Life science stars back healthcare influencer HBA’s Cambridge launch
Life sciences giant AstraZeneca has supported the global expansion of The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association into Cambridge and other globally successful firms in the sector are playing a key role. Cambridge is the HBA’s first UK base.
The move represents a significant milestone for gender equity in the healthcare and life sciences industry in leading UK cluster.
As a critical hub for medical research and innovation, Cambridge is home to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare organisations.
The launch of HBA Cambridge will provide women professionals in this region with unparalleled access to leadership development, networking, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities – critical resources for driving innovation and equity in healthcare.
The HBA Cambridge Branch was created by a team of nine professionals with extensive experience in the healthcare industry and representing different organisations in the local region including AstraZeneca, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Clinigen, WalkBek Consulting and Regulogix Consulting.
Organised by HBA Cambridge and sponsored by AstraZeneca, the launch event was hosted at AZ’s headquarters building The Discovery Centre (DISC), located at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
The event brought together 130 attendees from more than 30 organisations, including influential leaders from across the sector.
Providing a platform for women to take on leadership roles in an industry where representation at the top remains a challenge. The HBA is changing the paradigm.
Mary Stutts, CEO, Healthcare Businesswomen's Association, says: “The launch of HBA Cambridge is a game-changer for the region’s thriving healthcare and life sciences sector. Our global mission is to advance women in the business of healthcare, because when women rise, the entire industry benefits – from innovation to patient outcomes.
”With Cambridge being a powerhouse of medical research, this new chapter will play a crucial role in empowering the next generation of female leaders to drive transformational change.”
Anne-Claire Gerbaldi, SVP, Global Portfolio and Project Management, Strategic Planning and Business Development, AstraZeneca and HBA Luminary awardee, added: “Inclusion and diversity are central to AstraZeneca's strategy because different perspectives drive innovation – whether through diverse backgrounds, experiences or ways of thinking.
“This approach also helps us attract, develop and retain top talent and ensures we reflect the diversity of the patients and communities we serve.”
Claudia Percivalle, HBA Cambridge Branch Lead and Regulatory Affairs Director, CVRM, AstraZeneca said: “It is an honour to lead HBA Cambridge and to celebrate the influential role of women in healthcare at our launch event at The Discovery Centre. We focus on creating a culture of inclusion and belonging at AstraZeneca, and critical to this is ensuring women across the organisation thrive and are represented in senior and leadership roles – a mission HBA shares and empowers.”