As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, it is crucial to recognize the achievements of women in various industries and the challenges they face in pursuing their professional goals. Dr. Leen Kawas, a respected leader in the biotechnology sector, has made significant strides in his career and actively advocates for women’s advancement and gender equality in biotech leadership.
Currently serving as the Managing General Partner at Propel Bio Partners, Dr. Kawas previously held the position of CEO at Athira Pharma for seven years. During her tenure, she successfully managed several drug development projects, executed the firm’s IPO in September 2020, and obtained over $400 million in capital investments.
Dr. Kawas acknowledgeswomen’s positive attributesg to leadership roles, such as excellent communication skills, high emotional intelligence, flexibility, and resilience. She highlights research showing that companies with women at the helm or as part of the executive team often experience higher returns, more inclusive cultures, and unique innovation.
Despite women comprising almost half of the biotech workforce, theneeds to be more of women n-led firmfirmsurvey conducted by the BIO trade group in January 2020 revealed that among 100 biotechnology companies, women held only 30 percent of executive positions and 18 percent of Bothe ard of Directors’ seats. Approximately four-fifths of the companies’ CEOs were men, with nearly 90 percent being white men. Interestingly, smaller and privately-owned firms were more likely to include women and minorities in leadership rolethanto larger biotechnology companies.
Dr. Kawas offers three key strategies to help women navigate the obstacles they face in male-dominated industries. First, she encourages women to push back against gender bias by speaking out about visible discrepancies and campaigning for more women in leadership positions. Second, she emphasizes the importance of skills development and self-advocacy, urging women to stay aware of industry trends, complete relevant courses, attend conferences, and build a compelling personal brand. Finally, she stresses the significance of networking and mentorship, as these alliances can be crucial in cultivating mutually beneficial opportunities and positioning female leaders for success.
As we work towards a global workplace where every woman can confidently realize her dreams, it is essential to follow the guidance provided by trailblazers like Dr. Leen Kawas. By advocating for greater gender equality, developing their skills, and building strong networks, women in biotechnology can drive change and create a more inclusive and equitable future in their field.
Ideally, every woman will have the opportunity to step onto a bias-free playing field and have an equal chance to accomplish her professional goals. By championing women’s leadership and implementing the strategies outlined by Dr. Kawas, we can work towards making this vision a reality in the biotechnology industry and beyond.
