Official Certification as LGBT Business Enterprise Comes as Pyxis Makes Five Additional Hires
October 5, 2021 — Pyxis Partners, a mission-driven firm committed to improving the lives of others through policy, advocacy, and engagement, is proud to announce it has been named a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE®) by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community and serves as the nation’s exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned and operated businesses. The news comes as Pyxis also announces its hiring of five more employees to reach more than 20, a milestone since its founding in July 2020. With the certification by the NGLCC, as well as the addition of Jason Wallace, Monica Rodriguez, Marlene Puthiyath and Rachelle Ciulla, Pyxis Partners acquires a combined 30 years of experience within the health and advocacy spaces, as well as the fellowship and support of the nation’s community of LGBT-owned businesses. “This is a pivotal moment for Pyxis Partners, one of the biggest since our first day,” said Michael Manganiello, President and CEO. “This certification, and these five new members of the team, really underscore how much our organization is thriving and growing. These new members of our team accentuate the work Pyxis has done to create a work culture based on our mission and values that attracts the best people in the health care equity space. Their experience, and the support we receive from other LGBT-owned businesses, will be invaluable in helping Pyxis Partners carry out its mission of improving health outcomes for all Americans.” The five new members of Pyxis Partners are: Jason Wallace, Director: Jason previously served on DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Cabinet, leading initiatives that addressed issues adversely impacting men and boys in the District. He previously worked at nonprofits serving economically disadvantaged residents. Jason also served in the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, specializing in messaging trips for both presidents and members of their administrations. Monica Rodriguez, Director: Monica previously served as Director of Communications and Engagement for the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program (AoURP) at Northwestern University, where she was responsible for developing and advancing engagement and recruitment efforts within diverse communities in Chicago. Marlene Puthiyath, Director, Government Affairs: Coming from the Medical Society of New Jersey where she managed government relations and led lobbying for all physicians within the state, Marlene brings an extensive background in and knowledge of healthcare policy, advocacy, and political strategy. Rachelle Ciulla, Senior Associate: Rachelle is an experienced community outreach leader and aims to couple her experience in communication and collaboration with her core belief in active listening, celebrating diversity, and enrolling communities in public health work each day. She previously worked for a community doula organization, and worked on a study in pregnant and breastfeeding women in Nepal. Noah Haines, Associate: Noah joined Pyxis Partners as a recent graduate of American University’s School of Public Affairs, where he earned a BA with high honors in both Economics and Applied Political Science. At Pyxis, Noah serves as a member of the firm’s policy team, analyzing U.S. health policy issues. For more information, visit pyxispartners.co or email info@pyxispartners.co.
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About Pyxis Partners Pyxis Partners works to improve health outcomes for all Americans. Pyxis is a mission-driven organization fueled by passionate leaders in advocacy, engagement and policy development. The Pyxis team has decades of experience working to advance progressive health policy issues at the federal level. Pyxis Partners’ extensive and deep relationships with national research organizations, academic medical centers, foundations, health systems, industry, community-based and advocacy organizations, and across the federal government uniquely position us to help clients improve health equity, affordability and accessibility in the United States.