As we celebrate Women in Science Day and Women’s History Month, we are proud to spotlight the women of Volition. From driving groundbreaking innovation to shaping strategic direction, our team do a fantastic job and we’d like to kick off the month of celebrations by featuring our female Directors on our Board.
The women on our Board of Directors are at the forefront of advancing science, fostering inclusivity, and paving the way for the future of health and medicine.
Dr. Ethel Rubin, who joined our Board in September 2024, has dedicated over 20 years to the life sciences sector, driving innovation and commercialisation strategies. Her advice to young women entering science? “Let your intellectual curiosity guide you.” She encourages future scientists to be true to themselves in choosing their career paths—whether they’re solving real-world problems or diving deep into basic biology. Ethel also highlights the importance of perseverance:
She believes women are poised to take on leadership roles earlier than ever, with a generation of trailblazers already paving the way. Women’s natural leadership qualities—social and emotional intelligence—allow them to build resilient, inclusive teams that will drive the future of science.
Mickie Henshall, a Board Director at Volition since August 2022, emphasises the importance of fostering early interest in STEM among girls and providing strong female role models. She says, “We need to encourage the curiosity, interest, and passion for STEM with girls at a younger age.” Mickie points out that girls as young as six years old face stereotypes about their abilities in STEM, which can deter them from pursuing these fields. She also believes it’s crucial to expand students’ understanding of the diverse career paths in science, noting, “many students… have a narrow view of what a career in this industry might look like.” Reflecting on her own career, she shares,
Looking to the future, Mickie hopes to see “greater representation at leadership levels and equity in pay” for women in science, as well as more women involved in research and drug development to address “disparities and gender bias in clinical evaluations of drug response.”
Kim Nguyen, is an international HR professional with over 20 years of experience, and has been on Volition’s Board since 2021. She emphasises two crucial factors for making science more inclusive for women: representation and flexibility. Kim believes that increasing diverse role models and mentors at all levels is essential to support women in their careers, helping them navigate challenges and build networks. “Without it, women may feel ostracised and suffer in silence,”.
Additionally, Kim advocates for prioritising work-life balance and flexibility in STEM careers, suggesting that options like remote work and flexible hours can make the field more accessible to a broader range of talent, especially women balancing family responsibilities. When it comes to raising awareness about women’s achievements in science, she champions a culture of celebration, stating, “By sharing real-life stories… we can inspire more people to the field.” At Volition, Kim highlights the importance of showcasing the collective efforts of the team, including both successes and setbacks, to foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages more women to pursue scientific careers.
