What does it take to turn a sponsorship into a true partnership? For Karen Aflalo, it’s all about listening, building trust, and aligning values. As Sponsorship Lead at Women Leaders in Pharma (WLP), she has helped companies see the power of investing in women. We sat down with Karen to learn how she approaches sponsorship – and why it matters more than ever. When people think of sponsorship, they often think “money.” How do you see it? Sponsorship isn’t just about asking for

In 2014, I set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with my brother. What started as a physical challenge quickly became something much deeper – a test of perseverance, faith, and perspective. For six hours a day, step after step, it was just me and my thoughts. The mantra that carried me up the mountain was simple: believe to achieve.  Those three words became a lifeline whenever I felt I couldn’t go on. The truth is, Kilimanjaro isn’t so different from leadership. Sometimes the t

Who would you love to have dinner with? Tony Robbins. His focus on mindset and positivity always pushes you to think bigger and move forward. And if not Tony, then Oprah Winfrey – she’s another powerhouse of resilience and inspiration. With both, you’d walk away with new perspective. When you’ve faced challenges in your career, what lesson has stayed with you? Learn to pivot. I had a clear path mapped out, but when a door closed, I realized growth wasn’t possible there anymor

Change in Leadership Exciting News! We are delighted to announce that Tamara Lovi (Board member & Founding member) has accepted the role of Board Corporate Secretary – a key position that ensures the smooth coordination of all board activities, including administration, communications, record-keeping, and meeting logistics. As WLP continues to grow and evolve, so too will our team and structure – ensuring we remain strong, adaptive, and positioned for long-term success.   Si

If there’s one thing that has guided me throughout my life, it’s this: if I’m not learning, I’m not living. My journey has never been linear. I began in chemistry at Sherbrooke, but as a francophone, wanted to strengthen my English, so I studied at McGill. From there, I earned a Master’s at Queen’s, a PhD at Carleton, and then found myself in Paris, doing a postdoc in a lab founded by Irène Curie. At every stage, I followed my curiosity – about science, about people, about wh

We sat down with Daniele Thibodeau – the newly appointed Vice President at Women Leaders in Pharma – and here’s what inspired us. When you listen to Daniele’s story, you can’t help but be inspired. After 28 years at Apotex – spanning roles from the lab to regulatory affairs to product launches – Daniele retired in 2022. But to hear her speak, you’d never think of her as ‘retired.’ If anything, it feels like she’s just getting started. She first discovered Women Leaders in Pha

Why is mentorship so important at WLP? Because we don’t have to learn everything the hard way. Mentorship lets us tap into the wisdom – and even the mistakes – of others. For mentors, it’s also deeply fulfilling; it reminds you how much you know, and allows you the chance to give back. What is a favourite mantra you’d like to share? One I carry with me comes from the Dalai Lama: “If you lose, don’t lose the lesson.” It’s simple, but powerful: every challenge carries a lesson

Change in Leadership Exciting news! Please join us in giving a huge welcome back to a pivotal member of our team, Sarah Marquis , who is rejoining the Women Leaders in Pharma (WLP) Board of Directors! It's impossible to tell the WLP story without Sarah. As a founding member, she was one of the incredible driving forces who helped kickstart our entire organization. Her passion, dedication, and brilliant insights – honed through managing her own successful firm, Marquis Legal –

Change in Leadership With pride and gratitude, we announce that Thea Discepola , a pivotal board member, is stepping down to accept an exciting new international role.   An integral part of WLP’s story since 2021, Thea’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing our mission and member value. We are thrilled to congratulate her on her new position as International Value & Access Region Europe Head in Basel, Switzerland, beginning October 1st.   While her presence will be d