The RIT Online Executive MBA welcomed three exceptional Women In Bio members into the fall 2024 cohort. Each received exclusive scholarships, recognizing their dedication to making positive and lasting impacts in the life sciences industry. As these scholars from Los Angeles, Seattle, and Philadelphia embark on their Executive MBA journey, we look forward to seeing their growth as leaders, combining their diverse backgrounds with comprehensive business education to drive innovation in an ever-evolving field.
Meet the RIT x WIB Scholars.
Erika von Euw, PhD, Co-founder and Chair of WIB-Los Angeles
The Fall 2024 full-ride scholarship was awarded to Erika von Euw, enabling her to pursue her dream as an Executive Leader leading the future of biotechnology. In her current role as Vice President of Discovery & Translational Research with Deverra Therapeutics, Erika leads target discovery, translational research, and development of novel therapeutics for allogeneic off-the-self NK and Myeloid effector cells, as well as business development opportunities. “This program is uniquely designed to bridge the gap between advanced scientific knowledge and essential business acumen, creating a blend of skills critical for high-level leadership roles in the biotechnology industry,” Erika said in her application. “This is my first time pursuing a formal (business) education in the United States, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the full-ride scholarship I was awarded from RIT to do this EMBA. I am sure this experience will be transformational.” Erika has been actively involved with Women In Bio for five years and is the Co-founder and Chair of the new Los Angeles chapter.
Margaret Kenrick, EdD, Program Chair for WIB-Seattle
Margaret Kenrick is the Director of Commercial Education at Buker Spatial Biology, where she supports sales enablement, onboarding, commercial education, and leadership development. As the biotech industry in Seattle has navigated challenges, Margaret wanted to add business acumen to her robust expertise and was further encouraged by connections through the Executive Women In Bio program. “The Executive MBA from RIT would better prepare me to understand the financial and business operations required to lead an organization in the life science industry. Much of what I have learned has been participating in forecast calls and revenue meetings. I want to be able to contribute to the negotiations, analysis, and strategic financial planning,” Margaret shared in her application. Margaret has been with the WIB-Seattle chapter for over five years and currently serves on the board as the Program Chair.
Melissa McDonnell, Vice Chair for YWIB-Philadelphia Metro and member of WIB-Philadelphia Metro
Melissa McDonnell is the Director of Testing Product Management with WuXi Advanced Therapies, where she leads strategic planning, project management, and supply chain management. With 13 years of service at WuXi Advanced Therapies, she was seeking supplemental education in industry standard business processes to continue growing as a leader. “The RIT Executive MBA with Life Science Electives curriculum is perfectly aligned with my goals. Finance, pricing, and regulatory intelligence are highly valued at my company, and I am currently learning on my own. The program will fast-track my understanding of these concepts that I can apply directly in my current role and support my growth potential,” Melissa shared. Melissa has been involved with the WIB-Philadelphia Metro chapter for over five years and was recently appointed Co-Chair for the Young Women In Bio committee that supports youth programming for Philadelphia’s future women in bio.
Congratulations to our RIT x WIB scholars!
Considering continuing your education? Begin your executive MBA journey and join these scholars in the life sciences. We are accepting applications for the next online cohort, which starts in January 2025. This cohort will have some cross-over classes with the RIT x WIB scholars.
Complete your application by October 11, 2024, to be considered for an additional $10K scholarship in addition to the WIB $25K scholarship. WIB Members can log into the WIB Community and click here to learn more.
