57 TWENTYFOURSEVENBIOPHARMA Issue 1 / March 2026 WOMEN IN SCIENCE audience did not take me seriously or questioned my authority, sometimes overlooking the role I held in front of them. To navigate this, I learned the importance of consistency, professionalism, and credibility. As women, we often need to ensure we give no reason for others to doubt us, and this can require an effort that is sometimes greater than what is expected of men. What types of skills do women in the pharmaceutical industry need to develop or improve upon? Self-confidence is essential, especially for women in leadership roles. This does not mean being arrogant or overly assertive but being prepared and ready when facing meetings and decisions. In many cases, women need to be even more prepared than men to ensure they are listened to in a respectful and constructive way. Have your choices of academic institutions, organisations or companies ever been influenced by gender balance or equality initiatives? I have been fortunate to work in the same industrial sector throughout my career, and I often followed opportunities as they arose. During my journey, I consciously ensured I worked closely within environments led by men, making sure my voice was heard and that men showed respect for my perspective. There were moments when I was among very few women in leadership positions, which shaped my awareness of balance and representation. Has having men as allies been relevant in advancing your career? The number of women in leadership positions has increased over the years, and I have seen this change during my career. For a long time, however, there were very few female role models. I was fortunate to meet men who acted as strong mentors, helping me grow professionally and ensuring I was heard within a male dominated environment. Their support played an important role in my development. Do you feel the gender pay gap is prevalent in pharmaceuticals? What could be done to address it? Gender pay disparity remains a significant issue across many industries, including pharmaceuticals. In my own leadership roles, I ensure equal opportunities in growth and compensation regardless of gender. When hiring, it is important to recognize experience, education, and team fit, and ensure pay aligns with expectations and contribution, whether for women or men. As one of my mentors once told me: “Ale, your salary should be the last problem in your daily work.” Who inspired you early in your career, and what advice would you give to young women today? My career began when I started my master’s thesis in a laboratory led by Prof. Lucia Gardossi, a young and inspiring scientist returning from MIT. She opened the door to an international environment that broadened my perspective and created opportunities I had never imagined. At the time, my English was limited and my exposure to global science was minimal. My advice to young women is to take opportunities when they arise. Even when they feel challenging, embrace them. Growth often begins outside your comfort zone, and building confidence alongside men and women across the field is part of shaping your own path.
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