Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the impact, leadership and lasting contributions of women across various industries. For those in life sciences, those contributions are shaping innovation, improving patient outcomes and driving meaningful progress. At Withum, we’re proud to work alongside and learn from women who are advancing this dynamic field.
In honor of women’s history month, we asked a few incredible women to share their perspective on the industry and the importance of this month.
Sharing Our Stories
Debbie Hart, President and CEO – BioNJ
Why is being part of this industry meaningful to you?
Being part of the life sciences industry is deeply meaningful to me because few fields offer such a direct connection between the work we do each day and the lives we ultimately touch. In our industry, innovation translates into longer lives, better treatments and hope for Patients and families around the world. From the beginning, BioNJ’s mission ― helping our Members help Patients ― has been my compass. It’s a simple idea with extraordinary power. It reminds me that behind every initiative is a person waiting for a treatment, a family waiting for answers, a community waiting for progress.
What inspires me most is the collective effort behind that mission. Scientists, clinicians, entrepreneurs, data innovators, and policymakers all contribute their expertise to move breakthroughs from the lab to the bedside. Being part of that continuum ― supporting the ecosystem that makes innovation possible ― is deeply fulfilling.
In the end, this work is meaningful because it allows me to contribute to something larger than any one person or organization. That sense of purpose is what makes this industry not just where I work, but where I belong — and what motivates me to keep pushing for progress that truly changes lives.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you personally or professionally?
Women’s History Month is both a celebration and a call to action for me ― personally and professionally.
It’s a time to honor the women who pushed boundaries before us, while also recognizing that building truly equitable environments is still a work in progress.
On a personal level, it’s a moment to reflect on the mentors, family members, including my Mom and three Sisses, and so many colleagues whose resilience and leadership shaped my path. They didn’t just offer advice; they modeled courage, confidence and conviction. Because of them, I’ve always felt that anything was possible in my career.
Professionally, the data tells a powerful story. Women are earning STEM degrees at higher rates than ever before, particularly in the life sciences. Yet the path from graduation to the executive suite reflects both meaningful progress and persistent gaps. Women comprise roughly 47% of the overall U.S. workforce, but in biotech and pharma leadership roles, they hold closer to 30% of executive positions ― and an even smaller percentage of CEO roles. That contrast is both a sign of progress and a reminder of the work still to do.
When women see other women leading ― in research labs, executive offices and policy forums ― it expands what feels achievable. Visibility fuels ambition. Opportunity changes trajectories.
In life sciences, the impact of women is undeniable. From bench research to the boardroom, women are driving innovation, advancing Patient care and shaping strategy. Leadership by women in our field is growing ― and that momentum matters. Organizations such as BioNJ play an important role in accelerating that progress. Through education, mentoring, networking opportunities and a commitment to elevating female thought leaders alongside their male peers, BioNJ helps ensure women in STEM have resources and tools to grow and thrive.
This month highlights all we have to celebrate and the work still to be done.
Leanne Kelly, Chief Financial Officer – GRI Bio, Inc.
Why is being part of this industry meaningful to you?
The life sciences industry is unique in that the companies working in this space have the opportunity to change millions of lives. I am continually impressed by the industry’s dedication to creating treatments to fight life-threatening diseases despite the numerous hurdles involved in drug development. At GRI Bio, we are advancing therapies aimed at addressing serious inflammatory and fibrotic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating condition with significant unmet need.
Seeing firsthand, through a close family friend, the struggles of individuals with IPF and the impact on their families makes working for a company dedicated to providing new treatment options for those affected by the disease incredibly meaningful to me. I am proud to contribute to the efforts to positively impact outcomes for this disease and provide meaningful benefits to those affected by it.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you personally or professionally?
Women’s History Month is important to me because it recognizes and highlights the historic achievements of women, many of which have been underrepresented in traditional history lessons. Highlighting these accomplishments is essential for educating current and future generations about the obstacles that women have overcome through hard work, resilience, and perseverance. It is also a time to remember the progress that has been made towards equality and the determination of the women who came before us to challenge societal barriers. Their vision for equality, and their dedication to achieving it, continues to inspire and motivate us to keep fighting to advance opportunities for women today. Recognizing their contributions reminds me of the importance of supporting and empowering the next generation of women leaders.
Susan Aoki, VP, Corporate Controller – Vaxart, Inc.
Why is being part of this industry meaningful to you?
Having worked in various industries throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for my career, working in the Life Sciences industry has brought a new level of meaning and impact to my work. I am inspired to be part of a team dedicated to transforming global health by advancing vaccine science to create safe, effective, and accessible vaccine options.
Personally, my daughter had a fear of needles when she was small, so I was struck by Vaxart’s mission to develop a vaccine in a pill form that can be self-administered and make the process of getting your vaccinations a lot less scary and complex. Add in the ability for the vaccine to be stored and shipped without refrigeration, and one cannot help but get excited by the potential impact to help protect communities worldwide and empower people to lead healthier lives.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you personally or professionally?
Born in 1901, my grandmother grew up as a young farm girl in the Stockton Delta islands. As a young mother of three boys, she faced her life’s greatest challenge when she was separated from my grandfather and forced into a Japanese internment camp. Despite this, she navigated immense adversity with incredible courage, grace, and fortitude. Following their release, she became the matriarch of a large family and established her own business, demonstrating an enduring love for her family and country. I am deeply inspired by her, and women throughout history who have overcome great adversity, to continue that legacy of resilience in my own personal and professional life.
Contact Us
For more information on this topic, please contact a member of Withum’s Life Sciences Services Team.
