PRISM: Candid Conversation with Connie Mahon

Connie Mahon is a Filipino immigrant, clinical microbiologist, and educator whose career spans the bench, the classroom, and federal leadership. She brings a deeply personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—shaped by her arrival in the United States 55 years ago, when she learned what it meant to navigate unfamiliar systems, work twice as hard to be seen, and find her footing in spaces where Asian voices were often overlooked. These early experiences continue to inform her lifelong advocacy for belonging and equitable opportunity in the clinical laboratory profession.

Throughout her career, Connie has championed access to mentorship, advancement, and leadership pathways, especially for immigrants, women, and professionals of color. Her work reflects a belief that inclusive practices are essential to building strong, resilient laboratory teams.