Her Story
About Rowina
Rowina Cariquitan serves as a Senior Therapeutic Area Specialist in Neuroscience at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she is dedicated to advancing patient care by promoting innovative therapies for multiple sclerosis across the greater Las Vegas area and Phoenix North. With more than 12 years of experience in pharmaceutical sales, Rowina has built a strong reputation for developing trusted relationships with healthcare providers, navigating complex healthcare systems, and delivering impactful solutions that support improved patient outcomes. Her career reflects a deep commitment to connecting medical advancements with the patients and communities who need them most.
Rowina began her pharmaceutical career in 2014 after transitioning from a background as a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer. She started as a primary care sales representative with Forest Pharmaceuticals and continued to grow professionally through organizational changes and acquisitions that ultimately became part of AbbVie. During her tenure, she advanced into CNS specialty roles, supported multiple product launches, served as a new hire mentor and district sales trainer, and played a key role in leading district initiatives. After a brief transition into dermatology, she returned to her passion for neuroscience, continuing to make a meaningful impact in specialty pharmaceutical sales.
Rowina holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management with a minor in Business Administration from San José State University and a second bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from University of Alabama. Beyond her professional work, she is a licensed real estate agent affiliated with the Las Vegas Realtors and actively gives back through volunteer efforts with local animal shelters, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention community walks. Rowina credits her success to humility, a willingness to seek guidance, and a constant drive to learn and grow. She encourages others to build meaningful relationships, avoid burning bridges, and develop strong conflict-resolution skills as essential foundations for long-term career success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rowina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to maintaining humility, staying open to learning, and recognizing that growth comes from collaboration and continuous improvement. I have never approached challenges with the mindset that I know everything; instead, I value seeking guidance, asking questions, and learning from the expertise of those around me. My willingness to ask for help when needed, combined with my curiosity, determination, and hunger for growth, has allowed me to overcome obstacles, develop as a professional, and achieve meaningful success throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never burn bridges and to prioritize developing strong conflict-resolution skills. Throughout my career, I have learned that every professional relationship matters and that challenges and disagreements can often become opportunities for growth when approached with respect, empathy, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Building trust, maintaining positive connections, and handling difficult situations with professionalism have been essential to my long-term success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The best advice I would give to young women entering the pharmaceutical industry is to prioritize building and nurturing their professional network. Networking is one of the most valuable tools for creating opportunities, gaining insights, and establishing meaningful relationships within the field. In pharmaceutical sales especially, having strong connections and building trust with others can often be instrumental in opening doors and advancing your career. I encourage young professionals to be intentional about developing relationships, staying curious, and making a positive impression throughout their journey.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the pharmaceutical industry today is ensuring that everyone has access to the best medications and treatments available. While advancements in medicine continue to create life-changing therapies, making those innovations accessible and affordable to all patients remains a critical priority. I believe the opportunity lies in continuing to improve collaboration across the healthcare system to help remove barriers, expand access, and ensure that patients receive the care they need when they need it.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are transparency, honesty, authenticity, and leading with integrity. I believe that trust is built through open communication, staying true to who you are, and consistently doing the right thing even when it is challenging. These principles guide the way I approach relationships, decision-making, and leadership, allowing me to create meaningful connections and make a positive impact in every environment I am part of.
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