Her Story
About Kimberly
Kimberly Woods is a Medical Operations Leader in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry, currently based in the Greater Chicago Area. With eight years of experience in Medical Affairs operations at Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., she leads strategic initiatives that support cross-functional teams across clinical quality, regulatory, compliance, finance, and medical communications. Her work focuses on driving operational excellence through project management, process optimization, digital system implementation, and enterprise-level planning, ensuring Medical Affairs strategies are executed with precision and impact.
Before transitioning into pharma, Kimberly spent 14 years as a dental hygienist, where she built a strong foundation in patient care, clinical operations, and service excellence. Seeking greater flexibility and growth, she pivoted into the pharmaceutical industry in an administrative role and progressively advanced into leadership through self-directed learning and hands-on experience. Along the way, she developed expertise in tools and systems such as Veeva Vault, SharePoint, Smartsheet, and PMP-aligned project management, building a career rooted in adaptability, continuous learning, and operational leadership.
Beyond her corporate role, Kimberly is deeply committed to community impact and mentorship. She leads charitable initiatives supporting organizations such as Americares and Dispensary of Hope and volunteers at camps for children with type 1 diabetes and special needs communities. A woman of faith, mother, and entrepreneur, she also runs a consulting practice focused on branding, web design, and business development. Her professional philosophy centers on service, collaboration, and empowering others—ensuring that both her work and leadership leave a meaningful, measurable impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kimberly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of my children, who are my greatest motivation, and my commitment to personal growth and mentorship. From a young age, I chose to support and guide others, especially young women, in overcoming barriers and building confidence. That experience has shaped my own development, encouraging me to lead with courage, embrace learning opportunities, and help others grow along the way. I also credit my willingness to adapt and pivot throughout my career, understanding that change, while sometimes uncertain, is often essential for growth and long-term success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be bold and courageous. Many opportunities are missed simply because we are afraid to ask questions, speak up, or engage with new people. I’ve learned that every conversation and connection can open doors to new opportunities, career paths, and interests you may not have considered before—so building relationships and being intentional about your environment really matters. I also encourage persistence, because you will hear “no” in life, but those moments should not discourage you. Instead, see them as redirection toward something better aligned for you, and keep moving forward with confidence.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is, with my field of work, it is consistent growth, within our the current organization that I work for I feel like its a hump that were getting over, but just properly being sourced But we are even getting over those humps now.But other than that, I think were pretty good at what we do and how we come together to figure things out. I work with a great team. Were kind of like a make-it-work, make it happen, whatever we need to do, all hands on deck if we have to be It can be a little demanding sometimes. I guess maybe that can be the challenge, that it is a little demanding, but I think because we're all so willing and we all want to achieve the overall goal I think that would be, for the most part, but the source part. trying to think if there's anything that I can I do think sometimes being a great executor I can say that this is a challenge, that you know when people know you to execute well, sometimes theres oversight to the loads. They will hand you a million things, and its just like, okay, this is too much for one person, but that kind of goes back to being sourced
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values are rooted in faith, purpose, and service. I strive to live intentionally, ensuring that I am not only growing myself but also pouring into others whenever I can. I operate with a heart of servitude—always asking how I can help, support, or uplift someone else, and how I can bring others forward with me. Whether it’s sharing knowledge, being present, or offering a helping hand, I believe in showing up for people in meaningful ways whenever I am able.
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