Her Story
About Deidrea
Deidrea West is an experienced biopharmaceutical manufacturing professional and Manufacturing Lead at CSL Seqirus in Holly Springs, North Carolina. With over seven years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, she specializes in production operations, team leadership, and cGMP-compliant processes. Deidrea oversees daily manufacturing activities, including batch planning and scheduling, team coordination, and ensuring the safe and efficient production of vaccines such as influenza vaccines in pre-filled syringes. Her technical expertise includes DeltaV, SAP, batch record review, inventory management, and manufacturing areas such as packaging, formulation, adjuvant, weigh and dispense, and production support.
Deidrea’s career journey reflects adaptability and continuous growth. Before entering the biopharmaceutical industry, she gained experience in accounts payable and receivable and spent nearly a decade in cosmetics manufacturing at Coty in Sanford, North Carolina, producing products such as perfumes, colognes, and nail lacquer. She joined CSL Seqirus in 2019 as a contractor and progressed through multiple manufacturing functions before becoming a Manufacturing Lead, where she now supports team development, employee training, process improvements, and operational excellence.
Deidrea earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Bioprocessing Technology from Central Carolina Community College and is continuing her education at East Carolina University, pursuing advanced degrees with plans to continue into graduate studies. She is committed to lifelong learning, mentorship, and community involvement, volunteering with organizations focused on cancer awareness and research. Guided by values of integrity, honesty, and resilience, Deidrea inspires others entering the pharmaceutical manufacturing field to pursue education, embrace change, develop diverse skills, and take advantage of opportunities for growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Deidrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strength and grounding that my mother gave me as a child. And also, some of my mentors on the way, along the way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Remember that everything is not personal when it comes to business. Because some things people may take as personal, but it's a business decision, and it has nothing to do with you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be prepared for challenges and embrace the journey. Invest in your education, become well-rounded, and develop the ability to cross-train, as versatility makes you more valuable. Most importantly, be adaptable and ready to embrace change, because the pharmaceutical industry is always evolving.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The industry is male dominated. As an African-American woman about to be older, my challenge is outshining the newbies or the millennials. It's like the tortoise and the hare.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are integrity, honesty, and trust. I believe in building strong relationships with my team, prioritizing their safety and well-being, and making decisions that support them every day. Being genuine and doing what is right guides how I lead.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.