Her Story
About Valentina
Valentina Calitri serves as Associate Director, Senior Contracts Manager in the pharmaceutical industry. Since joining the field in 2011, she has focused on contract management and procurement, overseeing the full contract lifecycle including authorizations, reviews, signatures, purchase orders, and clinical trial study budgets while collaborating across finance, procurement, sourcing, legal, and compliance. Her work centers on clinical trial contracts, particularly in oncology and rare diseases. Prior to entering pharma, she worked as a corporate paralegal for two of the largest firms in Boston, Deckert LLP and Gulston & Soares, starting in high school and continuing into her mid-20s. She holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, and she earned her MBA from Cambridge College in 2018. Calitri attributes her drive and success to her son, for whom she has pursued education and career advancement to serve as a role model. She has volunteered by mentoring young moms through Cambridge College and values honesty, respect for others, genuineness, and being upfront in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Valentina
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success is for my son. It's been me and my son since his father passed away when he was young. I want to be something he can look up to. We grew up together and everything I do in my education and career is really for him.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't give up. My mentor Dr. Theodore Ashburn told me don't give up, it's going to work itself out and pay off. He encouraged me when I was afraid to go back to school after being a teen mom.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be open to all different areas of pharma and find one you like. Find a mentor if you can. Don't give up. Learn about the clinical development process and understand how the company works. Be your own investigator.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being honest, having respect for others, being genuine, upfront, and honest. I have tattoos that say Respect and Springs. Going above and beyond and treating people right is key. I resigned from a high-paying job because my boss screamed at me and it violated my values.
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