Executive board (2025-2026)

Diliana is a Drug Development and Program Management Leader with over 20 years of experience in Biotech and Pharma. She obtained her MD degree from the Medical University of Sofia, Bulgaria. She completed her Post- Doctoral Training at the University of Connecticut Health Center in molecular biology and Immunotherapy of Cancer and Infectious Diseases. Diliana’s interest in Drug Discovery and Development took her to Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Revance Therapeutics,s and most recently to Coherus Biosciences, where she was a VP of product development overseeing the Biosimilar Portfolio.

Diliana & AWIS

Diliana is a passionate coach and mentor, guiding and managing scientists through different levels of their career development. Those she has mentored range from undergrads and graduates to established researchers and Program Managers at Director / Senior Director levels. Her strong belief that “Science is Gender Blind” drove her to be actively involved in Women Unlimited, Lean In Palo Alto Chapter, and, since 2023, AWIS Palo Alto Chapter.

Personal

Diliana recently founded her own consulting company, DMS Biotech Consulting, and is excited to leverage her experience in advising Biotech companies through different stages of Drug Discovery and Development.

Background

Dr. Marwa Zafarullah is a neuroscientist at Stanford University School of Medicine, where she investigates molecular signatures of neuromuscular disorders using advanced multi-omics integration and machine learning approaches for early diagnosis and disease progression monitoring. Dr. Zafarullah earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Integrative Genetics and Genomics with a Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology and Translational Research from the University of California, Davis. She brings over a decade of interdisciplinary research experience spanning biomarker discovery, drug development, olfactory receptor biology, and neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, bridging clinical and preclinical translational science.

Marwa & AWIS

Mentorship, diversity, and inclusion are central to Marwa’s values. She believes that we lift by lifting others, and only together can we make this world a better place. Beyond her research, Dr. Zafarullah is deeply committed to strengthening the community and amplifying the voices of international and underrepresented scholars in science. She currently serves as Communications Director of the Stanford University Postdoctoral Association (SURPAS) and BioSci Career Ambassador, leading initiatives to foster engagement and support for trainees. In recognition of her outstanding service, she received the prestigious Stanford Community Impact Award 2025. Marwa joined the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Sacramento Chapter around 2019 and has been an active member since then. Now with the Palo Alto chapter as Vice President-elect, she is excited to bring her extensive experience in mentorship, community building, and leadership to contribute to key initiatives and promote the representation of women in science.

Personal

Dr. Zafarullah is inspired to create supportive communities that foster women’s leadership while balancing family life. In her leisure time, she enjoys writing poetry, exploring diverse cultures, and spending time outdoors. She is passionate about nurturing both professional growth and personal well-being.

Background

Dawn is a pharmaceutical product development and operations leader with extensive experience guiding programs through every phase of the development lifecycle. Her expertise spans multiple disciplines with a consistent focus on operational excellence, portfolio governance, and global program execution. Her career includes both large pharmaceutical and emerging biotech organizations.

Dawn & AWIS

Shortly after joining AWIS Palo Alto, Dawn began actively volunteering and took on the role of membership committee chair.  Her dedication to fostering professional development and mentorship opportunities underscores her commitment to championing women in STEM.

Personal

Passionate about both her family and her community, Dawn is deeply dedicated to the journey of continuous improvement and personal development. Bringing people together and fostering strong collaboration are central to her core values, guiding her endeavors in both her personal and professional life.

Background

Jade is a medical device R&D professional, currently working on robotically controlled catheter devices. She obtained her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from Purdue and Johns Hopkins, respectively. Prior to settling down in California, Jade had moved around within the United States but always worked in the medical device industry. 

Jade & AWIS 

Having learned about an AWIS Palo Alto event through someone at work, Jade went into the event without many expectations. She came out of the event inspired by the passion AWIS members have towards their community and decided to get more involved. Though Jade’s journey to AWIS was by chance, her commitment to join the chapter is very much intentional. 

Personal

Outside of work, Jade enjoys tennis, being out in nature, and taking her pup Tuna on fun trips.