Leen Kawas, a biotech executive and CEO of Athira Pharma, inspires women in the industry, breaking the glass ceiling and paving the way for future female leaders. In a recent interview, Leen Kawas shared her experience in the biotech world and provided actionable steps for women to follow in her footsteps.

Kawas’s journey to the top began with a strong foundation in education, earning a Ph.D. in molecular pharmacology and working as a post-doctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health. She then transitioned to the business side of biotech, working for pharmaceutical giants Merck and Genzyme before taking on the CEO role at Athira Pharma.

One of Kawas’s key pieces of advice for women in biotech is to be confident and believe in their abilities. She acknowledges that imposter syndrome is common but encourages women to remember that they belong in the room and to speak up and share their ideas.

Another important step for women in biotech is to build strong networks and find mentors who can provide guidance and support. Kawas notes that mentorship has been crucial in her career and encourages women to seek out individuals who can provide advice and advocate for them.

Kawas also emphasizes the importance of taking risks and being willing to try new things. She notes that women in biotech may face more barriers than men, but it’s important to be resilient and persistent in pursuing career goals.

Kawas encourages women in biotech to advocate for themselves and others, whether negotiating salary or promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She notes that it’s important for women to speak up and be heard for their careers and to create a more equitable industry for future generations.

Leen Kawas is a trailblazer for women in biotech, and her advice serves as a valuable resource for those looking to break the glass ceiling in this field. By being confident, building strong networks, taking risks, and advocating for themselves and others, women can follow Kawas’s footsteps and achieve their career goals in biotech.