Her Story
About Karmella
Karmella Borashan is a retired healthcare executive and accomplished human rights advocate whose career reflects more than four decades of leadership, service, and global impact. She brings more than three decades of expertise in healthcare management, including 31 years in the healthcare industry and 30 years in leadership roles as a laboratory manager and director. A Clinical Laboratory Scientist, she earned her master's degree in clinical science and built a distinguished career leading laboratory operations, implementing regulatory standards to safeguard patient care, and overseeing multidisciplinary teams ranging from 30 to 250 professionals. Throughout her healthcare career, she was recognized for her commitment to operational excellence, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and patient safety.
For the past 12 years, Karmella has dedicated her efforts to human rights advocacy, focusing on protecting and advancing the rights of Assyrian Christians in the Middle East. As Vice President of the Assyrian International Council, she works closely with international organizations, including the United Nations and the U.S. State Department, to advocate for meaningful policy initiatives, including the establishment of safe zones within ancestral homelands to protect vulnerable communities. Her humanitarian work builds on more than 40 years of advocacy through various organizations and includes earlier efforts supporting Iranian women's rights and assisting victims of the civil war in El Salvador, reflecting a lifelong commitment to justice, human dignity, and humanitarian service.
Karmella attributes her success and unwavering dedication to the values instilled by her parents, whose humility and commitment to human rights profoundly shaped her outlook on service and leadership. She credits her resilience to an innate determination to overcome challenges by seeking innovative solutions and embracing every obstacle as an opportunity to grow. Guided by an enduring curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning, she continues to inspire others through her leadership, integrity, and steadfast commitment to improving lives both in healthcare and on the global human rights stage.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karmella
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of personal drive, curiosity, and the values instilled in me from an early age. I was raised by humble parents who were deeply committed to human rights, and their example shaped my sense of purpose and responsibility toward others. I have always been naturally persistent, unafraid to face challenges, and willing to approach obstacles from different angles until I find a way forward. That determination is both innate and learned through experience and observation. Additionally, I have maintained a lifelong commitment to education and continuous learning, which has allowed me to grow personally and professionally throughout my career.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.