Women in Pharma Session: Empowering Women in the Biotech and Pharma Workplace: Navigating the Path to Success
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM | West Red Level, Suite 81
Empowering Women in the Biotech and Pharma Workplace: Navigating the Path to Success
Discover your full potential at ISPE’s Women in Pharma® career panel! This event is designed to inspire, motivate, and empower everyone in the industry to achieve their professional goals. A distinguished and diverse group of women will share their unique journeys and insights, followed by an open forum for your questions.
Speakers:
Sharon Cunningham, CEO and Co-Founder, Shoria Oncology
Fiona Mack, VP, Bayer Co. Lab
Tierra Ryan, President, Cushman and Wakefield Vertical Markets/Life Science
Moderator:
Brooke Cote, Director of Market Development, Surplus Solutions
Biographies:
Sharon Cunningham, CEO and Co-Founder, Shoria Oncology
Sharon Cunningham is CEO, Co-Founder, and board member of Shorla Oncology (‘Shorla’), a commercial stage U.S.-Ireland specialty pharmaceutical company. The company has an innovative pipeline of oncology drugs focusing on women’s, orphan, and pediatric cancers, solving unmet needs and delivering a significant contribution to patient care. In 2023, Shorla launched three oncology drugs on the U.S. market.
A PwC-trained chartered accountant by profession, Ms. Cunningham has spent over 14 years in leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Before founding Shorla, she led the finance function at EirGen Pharma for seven years.
Ms. Cunningham graduated with a BSc in Finance from University College Cork, Ireland, and an MBA from University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. Ms. Cunningham is also a board member of MassBio, Cork University Business School (CUBS), UCC and the Young President’s Organization (YPO) Healthcare Business Network.
Fiona Mack, VP, Bayer Co. Lab
Fiona Mack is currently Vice President, Head of Bayer Co. Lab Cambridge, US, which is a part of the Business Development & Licensing function. In this role, she is building a life science incubator to accelerate innovations within the fields of cell and gene therapy, oncology, immunology, cardiovascular medicine, and digital health.
Prior to joining Bayer, as Head of JLABS@ TMC, Fiona was responsible for external engagement, innovation sourcing, company onboarding, portfolio management, operational excellence, educational programming, and P&L. She catalyzed and supported the translation of science and technology into valuable solutions for patients and consumers across the pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer, and healthtech sectors.
Fiona has held senior leadership positions at Ipsen, Roche and Pfizer supporting external innovation efforts to expand Rare Disease, Neuroscience and Oncology portfolios.
Fiona earned her Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania and her undergraduate degree in Biology from Cornell University. Her innovative work has been published in high impact journals and she also has several granted patents.
Tierra Ryan, President, Cushman and Wakefield Vertical Markets/Life Science
As President of Vertical Markets, Tierra partners with vertical leaders to develop vertical-specific strategies, enhancing client satisfaction and driving growth. The Vertical Markets portfolio comprises our Education, Life Sciences, Logistics, and Manufacturing verticals. Tierra embeds the strategic plan throughout the client services organization with Matt Noe, President of Geographies. She also helps strengthen client relationships, deliver operational results, and drive a change management strategy.
An inspirational and results-driven leader, Tierra has built, operated, and led fast-growing technology, service solutions, and manufacturing companies focused on innovation. Tierra has substantial expertise in driving optimization, market share growth, and client retention within various industries, including B2B. She supported over 50,000 unique accounts, working to drive solutions that streamlined client infrastructure and experience. Her transformational leadership, strategic vision, and execution have led to substantial bottom-line growth for multiple Fortune 500 companies.
Tierra joined us in 2024 from Johnson Controls, which has the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software, and services. As Senior Vice President and General Manager of Services, her responsibilities included leading the company’s global field service organization.
Before joining Johnson Controls, Tierra was Vice President of Services and Operations at Insight Enterprises, a global technology solutions provider. Her duties included leading integration services, procurement/supply chain, distribution centers, vendor automation, and service’s extended operations.
At C&W Services, Tierra helps foster a human-centered culture that reflects our Mission, Vision, & Values. With a passion for developing, motivating, and inspiring team members, Tierra earned the “Most Innovative Leader” Award from West Point’s Thayer Leadership Program. She holds several advanced certifications, including a Dual Black Belt in Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement / Problem-solving.
Tierra graduated from Arizona State University with a Dual Bachelor of Science (Supply Chain, International Management) and a Dual MBA (International Management, Business Innovation).
An avid reader and traveler, Tierra lives in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, with her husband, Brendan Ryan, and their three “crazy” Pomsky dogs, who keep them on their toes. She also loves cheerleading activities and coaches Pop Warner cheer (ages 7-14).
Brooke Cote, Director of Market Development, Surplus Solutions
Brooke Cote, Co-Chair of Women in Pharma has spent the last 12 years putting her heart and soul into the work of Life Sciences. She comes with a degree in pre-vet and has spent years working in diagnostic settings. She has worn various hats within the ISPE organization including past Education Program Committee Chair. She has been awarded the 2023 ISPE volunteer of the year award and continues to demonstrate pride, passion and drive within the Biotech and Pharma industry. When she is not helping, connection and supporting the Pharma community she is golfing, playing with her dogs and enjoying time with her friends and family.
