Awards showcase women leading health and innovation

Medical News: Three extraordinary women were recognised for their significant and inspirational leadership across Victoria’s health sector.

The BioMelbourne Network Women in Leadership Awards ceremony celebrated the three exceptional leaders, who were selected for their valuable contributions to the biotechnology, medical technology, digital health and pharmaceutical industries. The winners illustrate a wealth of dynamic female leadership within the sector, demonstrated by the high calibre of award nominations.

BioMelbourne Network Chair, Lusia Guthrie said “Every year we are impressed with the number of nominations for these awards and are in awe of the phenomenal achievements of women across our sector. Our winners are not only leaders in their respective fields, but also role models for progressive leadership and equality.”

The 2020 Women in Leadership Awards ceremony was conducted online by BioMelbourne Network and supported by the Victorian State Government. Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria provided opening words of support, and the Honourable Jane Garrett MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Jobs presented the awards.

2020 Awardees

Women in Leadership Award – Dr Andrea Douglas, Senior Vice President, Organisation Transformation, CSL Limited

Since 2005, Andrea has played key leadership roles in CSL’s progression to becoming Australia’s largest biotech, including leading global R&D strategy, investment and prioritisation processes. In her current role at CSL, Andrea integrates and drives major organisational design changes that have broad business implications across company strategy structure, governance, process and people.

Andrea combines a strong research background, a strategic and pragmatic business mind, natural emotional intelligence and brilliant communication skills to unite academia, industry and policy throughout the health sector. As a leader, Andrea has an exceptional ability to advocate, persuade and support. She is a passionate mentor and supporter of women in STEM and has set herself apart as an outstanding role model for both work and life.

Most Valuable Women in Leadership Award – Bronwyn Le Grice, Founder, CEO and Managing Director, ANDHealth

Bronwyn is the Founder, CEO and Managing Director of ANDHealth, Australia’s leading health technology scale-up accelerator. Companies which have engaged with the flagship accelerator program, developed by Bronwyn and delivered by the ANDHealth team, have raised over $28 million in capital, created more than 165 jobs and have treated over 70,000 patients since 2017.

Throughout her career Bronwyn has had extensive executive experience in the health technology sector, spanning venture capital, transaction management, capital raising, corporate development, investor relations and industry advocacy. Bronwyn consistently backs herself and tenaciously inspires excellence in her work. She is an inspiring leader and communicator, bringing an investment perspective into the innovation space.

Emerging Women in Leadership Award – Ewa Douroux, Asia Pacific Marketing Director, Leica Biosystems

Ewa began her corporate career in science communication and medical affairs before joining Leica in early 2013 following graduation from the INSEAD MBA. Through various roles at Leica (including her current position as Asia Pacific Marketing Director), Ewa has championed substantial changes, including the establishment of a new reagent production facility and the launch of coordinated initiatives to reduce Leica Melbourne’s carbon footprint. She is passionate about how business can be a force for good and is an advocate for advancing diversity via cultural awareness and environmental responsibility.

As well as excelling in her career, Ewa has mentored and contributed her time to students, young entrepreneurs and professionals, and is passionate about encouraging women in business and contributing to the life of the biotech sector.

The BioMelbourne Network Women in Leadership Awards were launched in 2015 to recognise and champion women who, at different stages of their careers, have made exceptional contributions to advancing the biotechnology, medical technology and pharmaceutical sector, and inspire more women to pursue leadership roles.

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