Maravai LifeSciences, with its mission to enable the development of transformative medicines and technologies that improve lives globally, is a leading life sciences company providing critical products and services that support the development of vaccines, drug therapies, diagnostics and groundbreaking research around the world. For over 35 years, Maravai portfolio companies have led with purpose, supplying the specialized materials that scientists and innovators rely on to improve human health.

A company built on providing the materials that scientists depend on understands what builds a thriving, healthy future for its community: quality education and access to opportunity. This understanding shows up in how the company gives back. Employees take part through Impact Day and a donation matching program, with cancer research and education drawing the most consistent support, alongside gifts to a range of other causes. The result is less a corporate initiative and more a company purpose: people who work at Maravai build ties to their communities that outlast the workday.

“Our employees are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping others discover opportunities they may not have imagined for themselves. For many, volunteering is a chance to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. For others, it’s simply about giving back to the communities where they live and work,” said Judy Solecki, Chief Human Resources Officer at Maravai.

A key partner in Maravai’s community involvement is Generation STEAM, Biocom’s K–12 nonprofit affiliate that focuses on empowering the next generation of STEAM and life science visionaries via programs and events, and through structured opportunities for companies to engage with students, teachers and their communities. Maravai has enthusiastically supported and engaged in Generation STEAM’s Women Who Inspire Conference and the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering, the largest STEAM festival in California, held annually at Petco Park.

Their Festival booth activity, “Delicious DNA”, consistently draws crowds of curious and enthusiastic children, parents and teachers, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations with employee volunteers about science and discovery. Additionally, participation in the Women Who Inspire Conference has provided Maravai an opportunity to showcase the remarkable women leading across the company. “A particularly memorable experience came from this most recent Women Who Inspire Conference. Maravai’s speaker representative, Margie Mattmann, Ph.D., reflected so positively on the energy of the event and the sense of community created by a group of accomplished women sharing their unique career journeys,” said Solecki. “Hearing so many different perspectives reinforced that there is no single path to success in science. That message resonated not only with attendees, but with the speakers themselves, making the event both inspiring and deeply meaningful.”

Deeply meaningful would also describe Maravai’s nine years of Biocom membership, which has helped strengthen its connections across San Diego’s life sciences ecosystem and provided opportunities to learn from, and work alongside, organizations that share a commitment to advancing science, developing future talent and supporting the local community. Adds Solecki, “San Diego has one of the most collaborative life sciences communities in the world. Companies, research institutions, educators, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs share a common commitment to advancing science while supporting the next generation of talent. Biocom helps bring those groups together through meaningful partnerships, educational programming, advocacy, and community engagement. That collaborative spirit is one of the region’s greatest strengths and benefits everyone working to improve human health.”

As Maravai looks ahead, it plans to continue expanding its community engagement efforts through employee volunteerism, STEM outreach, educational partnerships and philanthropic initiatives. It will continue to build on the strong foundation established by creating more opportunities for employees to engage with their communities and inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Asked what she hopes students take away from their community interactions with Maravai employees, Solecki remarks, “We hope they leave believing that science is something they can be a part of. Many of us can point to a teacher, mentor, or role model who encouraged us, sparked our curiosity, or helped us see new possibilities. If one interaction with a Maravai employee gives a student greater confidence, inspires them to ask more questions, or helps them imagine themselves pursuing a career in STEM, then we’ve made a meaningful difference. Those small moments of encouragement often become the ones people remember for years.”