WIB National Leadership
WIB National Board of Directors
WIB National Staff
Betsy Ackermann
Administrative Coordinator
Betsy spent over 30 years in the Hospitality industry as a Sales Manager before transitioning to Administrative Assistant roles in 2016. Her role in hospitality allowed her to hone her customer service skills and enabled her to work with a team to create successful events and experiences. She spends most of the year in Pittsburgh but is fortunate enough to spend the winter months in Florida where she enjoys riding her bike, walking on the beach and soaking up the sun.
Reach out to Betsy if you need assistance with membership or event registration, name badges & registration lists or login assistance. She also assists with Sponsor invoicing and processing deliverables.
Gina Ford, DPh, MBA
CEO
Gina Ford is a highly experienced professional with 20 years of expertise in life sciences, biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in Corporate Strategy, Commercial, Portfolio Management, Business Development and Patient Advocacy.
As the principal of One Joule, LLC, a corporate strategy consulting firm she founded, Gina provides strategic advice to life science clients on various aspects of their business, including company formation, corporate strategy, fundraising, dealmaking, and US commercial and globalization strategies. In her recent Executive and C-Suite roles at OncoSynergy, NephroSant, and Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Gina was responsible for Corporate Strategy, Corporate Development and Commercial Planning where she helped drive growth and development for these companies.
Gina is a Doctor of Pharmacy with an MBA. She is an accomplished start-up and growth phase expert, sought after for her successful fundraising experience at all levels. Early in her career, Gina was the executive director for the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacist. Her long-term focus on patient advocacy highlights her commitment to the life science industry’s core mission of improving patient outcomes through innovative therapies and treatments. Gina’s previous industry leadership roles include AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Ipsen Pharmaceuticals, Solstice Neurosciences, and Elan Pharmaceuticals.
Hadiya Louis
Program Manager
Hadiya Louis is a dynamic non profit professional committed to empowering individuals at all stages of their professional journey. With a robust background in workforce development and community engagement, she has successfully led initiatives that enhance professional growth and streamline processes. In her role at WIB, Hadiya leverages her expertise in career development and program management to create innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of professionals of all levels. Known for her infectious positivity and ability to cultivate strong relationships, she excels at fostering environments where people and organizations thrive. Outside of her professional endeavors, Hadiya is deeply engaged with youth community projects and enjoys finding creative ways to give back.
Carrie Palsson
Membership & Volunteer Engagement Manager
Carrie Palsson is a professional educator who enjoys working with people of all ages as a teacher and mentor. Her role at Women In Bio is tailor-made for her experience and passion—she loves connecting all of our volunteers with the resources they need to be successful as they drive our mission forward. Carrie has a BA in secondary English education and a master’s in strategic leadership with an emphasis on volunteer management. Carrie managed over 300 volunteers as Regional Coordinator for MOMS Club, providing oversight and guidance to a diverse membership group. She is also a long-time PTA volunteer at the local, county, and state levels. These two roles have given her a deep understanding of the non-profit realm, including successful tactics for driving membership and attaining and retaining volunteers. In her spare time, Carrie is a proud Girl Scout Leader, not only working with her own troop but training new leaders in Girl Scout best practices to allow girls to thrive in the 21st century. She is also a 4-H leader, award-winning baker, avid reader, and occasional writer.
Reach out to Carrie if you need training for yourself or another chapter volunteer. She can also help you find resources and answer policy and procedure questions. If she doesn’t know the answer, she will connect you with the person who does.
Florencia Rago, MBA
Associate Director, Digital Strategy & Integrated Marketing
Florencia Rago is a nonprofit marketing and branding professional with experience across various NPOs. In her previous roles, she’s managed large branding and fundraising campaigns, worked with corporate sponsors and partners, website development teams, and volunteer cohorts. She graduated with her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at The University of Houston in 2023 and spends her time cooking, working as a freelance website designer, and spending time with family (including her two dogs!).
You can contact Flor for any questions regarding our marketing and communications, website, social media, and marketing collateral.
Amy Rockwood
Manager, Events and Email Marketing
Amy is a project management professional with a background in marketing production, page layout, and copy editing, which has helped to prepare her for the details and many moving parts of Women In Bio. As a former print production manager in the marketing department of a global retailer, she’s comfortable with changing deadlines and priorities and precise communications. She has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Syracuse University and enjoys reading, NYT crosswords, walking, and yoga.
Reach out to Amy if you need help with event processing, chapter newsletter content, bulk emails, or chapter webpage edits.
Women In Bio Team Values
Commitment to Inclusion
We value thoughtful opinions and work together for our mutual success with authenticity, respect, and integrity. We uplift our unique experiences, skills, and values.
Empower Connections
We foster a diverse and inclusive environment that builds a network for our staff, volunteers, members, and supporters. A diverse community makes us stronger.
Value Resourcefulness
We have the resources to support those who want to help us engage, educate, and empower all women in life sciences. We embrace creativity and curiosity.
Work With Passion
We strive for high-quality work that impacts our community and builds trust through open communication, kindness, and following through. We are deeply committed to the mission and each other.