The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association has announced its 2026 Luminaries, honoring senior leaders across the global healthcare ecosystem who have demonstrated sustained excellence, mentorship, and commitment to advancing the industry.
Introduced in 2014 as part of the organization’s 25th anniversary celebration of its Woman of the Year program, the Luminary award has evolved into one of the most respected recognitions of leadership within healthcare and life sciences. The 2026 cohort reflects a diverse group of professionals who continue to shape the future of medicine, innovation, and organizational culture.
What Defines an HBA Luminary?
HBA Luminaries are not selected through open application. Instead, they are nominated by their respective corporate partner organizations, ensuring that each individual has already demonstrated meaningful impact within their company and beyond.
To be eligible, nominees must have more than 15 years of professional experience and be recognized as role models within their organizations. These individuals are expected to actively mentor and sponsor colleagues, contribute to workforce development, and demonstrate a sustained commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
More than a title, the Luminary distinction represents a track record of influence. It reflects leaders who are not only advancing their organizations but are also shaping the broader direction of the healthcare industry through collaboration, innovation, and mentorship.
Leadership Across the Global Healthcare Ecosystem
The 2026 Luminaries represent a wide spectrum of organizations spanning pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, consulting, digital health, and medical technology. Companies such as Amgen, Pfizer, Novartis, Sanofi, and Roche are among those represented, alongside global consulting and healthcare strategy firms including Accenture and Deloitte.
This diversity underscores the multidisciplinary nature of modern healthcare leadership. From clinical development and commercialization to data science and patient engagement, Luminaries are driving change across every layer of the ecosystem.
Honoring a Distinguished 2026 Cohort
The 2026 class includes leaders from more than 80 organizations, each recognized for their contributions to advancing healthcare and supporting the next generation of professionals. Among them are Julie Manalili of Abbott, Ragad Attar of AbbVie, Danielle Vaphides of Accenture, Leora Horn of AstraZeneca, Bonnie Finger of Bayer, Sydney Klein of Bristol Myers Squibb, Mareike Lochte of Daiichi Sankyo, Hanna Svanback of Eli Lilly and Company, Maria Rio of Gilead Sciences, Ashley Duff of Novartis, Megan O’Meara of Pfizer, Helen Motamen of Sanofi, Vanessa Gleason of Takeda, and Tiffany Gamble of Teva Pharmaceuticals, among many others.
This year’s cohort also includes a posthumous recognition of Annabel de Maria of Alira Health, honoring her lasting impact on colleagues and the broader healthcare community.
Each name on the list reflects not only individual achievement but also the collective strength of mentorship-driven leadership within the industry.
A Moment Shared Across the Industry
Following the announcement, the recognition quickly extended beyond formal channels into the professional community. Across LinkedIn, many of the 2026 Luminaries and their colleagues shared personal reflections, messages of gratitude, and stories behind their journeys.
Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association:
” The wait is over!
Today, we’re proud to begin announcing the HBA’s 2026 Rising Stars and Luminaries—recognizing more than 170 exceptional professionals across biotech, biopharma, medtech, and digital health.
These honorees reflect both the next generation and the driving force of leadership across our industry.
Please join us in congratulating:
Julie Manalili | Abbott | Luminary
Jennifer Olson | Abbott | Rising Star
Ragad Attar | AbbVie Inc. | Luminary
Kiearrah Lawrence, MBA | AbbVie Inc. | Rising Star
Mariana Nelson | AbbVie Inc. | Rising Star
Christina Chou | Accenture | Rising Star
Danielle Vaphides | Accenture | Luminary
Samantha Morley | Advanced Clinical | Rising Star
Heather Reeves | Advanced Clinical | Rising Star
And the celebration continues! Stay tuned throughout today, and the rest of the week, for more Rising Stars and Luminaries!
There is still time to join the HBA in San Diego next month as we celebrate the 2026 Rising Stars and Luminaires—as well as our 2026 Woman of the Year, Honorable Mentor, STAR, Inaugural Global Impact Award Winner, and Global Impact Award Honorable Mention Winner. Register for the Global Ascension Leadership Experience to Ascend With HBA: https://hbagale.org/ ”
Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association:
“We are halfway through the first day of our week-long celebration of the 2026 Class of HBA Rising Stars and Luminaries!
These awards honor individuals who are not only making a meaningful impact in health and life sciences today, but are also paving the way for what’s next.
