International Women's Day 2024: Inspiring Inclusion

Anne Giovanoni, Senior Vice President, Corporate Counsel and Secretary of Alkermes, Inc. 

“I think it’s important for us to remember that everyone has a role to play in inspiring inclusion. As senior leaders, we are in a strong position to model behaviors and take actions, both big and small, to ensure that our workplace truly embraces the diversity of thought, background and experiences that each member of our team brings. One thing that strikes me as we celebrate International Women’s Day is the importance of identifying, mentoring and supporting women as they seek to grow in their careers. My team and I think critically about ensuring that we are creating space for growth and professional development for every member of our team, both male and female, and are taking into account how each person’s unique set of skills, experiences and point of view can position them for success.”

Julie Lekstrom Himes, M.D., Senior Vice President, Clinical Development

“This theme is such a timely one, as I think we’re all uniquely situated to take action to dismantle the traditional, outdated perception of what it means to be an effective leader in the corporate world by leveraging the power of authenticity. For me, leadership means that members of my team feel comfortable in bringing their authentic selves to the table every day and recognizing that our diversity is what brings us strength. By seeking out differing voices, experiences and perspectives, we can find unique and varied approaches to solving problems, which are not only good for our business but allow us to make progress towards a more equitable world.”

 Sandy Coombs, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations“To me, inspiring inclusion means taking responsibility, as senior leaders who happen to be women, to model inclusive, effective and empathetic behavior every day. As women, I sometimes feel that we can be our own harshest critics. I have to remind myself and members of my team to push through that “imposter syndrome” and remember that my blend of experience, skills and background makes me the best person for my role. In my own career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from and model female leaders at Alkermes who have excelled in their positions and worked hard to set a positive example of inclusive and effective leadership.”