Her Story
About Leah
Leah Arp-Romero is a seasoned healthcare and medical device executive who serves as North America Sales Operations Leader for W. L. Gore & Associates. With more than two decades of experience in the medical device industry, she has built her career by leading high-performing commercial operations teams across North America, Canada, and Latin America. Her expertise spans sales operations, inventory management, customer service, sales analytics, supply chain logistics, and strategic business execution, enabling healthcare providers and sales organizations to deliver life-changing medical technologies to patients around the world. Throughout her career at W. L. Gore & Associates, Leah has successfully led regional and international operations, including overseeing commercial operations throughout Latin America and Canada before assuming leadership of North American Sales Operations. She partners closely with sales, marketing, corporate accounts, commercial excellence, and supply chain leaders to ensure operational excellence, scalable processes, and exceptional customer experience in a highly regulated healthcare environment. Her global business perspective is supported by a Master’s Degree in International Management from EADA Business School and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Cultural Management from the University of Arizona, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. A passionate advocate for leadership development and advancing women in business, Leah actively participates in the Women in Sales Leadership Cohort Group, She Can, and Valley of the Sun United Way. She is passionate and committed to mentoring future leaders. She credits the guidance of mentors and sponsors for her early success and continued drive for meaningful work where she can make an impact. Strong belief in a willingness to embrace challenges, and a dedication to developing strong teams. Guided by values of service, professionalism, growth, and empowerment, Leah strives to create opportunities for others while helping shape the future of healthcare through operational excellence, customer focused solutions and proactive industry leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Leah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say a combination of things. One, really enjoying what I get to do. We make great products that serve patients and save people's lives, so being in an industry where I feel like I'm really making an impact is important to me. I've had some great mentors and sponsors along the way early in my career that really advocated for me and gave me opportunities. I would always raise my hand for extra projects or join different teams outside of my normal responsibilities. As I moved up in leadership, I see myself as responsible for executing on business priorities but also leading strong teams, developing people, and providing opportunities for individuals to grow and contribute at their highest potential. Thinking about the longer-term strategy is key; it's a balance between not being too much in the weeds while looking far enough out on the horizon to maximize our effectiveness together with planning for the future growth objectives and business opportunities.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep showing up. Continue to learn and put your skills and abilities to practice, be professional, and continue to show as your most authentic self, you'll gain trust and respect. As you get more experience, that builds on itself. Believe in yourself, continue to show up and don't be afraid to fail or take risks that feel intimidating. Women have a tendency to doubt ourselves more than men, and it shouldn't be that way. Have confidence and surround yourself with advisors or confidants that can support you; lean into your support system. Speaking up when you have something to say or contribute is important and supporting others around you. We need all perspectives in business.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are purpose, service, leadership, continuous growth, and empowerment. I believe meaningful work should have a positive impact on the lives of others, which is one of the reasons I am passionate about the medical device industry.
I also value mentorship and advocacy, both receiving support from others and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Developing people, building strong teams, and helping others realize their potential are responsibilities I take seriously as a leader.
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