Women in Pharma Session
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | West Red Level, Suite 81
Diverse Career Paths for Women in Pharma/STEM
The Pharma industry is such a large and vast ecosystem of job responsibilities and career paths. How do you know which path is the correct one for you? Join the ISPE Women In Pharma group at the ISPE Product show and an amazing panel of Women from Head of Construction to Executive levels in Vaccine production and learn about all the different paths you can take within the pharma industry. This exciting panel will be interactive and will be opening questions to the crowd for great career insight and advice so you can navigate your way through your career!
Speakers:
Eni Adedokun El Wadi, Head of Quality Services and Improvement, Takeda
Julie Almeida, Director, Capital Projects Management, Ultragenyx
Andrea Hechavarria, President & CEO, New Hampshire Life Sciences
Sarah Yuan, Chief Technology Officer, Cabaletta Bio
Moderator – Brooke Cote, Director of Market Development, Surplus Solutions
Biographies:
Eni Adedokun El Wadi, Head of Quality Services and Improvement, Takeda
Eni Adedokun El Wadi is currently serving as the Head of Quality Services and Improvement for Takeda MA Biological Operations. With a diverse background that includes roles such as Data Science Engineer, Validation Engineer, Manufacturing Supervisor, and Head of Change Management, Eni brings over a decade of experience within pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
A dedicated member of ISPE for several years, Eni has actively contributed to the organization’s mission, serving as a co-lead for the Ethnocultural DEI (EDEI) Committee. Eni also most recently held a position on the ISPE board for two years, demonstrating a commitment to fostering growth and relationships for our members and organizations who partner across the local chapter.
Particularly passionate about supporting the growth of women and allies, Eni is deeply involved in initiatives that promote collaboration and empowerment, particularly through involvement in Women in Pharma (WIP) functions and bridging connections between WIP and EDEI. Eni is proud to continue advocating for strong personal and professional growth for all colleagues across the pharmaceutical sector, embodying a strong commitment to driving positive, diverse, and inclusive change.
Julie Almeida, Director, Capital Projects Management, Ultragenyx
Julie Almeida is the Director, Capital Projects Management at Ultragenyx where she is responsible for planning and providing oversight for the global design, construction, and development of buildings and facilities, including non-GMP and GMP manufacturing facilities.
Julie obtained her BS, Hospitality/Events Management from Endicott College, and managed complex operations & events globally until she joined Ultragenyx by way of Dimension Therapeutics in 2016. Leveraging the startup environment of wearing many hats, Julie found her passion in Facilities and Operations, seamlessly continuing in roles with increased responsibility and exposure. She has since immersed herself in broader capacities including capital projects, real estate, design, and space planning.
In 2021 Julie transitioned to the Global Engineering team where she has completed numerous small and large buildouts. This includes state-of-the-art research & development and manufacturing facilities helping to make Ultragenyx one of the first organizations in the US with complete end-to-end gene therapy capabilities.
Andrea Hechavarria, President & CEO, New Hampshire Life Sciences
Andrea Hechavarria is President & CEO of NH Life Sciences (NHLS), the statewide life sciences association—built by the industry, for the industry. Alongside co-founders Cindy Conde and John Whelan, Andrea established NHLS in 2023, successfully building membership from the ground-up with the backing of founding member companies and attracting broad interest from life sciences companies across the state. NHLS’ arrival in New Hampshire represents an exciting new chapter in the state’s economic history, as the industry is a priority growth sector for the Granite State with significant opportunity for further expansion. NHLS’ mission is to foster growth and awareness of the life sciences industry in New Hampshire and to attract and retain world-class talent and innovation. Under Andrea’s leadership, NHLS works to connect, convene, and facilitate the advancement of the life sciences industry in the Granite State through member programs and events, policy advocacy, industry intelligence, and education.
Andrea is a proud NH native with an extensive career in government, policy and industry. Most recently she built and led the Global Government Affairs function for Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies. Prior to Terumo BCT, Andrea served as Chief of Staff to the CEO and as VP of Government Affairs at Butterfly Network, a highly innovative and disruptive handheld ultrasound technology start-up.
Sarah Yuan, Chief Technology Officer, Cabaletta Bio
Sarah Yuan, Ph.D., is the Chief Technology Officer at Cabaletta Bio. In her role, she is responsible for technical development, manufacturing strategy and supply chain operations. Dr. Yuan possesses over 20 years of experience in process development and manufacturing strategy leadership in the life sciences industry and most recently served as Chief Technical Operations Officer at Sigilon Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly & Co. Prior to that, Dr. Yuan was Vice President of Process and Analytical Development at 2seventy bio and bluebird bio, where she was instrumental in the regulatory approval process for Abecma™ and two additional cell therapy medicines. Previously, Dr. Yuan held various CMC leadership positions in Sanofi, Bioverativ and Biogen.
Moderator – 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.
Sponsored by: 
