The 2018 HBA Woman of the Year Event

By Nancy White Director, marketing, communications & digital strategy | Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association

In the new business era of #TimesUp, the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) Annual Woman of Year event had a timely relevance in recognizing the women and men advocating for gender parity in the healthcare and life science industries.

More than 2,200 people gathered in New York City to celebrate the many contributions of the 2018 honorees that included Woman of the Year Dr. Julie Gerberding of Merck, Honorable Mentor Nick Colucci of Publicis, and STAR Terri Pascarelli of AIT BioScience. The event also celebrated 66 Rising Stars, women early in their careers making significant contributions to the industry, and 20 Luminaries, women with 20 years of industry experience recognized as role models and inspirational leaders.

The HBA’s “united force for change” theme was echoed in comments by the keynote honorees with Dr. Julie Gerberding sharing that valiant leadership is “the kind of courage that allows you to show up, speak up, and stand up” and is one of her universal truths that make for a better, healthier workplace and future for all.

“As passionate advocates of gender parity in the workplace, Julie, Nick and Terri have long advocated for the development and advancement of women in our industry,” says Laurie P. Cooke, HBA President and CEO. “Their commitment to the cause is a timely and encouraging reminder that business leaders are fostering healthy and positive corporate cultures for their employees. The HBA is proud to acknowledge each of them and their contributions to advancing gender parity.”