Influential Woman · Biotech Supply Chain

Dayna Shah

Associate Director, Clinical Supply Chain, Apogee Therapeutics

Minneola, FL

Her Story

About Dayna

I've been working in supply chain for close to 20 years, with about 6 years specifically in the pharmaceutical supply chain industry. I originally wanted to be a pharmacist and worked in pharmacies most of my life, but I'm not very good at science, so I decided to leverage my skills of organization and management on the supply chain side of things instead. Throughout my career, I've worked in supply chain for various industries including metals, plastics, and other pharmaceutical items before moving into the biotech space. Currently, as Associate Director of Clinical Supply Chain, I work for a biotech company in the derm, asthma, and EOE space, where we're developing a new drug that requires less dosing than current drugs available on the market. Because these are injections and many of our patients are children with these issues, reducing the frequency of injections is really important for bringing a better quality of life to patients. My role is to ensure the drug is packed, labeled, and shipped out to different countries and then dosed to patients at clinical sites. One of my most significant professional achievements has been successfully starting a Phase 2 clinical study despite numerous roadblocks along the way - it was quite a feat to start this study so quickly given how things operate with availability, timing, and regulations in the industry.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Dayna

01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I actually have a mentee who I meet with, and I often find myself telling her to take time for her family - she's a mom as well - and that the work will always be there. I encourage her to make this space her own in that kind of environment, especially given the way expectations are right now where you're always working, you're always doing something. I have to remind her and remind myself that it's important to just take the time for yourself, for your family. You need to fill your tank before you can go ahead and support others. I also want women to know that you can change your path, it's never too late, and you can dream big and accomplish whatever you want. Just because you hit a roadblock doesn't mean that you can't continue moving forward. For me, I wanted to be a pharmacist but couldn't become one, but now I work in an industry where pharmacists report to me, so it kind of came full circle in a way that I hadn't actually imagined.

02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Honestly, it's helping people. Everybody has their strengths, and I'm a fairly compassionate, empathetic person. With those qualities about myself, combined with my other strong skill sets, it was just the most ideal way to use my skills and place myself in the world to better help people. I'm also looking to take a step back from the chaos of my current life and spend some more time with my family. It's important to take time for yourself and your family - you need to fill your tank before you can go ahead and support others. I want to have something that's my own and create a better balance in my life.

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