‘Game-changer for women’ as Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association opens Cambridge branch
The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) expanded its global footprint with the launch of its Cambridge branch, marking “a significant milestone for gender equity in the healthcare and life sciences industry in this region”.
Organised by HBA Cambridge and sponsored by AstraZeneca, the launch event was hosted at The Discovery Centre on Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest medical research hub in Europe.
The event on February 134 brought together 130 attendees from more than 30 organisations, including influential leaders from across the sector.
The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) is a non-profit organisation advancing women's involvement in healthcare worldwide. It was founded in 1977 in the US by five women to exchange information and resources and now has more than 50 locations around the world geared towards accelerating gender parity.
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.
Lotte Westerink, HBA Cambridge engagement committee lead and health economics and payer evidence lead, AstraZeneca, said: “We are delighted that the HBA has opened a branch in Cambridge, Europe’s leading hub in biotechnology.
“We are dedicated to empowering and connecting women in healthcare, building a strong network that creates female leaders for life.”
Perhaps with an eye on International Women’s Day on March 8, Prof Dame Carol Black, chair of the Centre for Aging Better, said: “Female leadership is hugely important in shaping the future of healthcare. If you want to improve inclusive leadership, you need mentors, but above all you need sponsors, people who believe in you. Then you need to go for it and not be frightened of failing.”
Caterina Brindicci, SVP, global head late respiratory and immunology, AstraZeneca, said: “Due to its well-established ecosystem of academia, industry, and innovation, Cambridge attracts a diverse and highly-skilled talent pool from around the world. It really is a joy to see the role of women being recognised in this important HBA branch.”
The HBA continues to drive tangible change worldwide by fostering an inclusive workforce, which demonstrably leads to better decision-making, improved patient outcomes, and greater business success.
Mary Stutts, CEO, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, said: “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.”
Find out more about HBA in Cambridge here.
