EWIB-Pittsburgh: Service in Executive Leadership

On February 18, Women In Bio Pittsburgh hosted an Executive Women In Bio event focused on Service In Executive Leadership. During Black History Month, this event was appropriately held at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, one of the largest cultural organizations in the country focused on sharing the African American experience and presenting artistic expression that reflects the prestige, authority and vision illuminated in the work of August Wilson. Our highly esteemed panelists held deep discussions regarding service, community engagement, volunteering and diversity as leaders within their organizations. They further discussed how to use these tools as catalysts for business and regional economic growth as well as fostering a more sustainable and equitable industry. Our panel consisted of Divya Annamraju, Head of Device Development and Manufacturing at BlueRock Therapeutics; Alanna Caffas, CEO of Veterans Health Foundation; Jenn Beer, President and CEO of Leadership Pittsburgh; and Sabrina Saunders, President and CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh. Chelsea Marsh, Head of Hardware Engineering at Bayer, moderated the panel.

A key theme of the evening was community. To adequately lead from an executive position, you must understand the community within which you reside, work, and serve. Further, to create a sense of community, you must get to know and understand your neighbor. Reaching out beyond the borders of your city and county allows you to see the perspectives of others. Although having been planned for months, this discussion took place as waves of presidential executive orders were put into place, shaking up communities across the country. Our skillful panel of executive women addressed audience questions on how to continue serving with grace and excellence. Several times through the evening, the theme of “let no good crisis go to waste” reverberated. Whether it is a pandemic or a dramatic change in who sits in the oval office, challenges present new opportunities to serve and support those in our communities. The evening was truly inspiring and created a new community; one that is ready to serve one another and beyond.

Submitted by Julie Cramer