Executive board (2024-2025)

Background

Anita holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy and a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology from The University of Arizona. Her extensive healthcare journey spans over two decades, encompassing various facets of the healthcare ecosystem, including retail pharmacy, large healthcare systems, and a pivot into the biotech/pharmaceutical sector. Anita was formerly the Associate Director, Scientific Communications, Global Medical Affairs at BioMarin overseeing operations and technology implementations.

Anita & AWIS

Anita joined AWIS Palo Alto in January 2022. She quickly began volunteering with board members and began working towards priority initiatives. Anita was formerly the secretary and later became the president in 2023.
Anita’s unwavering passion for science and technology has driven her career, enabling her to explore global opportunities aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. Her experiences have also extended to advising health tech startups in creating innovative healthcare solutions to enrich patients’ medical journeys. 

Personal

Diversity and inclusion are at the core of Anita’s values. During her time at BioMarin, she co-founded the Asian employee resource group and served as the co-chair of the mentorship program, amplifying the importance of mentorship and support within the organization.
As a mother of two young daughters, Anita is inspired to create a community that promotes women’s leadership while balancing family life. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in meaningful conversations over delicious food, camping, sports fishing, and exploring the world through travel.

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 Medical University Sofia, Bulgaria and completed her Post- Doctoral Training at 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 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 undergrad and graduate to established researchers and Program Managers at Director / Senior Director levels. Her strong believe 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

Wendi is an Executive Leader with over 20 years of experience in Biotech with global experience working for multinational companies.
She obtained her Pharm D degree from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy and completed her clinical residency at the VA Medical Center in Tucson Arizona. Wendi has a depth and breadth of expertise across the clinical development landscape through to commercialization, including building international teams.

Wendi & AWIS

Wendi is passionate about mentoring pharmacy professionals and others looking to enter the biotech and pharma industry.  She is a strong believer in supporting women in their scientific and executive careers.  Wendi joined AWIS in 2024 and is also an active member of CHIEF, Athena Alliance and the Virtual Advisory Board communities.

Personal

Wendi founded her own consulting company in 2023, Carroll & Morrisette Consulting LLC, leveraging her experience to partner with global start-up to medium biotech and pharma to optimize medical evidence strategies and address peri- and post-approval challenges, particularly in rare diseases.

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 has 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 much 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, but 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. 

Background

Marwa Zafarullah is holding a Ph.D. in Integrative Genetics and Genomics with a Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology and Translational Research, as well as a master’s degree in Integrative Genetics and Genomics from the University of California Davis. With over a decade of interdisciplinary clinical and pre-clinical research experience, Dr. Zafarullah’s expertise lies in molecular biology, neuroscience, human genetics, and functional genomics. Her extensive work encompasses biomarker discovery, drug development, olfactory receptors, and the study of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Currently, she serves as a neuroscientist in the leadership of head of neuromuscular division Dr. John Day at the Stanford University School of Medicine

Marwa & AWIS

Mentorship, diversity, and inclusion are central to Marwa’s values, she believes that we lift by lifting others and only together we can make this earth a better place. During her tenure at UC Davis, she actively participated in various committees aimed at promoting equity and inclusion along with founding a program to provided much needed support to the graduate and undergraduate community. Marwa joined the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Sacramento Chapter around 2019 and has been an active member since then. Now with a Palo Alto chapter she is excited to bring her extensive experience and leadership skills for contributing to the key initiatives and promoting the representation of women in science.

Personal

Dr. Zafarullah is inspired to create a supportive community that fosters women’s leadership while balancing family life. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys meaningful conversations over delicious food, camping, sports fishing, and exploring different cultures.