Influential Woman · Biopharmaceutical

Sharis Hazel

Sr. VP of Quality, Regulatory Affairs and Operational Excellence, Proesis Biologics

Hoover, AL

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Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's Degree in Communications with emphasis in Healthcare Management Degree Master of Science in Quality Systems and Improvement Management (in progress) Cert Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma Cert ASQ Certified Manager of Quality Organizational Excellence Cert ASQ Certified Quality Auditor Member Six Sigma Global Institute Member American Society of Quality Member Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) Member Black Leaders Worldwide Member Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Member NAACP Member National Action Network Member ACLU

Her Story

About Sharis

I've been in my field for about 22 years now. I started in conference coordination for a large hotel chain, but left that around 9-11 when the industry pretty much fell off. I needed something with more stability, so I went into long-term care and did marketing and admissions for a long-term care and rehab facility. But I realized I'm not built for long-term care - I got attached to my residents too easily. Then I saw a position that I felt I was qualified for, but had no idea what this industry was. I took a chance on that opportunity and realized the life-saving impact this industry has, and I've been here ever since. Today, I oversee the management of all regulatory submissions and processes to ensure we are compliant with our governing agencies globally, both within the United States and the European market. I oversee the management of our quality systems for our centers that produce plasma - all the measures, processes, software systems, anything that involves the production of plasma. I also make sure we are operating in the most efficient way by reviewing processes to see if there's any room for improvement. My most notable achievement was beginning with the company I'm with currently - we started before we had anything, no centers, no procedures, we were not approved through any regulatory agencies. I was able to build a quality management system from the ground up that allowed us to become licensed and registered internationally and to produce life-saving medications. I started from the bottom as a simple supervisor in one of our centers at another large corporation and worked my way up.

Quick Facts

IndustryBiopharmaceutical
Based inHoover, AL
Specialty Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Operational Excellence
- Process Improvement
Volunteers with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated community activism

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Sharis

01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I received two pieces of advice that really stuck with me. The first was about understanding the difference between the 5,000-foot view and the 20,000-foot view. As a leader in my industry, especially on the quality side, I had to learn to look at the 20,000-foot view and understand the impact that my decisions are having across a company, not just across a particular small amount of people. My decisions and actions impact the greater good, and I have to consider that when I'm making decisions. So I learned to be very careful when making decisions and understand the greater impact it has on the organization as a whole. The other piece of advice came from another woman who actually pulled me up with her. What I learned from her is that because she reached around and gave me a hand and pulled me up with her, I now make it a conscious effort, a deliberate effort, to look behind me and pull up other women as well.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

The advice I would give is that this is an industry that we don't necessarily consider as life-saving, but it is. Take your time, put the work in, and learn the industry. Know that each day that you wake up in these roles, in this industry, no matter what you're doing, you're saving a life. You don't have to be doctors and nurses and practitioners to be able to impact human life. This industry does impact human life, and I recommend keeping that at your forefront as you're continuing to learn and develop. This is a large industry, and I just recommend that when you're in it, you take the time to learn the why behind what we do. Always remember that you're saving a life every day you take an action in your role.

03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I live by the homage of 'to whom much is given, much is required,' so I like to make sure I'm out in the community making impact. I do have pride and passion in working with my sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, to create impact in the community. I make it a conscious effort, a deliberate effort, to look behind me and pull up other women as well, because another woman reached around and gave me a hand and pulled me up with her. In my work, I've learned that my decisions and actions impact the greater good, and I have to consider that when making decisions, understanding the greater impact on the organization as a whole.

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