Vivianne J. Arencibia
Chair, Women in Pharma International Steering Committee and Secretary, ISPE International Board of Directors
When I started my college education 30 years ago, less than 1% of the engineering student population were women. Rather than being intimidated, I saw this as an opportunity.
I am an engineer by trade. I’m also a mother, a woman and a minority. Though I have proudly made a name for myself within the pharmaceutical industry, I also recognise the hurdles I’ve faced and the allies that helped me along the way.
Empowering women in the pharmaceutical industry
Raised by a Cuban mother ahead of her time, education was greatly valued in my home. My mother, an architect, instilled in me the importance of focus and determination in a male-dominated world, and she wasn’t wrong.
Flash-forward several years, and here I am — a long-standing International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Member, part of the organisation’s International Board and the Chair of the International Steering Committee for ISPE’s Women in Pharma community.
Through strategic programming, I’ve had the honour to collaborate with many impressive women — all of whom have a role in this STEM-based industry. From business development to white coats, I’ve had the opportunity to work with them, learn for them and help women and other marginalised shape the future of the pharmaceutical industry.
Only through this diversification of talent and i
deas can we properly address the patient
population we serve on a global scale.
Diversity and inclusion powers opportunity
Just off the heels of a pandemic, the importance of collaboration and thought exchange has never been more evident. Working across borders leads to innovation and bringing treatment plans to market in record time.
This is what fuels Women in Pharma. We advocate for accelerated equality in the industry, providing international and local programming to outline the application of diversity, equity and inclusion to promote innovation and progress.
We share lessons learned and best practices. We pair professionals of all levels, genders and ethnic backgrounds in global mentorship groups so that they develop a deeper understanding of international business practices, cultural nuances and global opportunities. Only through this diversification of talent and ideas can we properly address the patient population we serve on a global scale.
As I look back at being part of less than 1% of my graduating class, I look forward to the work ahead as we build confidence, form key connections and discover new opportunities once deemed impossible for Women.
