Her Story
About Elena
I’m a consultant specializing in pharmaceutical manufacturing quality assurance, currently working on a CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation) team at a drug manufacturing facility in its early stages of development. My role is to help ensure that equipment and operations meet GMP standards — so patients ultimately receive safe, high-quality medicine.
Before stepping into consulting, I spent nearly a decade in pharmaceutical research. I worked as a scientist focused on Alzheimer’s disease, using stem cell models to better understand neurodegeneration. My PhD in molecular biology from UCLA centered on stem cell research and modeling neurodevelopmental disorders — work that strengthened my scientific rigor and deepened my commitment to improving patient outcomes.
Transitioning from the lab to consulting wasn’t a straight line — it was a pivot. I had to learn new systems, new regulations, new team dynamics, and a completely different way of working. But that growth has been one of my proudest accomplishments.
Today, what I value most isn’t just the technical side of the work — it’s the people. Collaborating across teams, aligning on quality standards, and contributing to something larger than myself has been incredibly rewarding.
Science taught me how to think critically. Consulting has taught me how to lead, adapt, and communicate. And I’m just getting started.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my belief that everything happens for growth. Whenever I’ve faced obstacles or setbacks, I’ve chosen to approach them with a positive mindset, trusting that I would come out stronger and better on the other side.
In the moment, challenges don’t always feel purposeful. But when I reflect on my journey, I can clearly see how each experience shaped me and led me to where I am today — and I’m proud of that path.
This perspective has helped me navigate some of the most demanding seasons of my life, including earning my PhD and successfully transitioning from a career as a research scientist to a consultant in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Each challenge strengthened me, and reinforced my confidence in my ability to adapt and grow.
I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulty — it’s about embracing it, trusting the process, and continuing to move forward.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If I could give one piece of advice to young women, it would be this: believe in yourself and be proactive.
So many talented, capable women hesitate because they question whether they’re good enough. I’ve seen it, and I’ve felt it. But the truth is — you are good enough. You are capable. You belong in the room.
Confidence isn’t always easy to maintain, and it doesn’t mean you never feel doubt. It means choosing to move forward anyway. It means speaking up, raising your hand, pursuing opportunities, and trusting that you are worthy of success in this field.
Don’t wait for permission. Advocate for yourself. Invest in your growth. And remember that your voice, your perspective, and your ambition have value.
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