About this episode

Chanell Alaniz shares her extraordinary journey from Hurricane Katrina to becoming a safety professional in the biopharmaceutical industry.

A story of resilience, reinvention, and an unexpected path into safety. In this episode, Jill James sits down with Chanell Alaniz, president of the Oklahoma City ASSP Chapter and former head of EHS for Oklahoma's largest biopharmaceutical manufacturer. Chanell shares an extraordinary origin story that begins on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during Hurricane Katrina, winding through loss, rebuilding, tattoo artistry, scientific research, and ultimately a calling in occupational health and safety. Chanell opens up about evacuating with a newborn, rebuilding her life through Habitat for Humanity, becoming one of Oklahoma's first licensed female tattoo artists, and later transitioning into laboratory science and CGMP pharmaceutical work. Her journey takes a dramatic turn when she steps into her first safety role just three days before COVID‑19 is declared a global pandemic—placing her at the center of biomanufacturing efforts to support vaccine production. Through vulnerability, humor, and deep reflection, Chanell illustrates how a "helper's heart," a systems-thinking mind, and the influence of strong mentors shaped her into the safety professional she is today. This episode is a…

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