatment for those diagnosed with cancer. Sema4 provides pertinent genetic information to clinicians that helps to achieve these two goals.

• 3. What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is very special to me because it’s an opportunity for all people to reflect on the contributions made to our great country by African Americans. Black History Month gives us a chance to celebrate individuals, ideas, and creations that deserve to be heralded but are often overlooked and forgotten.

• 4. Can you tell us more about Sema4’s Diversity & Inclusion Council and your role on it?

I’m honored that I was selected to chair our Diversity & Inclusion Council, which is making great headway. The Council was formed to further improve the culture at Sema4 and to allow our employees to be the best version of themselves while at work. I’ve spoken with many of our senior leaders, and they are truly committed to this important work and to making inclusive culture a top priority.

• 5. Can you tell us about a role model who has inspired you?

The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are inspirational to me. The philosophy of selflessness embodied in his work challenges me to become better on a daily basis. I admire how he allowed his spiritual beliefs to provide the framework for his leadership. I am also inspired by my father. He taught me how to treat all people equally and to look for the best in everyone. These two individuals are truly inspirational to me.

• 6. What barriers have you had to overcome to reach this point in your career?

I don’t believe in barriers, personally, in the traditional sense. I only see hurdles. Hurdles are just opportunities for me to elevate and overcome. They are made to be leaped over; therefore, it is possible for you to achieve whatever you want to accomplish. You have to really perfect your craft. Work to be the best at whatever you’re doing and do not settle for anything other than top achievement.