Her Story
About Aisha
Aisha Baro has spent 22 years building a career at the intersection of life sciences and community impact. Born in Switzerland to a father who worked in international politics and a mother who ran their household with skill and care, Aisha grew up moving between countries, an upbringing that left her fluent in four languages and comfortable navigating diverse cultures and perspectives. She earned her bachelor's degree from Rutgers University in 2000, beginning her career in financial services at Capital One before finding her way into life sciences.
Her life sciences career started at Roche, then continued at Genentech, where she spent over a decade on the commercial side of the business, leading marketing and market access efforts across oncology and women's health, including launches for major products like Xeloda, Perjeta, and Herceptin Hylecta. She later earned her MBA from Rutgers in 2015, awarded on scholarship from pharmaceutical companies, deepening her business acumen even as her career continued to evolve. Along the way, she held senior marketing and market access roles at Myovant Sciences, further sharpening her expertise in bringing new therapies to patients who need them.
Today, Aisha serves as Executive Director of Life Science Cares Bay Area, a role she has held for five years after founding the chapter as its first staff member. In this position, she leads a collective effort that mobilizes life sciences professionals to fight poverty in their local communities, now working across 25 nonprofit partners to create meaningful, lasting impact. Her leadership reflects a throughline across her career: a commitment to health equity, community engagement, and connecting people and resources to create opportunity, values she brings not only to her professional work but to mentoring the next generation of leaders in the industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Aisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, continuous skill development, and self-awareness. Understanding my strengths has allowed me to focus my efforts where I can create the greatest impact. I also value constructive feedback and remain open to change, embracing opportunities to pivot, take calculated risks, and grow throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that people will make their own decisions, regardless of what we want or expect. Rather than trying to change others, I focus on my own actions, mindset, and responses. This perspective has helped me stay resilient, productive, and focused on what I can control.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to find work that aligns with their purpose and passion. Be determined, persistent, and willing to work hard, but also stay adaptable. Careers are rarely linear—sometimes progress means taking a step back, changing direction, or taking a leap of faith. Every experience offers an opportunity to learn and grow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Artificial intelligence presents both significant challenges and exciting opportunities. While it has created uncertainty about the future of many roles, it also has the potential to transform industries for the better. In healthcare, for example, AI is accelerating scientific discoveries, enabling earlier cancer detection, improving diabetes prevention, and supporting better patient outcomes.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the value I hold above all others. I believe in standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. I also value collaboration, ensuring people feel included and supported, and meeting individuals where they are so we can achieve meaningful results together.
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