Suna Celebi Akkaya
Suna Celebi Akkaya is an Operations Manager at Earli Inc., a biotech spin‑off developing programmable genetic constructs that activate exclusively in cancer cells to produce therapeutic agents in situ. She works closely with the CEO and executive leadership on strategy, operations, and high-impact initiatives as the company advances toward clinical development. Focused on early cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, Suna excels at translating vision into execution, building operational frameworks that drive clarity, alignment, and sustainable growth.
Suna’s career reflects a progression from executive support to strategic operations within complex organizations. She began as an Executive Assistant, providing high-level support to leadership while gaining exposure to clinical initiatives, media engagement, and funding readiness. She also held roles in office management and clinical research at Reinhorn Law, Inc., Acibadem Healthcare Group, and the University of Alberta, where she developed expertise in compliance, process improvement, and cross-functional coordination. Her background in cellular and molecular biology underpins her ability to bridge scientific insight with operational excellence.
Beyond her professional experience, Suna is a strong advocate for intentional leadership, resilience, and workplace cultures that support colleague growth and well-being. Her years as a full-time caregiver shaped her empathy, focus, and commitment to helping others navigate complex challenges. She emphasizes clear communication, self-trust, and aligning daily work with the sources of personal and organizational energy, bringing both purpose and practicality to every initiative she undertakes.
• Leadership Communication for Maximum Impact: Storytelling
• Foundations of Project Management
• Gut Check: Exploring Your Microbiome
• Drug Development
• Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics
• Clinical Terminology for International and U.S. Students
• University of Alberta - BS, Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
What do you attribute your success to?
She attributes her drive to personal losses and an underdog mentality using the pain of family bereavement and encouragement from her mother to push forward, combined with persistence and resilience.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Her mother told her: "Don't look at what other people have you're the underdog in your own story. Go out and achieve everything you possibly can." She says this advice continues to guide her.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn to communicate clearly and early; don't rush the process of building your career; become grounded in what gives you energy; cultivate self-trust rather than relying on titles; leverage AI as a support tool to organize strategy and amplify your voice.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Biggest challenges: U.S. clinical-trial complexity and fundraising constraints. Opportunities: AI's role in accelerating discovery and helping companies demonstrate stronger, data-driven value to investors; increasing appreciation for relational skills and long-term thinking that women often bring to leadership.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Resiliency, intentional leadership, making a meaningful impact, empathy, presence and self-trust.