Community Spotlight: Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA)

A Conversation with HBA 2024 STAR, Dr. Kathrin Schoenborn, Chair Emerita of HBA Europe

With a commitment to achieving gender equity in leadership positions, facilitating career and business connections, and enabling organizations to realize the full potential of their female talent, HBA is a worldwide organization, doing its part to advance the impact of women in the business of healthcare. Dr. Kathrin Schoenborn, Chair Emerita of HBA Europe, was honored at the Woman of the Year event as this year's HBA STAR, for her work in building HBA Europe to become the force that it is today.

Tell us about the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA)

The core purpose of the HBA is to further the advancement and impact of women in the business of healthcare. It is a global organization made up of individuals and companies, representing a workforce of more than six million professionals across the healthcare ecosystem.

For me, it is a rich and wonderful support network for individuals, a great place to connect, share, learn, and grow.

How can the public get involved with HBA? And employees? 

Firstly, follow the HBA on social media. LinkedIn is where we are most active. This channel showcases the vast activities held by the HBA, from educational events to networking sessions, and from articles to research. Many of the HBA events are open to non-members.

It is a great opportunity to meet some of the people deeply involved in programs and strategy, as well as a great forum to meet professionals from the industry and share knowledge. You don’t need to be in the business of healthcare to join some of these.

If your organization is in the gender equity space, there are also possibilities to co-create initiatives or events that can help amplify the impact.

As en employee, first, you need to become an individual HBA member. Depending on the HBA membership status of your company there might be free memberships available. Then, you want to understand if the HBA is locally active in your area (e.g. there is a chapter in North Carolina, and there is a Suisse Romande chapter for Geneva-based employees). Then ask yourself what you want to achieve (e.g. build your local network, learn something in a new area, make an impact at the regional level) and check corresponding volunteer openings. You can also find individuals who can support you on this journey. This is your first step towards strengthening your network.  

Christina Wright, KBI; Dr. Kathrin Schoenborn, HBA Europe; Amy Sabeh, KBI

What does it mean to be a corporate sponsor of HBA?

For me, this has two aspects: a) the company demonstrates publicly its commitment to gender equity, and b) the company provides its employees access to the HBA with its network, amazing programs, volunteering opportunities, etc. Additionally, they can showcase and recognize their talent, creating a rewarding environment for staff.

Over the years, in many different leadership positions in the HBA Europe, I have seen many within the corporate sponsor community thrive and advance their careers under such conducive environments.

Employees also benefit from corporate sponsorship. For me, the key benefit has always been easier access to HBA programs and volunteer opportunities; when your company is an HBA member your manager tends to be very supportive. These opportunities have an immediate effect on the growth of individuals, be it sharpening their leadership abilities or exploring skills they have quietly wanted to gain.

Having been a volunteer leader with the HBA for many years, I can tell you that this is a true leadership gym. It calls upon the different ‘muscles’ that may not be as apparent in a corporate environment.

How is HBA encouraging diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) initiatives?

The HBA has a long-standing Ambassador program for organizations whereby an annual multidisciplinary cohort is selected internally to tackle an internal challenge. Usually, these revolve around elevating women within their environment.

In response to member and corporate partner requests, the HBA has launched myriad programs that help to foster and support DE&I in the industry workplace including:

The Harnessing Opportunities for Partnership and Equity (HOPE) initiative which is an intensive one-year leadership initiative targeting mid- to senior-level talent from underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+, women of color, and women with ability diversity.

The Women of Color Affinity Group, a volunteer-led forum that focuses on driving awareness, change, and equity. With more than 300 members, these equity advocates tackle disparities in leadership advancement for women of color at all levels.

The Gender Equity Think Tank is comprised of 11 industry organizations working together to create systemic progress towards an equitable work environment, particularly for women who have been traditionally underrepresented and underestimated.

Can you tell us more about the "Woman of the Year" (WOTY) Event?

The “Woman of the Year” event is one of the HBA’s flagship events during which companies and industry come together to celebrate and honor individuals who serve as role models, actively mentor others, and drive impactful progress at their organizations and within the industry.

Every year, there is always excitement and anticipation leading up to this event – not only to find out who the winners are – but also to show up for them, and what the HBA stands for.

I have attended WOTY four times now - once virtually from Europe - and I can confirm that in particular, the events in NYC are some of the most memorable events I have been to. (A few snapshots from the 2024 event below)

What are some exciting things HBA is working on right now?

There are some key topics that the HBA wants to focus on – such as closing the gender pay gap, representation at the highest levels, and shattering the inertia on women’s health in the workplace among many others.

It is important to understand that “the HBA on the ground” – structured in local chapters – is led and organized by passionate volunteers. These individuals are driven by the desire to bring awareness, skills, and knowledge to local members. So you will also see a lot of local events held.

This year, I am personally involved in a program for entrepreneurs in the business of healthcare to strengthen e.g. their leadership and resilience to build and grow their respective ventures.  

The HBA is also growing geographically beyond North America and Europe. This is an important aspect of our journey to become the global leader in gender equity in the healthcare industry. It also opens many new volunteer opportunities for individuals who want to take an active role in addressing the gender gap and creating an impact.

Our Partner Spotlight Blog Series showcases many of the meaningful relationships we've built in our local communities. In the coming months, you'll learn more about the important work of these mission-driven organizations and how KBI Biopharma supports the visibility, growth, and impact of these organizations in our own backyard. Interested in learning more? Please reach out to Christina Wright, our Manager of Community Partnerships at chwright@kbibiopharma.com.

You can learn more about HBA, as well as find more information about exciting upcoming events on the HBA website or LinkedIn page.