What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Effective leadership is rooted in steadiness, integrity, and creating environments where people feel respected, supported, and able to do their best work, especially under pressure.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

Contributing to clinical research and global regulatory programs that support patients with serious and rare diseases, while continuing to grow into a leader who values both scientific excellence and humanity.

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

To continue growing as a leader in public health, clinical research, and global regulatory affairs while helping create environments that value both scientific excellence and humanity. I hope to contribute to work that improves patient outcomes, and supports women in STEM.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

One amazing opportunity in my STEM career has been contributing to clinical research and global regulatory programs supporting patients with oncology, neurological, and rare diseases.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

As a newer member, AWIS has already encouraged me to reflect more intentionally on leadership, women’s representation in STEM, and the importance of building supportive professional communities grounded in both excellence and humanity.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Steadfast.

How do you define it?

To me, steadfast means remaining grounded in integrity, faith, compassion, and purpose even during uncertainty, challenge, or pressure. It reflects consistency, resilience, and the ability to move forward with both strength and humility.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

The idea of being steadfast reminds me to remain grounded, dependable, and calm through change, pressure, and uncertainty. It has helped me lead with integrity, continue growing through challenges, and stay connected to purpose and service.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS encourages me to connect more intentionally with a community of women in STEM who value leadership, mentorship, scientific excellence, and meaningful professional growth.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I am currently reading and reflecting on topics related to leadership, public health, women in STEM, emotional resilience, and personal growth, while also listening to faith-based music and conversations that encourage peace, wisdom, and purposeful living.

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?

Remain grounded in integrity and purpose regardless of external pressure or circumstances. That perspective has helped me navigate both leadership and life with greater steadiness, compassion, and clarity.

Annie Marcelin is a public health professional and regulatory affairs leader with experience in clinical research, oncology, neurology, rare disease, and global regulatory operations. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health with research focused on uterine cancer awareness among Caribbean women in urban Boston communities. Annie is passionate about ethical leadership, mentorship, women in STEM, and patient-centered research.