In recent years, more women and minorities are stepping into leadership roles in industry. Today, female executives are making their mark and laying the foundation for the next generation of leaders and scientists. Recently, GEN Biotechnology senior editor, Fay Lin, PhD, spoke with Judith Absalon, MD, MPH, vice president and clinical sciences disease area lead of infectious diseases and virology at Glaxo Smith Kline, and Cassandra Wesselman, chief marketing officer at Rosalind, about their respective career journeys including their successes and challenges. Among other topics, they discussed the importance of representation in leadership, the value of selecting diverse mentors, and ways of leveling the playing field, including addressing issues around equitable pay, to ensure greater participation from women and minorities.
This conversation aired during the Rosalind Franklin Society’s annual conference which took place January 25–26, 2024. The theme for this year’s event was Inspiring Women Transforming Science.