Please help us celebrate and congratulate the following honorees:
Kelly Carter | Amgen | Luminary
Margaret Faul | Amgen | Luminary
Michelle L. Geller, MD | Amgen | Luminary
Tracy Schorner | Amgen | Rising Star
Katie Cafferky, PhD | Apellis Pharmaceuticals | Luminary
Michelle LaRosa MBA, CPA | Apellis Pharmaceuticals | Rising Star
Janine Buonato | Arcellx | Rising Star
Beth DelGiacco | argenx | Luminary
Caroline Fairfax | Atlas | Rising Star
More inspiring leaders will be revealed throughout the day, and all week long. Stay with us as we continue to spotlight the trailblazers shaping the future of health.
There is still time to join the HBA in San Diego next month as we celebrate the 2026 Rising Stars and Luminaires—as well as our 2026 Woman of the Year, Honorable Mentor, STAR, Inaugural Global Impact Award Winner, and Global Impact Award Honorable Mention Winner. Register for the Global Ascension Leadership Experience to Ascend With HBA: https://hbagale.org/”
Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association:
“Join us in continuing to celebrate the 2026 HBA Rising Stars and Luminaries!
Each honoree was nominated and selected as a result of their outstanding performance, commitment to excellence, and meaningful contributions to their organizations.
Please join us in congratulating:
Erin Gronczewski | Deerfield Group LLC | Luminary
Traci Mizoguchi | Deloitte | Luminary
Meredith Lovegrove | Doximity | Rising Star
Jessica McCann | Doximity | Luminary
Maire Fiona Jung, PhD | Eli Lilly and Company | Rising Star
Hanna Svanbäck | Eli Lilly and Company | Luminary
Elizabeth Van Sant Hoffman | Eli Lilly and Company | Luminary
Jamie Portnoff | ELIQUENT Life Sciences | Luminary
Heather Meade | EY | Luminary
Join us throughout the day, and the rest of the week, for more Rising Stars and Luminaries!
There is still time to join the HBA in San Diego next month as we celebrate the 2026 Rising Stars and Luminaires—as well as our 2026 Woman of the Year, Honorable Mentor, STAR, Inaugural Global Impact Award Winner, and Global Impact Award Honorable Mention Winner. Register for the Global Ascension Leadership Experience to Ascend With HBA: https://hbagale.org/ ”
” Thank you to my organization at Pfizer for nominating me as a 2026 HBA Luminary! The HBA continues to accelerate leadership across healthcare and life sciences, and I’m proud to be recognized alongside peers making an impact across the industry. This recognition reflects the power of investing in people, leadership, and the future of healthcare. Excited to celebrate with fellow honorees at the HBA Global Ascension Leadership Experience in San Diego next month!
Join the HBA in San Diego: https://lnkd.in/g9wA6uY5 ”
” I am honored to be recognized as a 2026 HBA Luminary! The HBA continues to accelerate leadership across healthcare and life sciences, and I’m proud to stand alongside peers committed to shaping the future of our industry. This recognition reflects the collective work being done across our field to strengthen leadership and drive meaningful progress in healthcare. Looking forward to celebrating together at the HBA Global Ascension Leadership Experience next month!
Join the HBA in San Diego: https://lnkd.in/eCxB8qxG ”
“Grateful to share this Q&A reflecting on my career journey, leadership philosophy, and the people who’ve supported me along the way.
Being named a 2026 Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Luminary Awardee is truly meaningful, and I’m thankful for the mentors, colleagues, and teams who continue to inspire and challenge me. https://lnkd.in/egfrerNi “
” Thank you to my organization for nominating me as a 2026 HBA Rising Star! The HBA continues to accelerate leadership across healthcare and life sciences, and I’m proud to be recognized alongside peers making an impact across the industry. This recognition reflects the power of investing in people, leadership, and the future of healthcare. Excited to celebrate with fellow honorees at the HBA Global Ascension Leadership Experience in San Diego next month!
Join the HBA in San Diego: https://lnkd.in/gFNDxyGA “
“Very excited and humbled to have been selected as a 2026 HBA Luminary! I am looking forward to interacting with so many other great health science leaders in San Diego next month.”
“Beyond honored to be recognized as one of the 2026 HBA Rising Stars! It’s incredible to be surrounded by the women who are redefining what leadership looks like in health & life sciences! I look forward to seeing everyone in San Diego to celebrate and connect with this amazing group!”
“I’m honored to be recognized as a Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Luminary!
Thankful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that advances innovation and impact in healthcare, and proud to do so as part of the argenx team. Congratulations to my fellow honorees for their leadership in advancing women in healthcare and shaping positive change across the industry.
Join the HBA in San Diego: https://lnkd.in/ewt82H3Q “
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Written by Nare Hovhannisyan,MD