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The annual spring session of the Pharmacy Women for Purdue was held on Friday, March 4, 2011 in the Buchanan Suite at Ross Ade Stadium. The event opened with a luncheon and welcome by Professor Jane Krause and Dr. Yaman Kaakeh. Dr. Craig Svensson then presented the 2011 Pharmacy Women's Leadership Award to Alissa K. Wright. Alisa has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She received her BS in Pharmacy and her MSE from IUPUI in 1987 and 1992 respectively. Her experience includes formulation development of small and large molecules, leading new product launch teams, supply chain management, clinical trial materials manufacturing and packaging, and overall quality and business management.
She has worked within several successful life sciences companies including Eli Lilly, Cook and Baxter Pharmaceutical Solutions. BioConvergence represents the fourth company she has founded. She has 15 years of contract service provider experience from both the sourcing and supplier perspectives. She is also active in improving science, math and technology education within Indiana and serves on several industry, economic development and education boards.
Following the award presentation, panelists provided their insight into the world of Women in Pharmacy. Participating were Dr. Mary Baker - BS Pharmacy 1979, Medical Affairs Manager & Clinical Fellow, Hospira, Inc; Mrs. JeanAnne D. Chaney - BS Pharmacy 1961, Pharmacist (retired), Rite Aid Corporation; Ms. Winifred A. Landis - BS Pharmacy 1981, Pharmacy Manager, CVS/Caremark Corporation; Dr. Tricia A. Lohr - PharmD 2005,Staff Pharmacist, Indiana University Health Arnett; Ms. Shirley L. Paddock - BS Pharmacy 1990, Senior Director, Clinical Operations, Eli Lilly and Company; Mrs. Catherine J. Simmons - BS Pharmacy 1998, District Pharmacy Supervisor, Walgreen Company; and Mrs. Alisa K. Wright - BS Pharmacy 1987; Chief Executive Officer, BioConvergence LLC.
Topics included professional and family life balance, career paths and advancement, networking and mentoring. Several members of the audience were also called up to participate, including Patty Elsner, PharmD 2001, Pharmacist, Walgreen Company; Kate Burke, BS 74, Pharmacist, Walgreen Company; and Rola Kaakeh, PharmD 2007.
The afternoon was rounded out with informal conversations among the alumni and the students who attended. Alumnae shared their business cards with the students to encourage future contact.
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