When did you start your business?
Over 20 years, I have worked as a physician in hospitals, in ambulances, at the NIH, in
pharmaceutical companies and have teaching experience too. I volunteered in an
organization helping those living in areas impacted by the internal conflict.
For the past 8 years, I have been working in a pharmaceutical company in the clinical
research department, where vaccines and medicines are developed, first in Italy and
now in the UK.
Currently, I work with a group of scientists, microbiologists, and statisticians. We
develop medicines and our purpose is to give patients more opportunities to be treated, mainly those suffering from devastating diseases with very limited options. I am in a global directive role; I take care of the design and conduction of clinical trials to test the efficacy and safety of medicines in humans while taking care of patients’ wellbeing and ethical considerations. I support scientific and clinical discussions to ensure the
medicine is approved and finally reaches those in need. I mentor professionals from
Latin America, Europe, and Asia. I guide women through my story of career and
personal development. I encourage them to believe in their capabilities and strengths. I
am satisfied by the number of human beings I have impacted thought my story and I
truly believe there are more to come.
What was the inspiration behind your work?
In my work, I am inspired by the desire of helping patients suffering from diseases with
limited treatment options. In the mentorship space, I am thrilled by knowing I am showing the path to others in Colombia and other countries. Once I thought that living and working abroad while doing what I love the most was impossible. I love being a testimony of success, achieved with hard work and perseverance. Sixteen years ago, I was cleaning bathrooms in Australia while I was studying English and now, I am here. This inspires me and makes me feel proud. I feel I have now a duty and is to spread the voice among these young minds in Latin America who are still leaving in areas impacted by the military conflict and poverty, showing them courage and leading by example.
What are you most excited about in your work?
When a new medicine is finally out in the market and patients can use it. When someone gets promoted or can share quality of time with their family because of some advice I did provide or when I became aware my story inspired others and they gained confidence to overcome any barrier.
What has been the most challenging thing about your work?
First challenge: To believe. None of my friends or family members or even myself
believed I could be living and working abroad while doing what I love the most (i.e.,
working in research and development of medicines and vaccines), this is the greatest
challenge I had to overcome. Determination was the key element of my success. I
dreamt about it and did not see barriers but opportunities. When I was living in
Colombia, I applied to several jobs posting with the profile of the job of my dreams in
Europe through LinkedIn. I did not know anyone there and did not have even a visa,
hence a sponsorship was needed. I knew not many companies were willing to sponsor
someone from Latin America but was just my determination and confidence in what I
had done that helped me on getting the job.
Second challenge: To demonstrate my power and capabilities. This is still a daily effort
I have to do. I have to demonstrate why I am here. Being a Latin-American woman,
having studied in a normal university in my country plus an evident accent in my
pronunciation is the perfect representation of the stigma. People still refer to Colombia
as a country full of drugs with no more to offer. People still believe what movies show
and that Colombians all live in the jungle. Thus, only courage and discipline have
helped me to stand and to make my voice and ideas heard while being respected. I had
to study double to close the gaps in my training. Latin American universities are still far
behind the top of best universities in the world and a lot has to be done to improve the
quality of education there, nevertheless, many efforts have been made and we have now exceptional universities graduating outstanding professionals.
Third challenge: To be able to start from scratch. Landing in a place where no one
knows you, with no friends or family. Not even speaking their language (I did not speak a word of Italian) is challenging, especially when you are a grown-up. Resilience, letting
the new culture poring my lifestyle, and sense of purpose were the secrets to enjoying
this phase in my life.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting work?
I am a true believer that dreams come true, however my advice is to dream big enough
(level impossible) that you don’t even think anyone can make it.
Why did you enter the Women Changing the World Awards?
I entered last year, in 2023. Finalist and then winner (third place) in the migrant
leadership category.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
I enjoyed filling out the questionnaire, such a positive document that reinforces my
mission. Nowadays, I revisit this document to help me to stay grounded and help me not to forget what I have done to be here and what I am proud of. I did not attend the
ceremony due to a conflict with a business trip but I felt the positive vibes.
What are your big plans for the future?
I stick to my plan shared during the nomination process when asked (What is your big
picture vision for the work you are doing?)
I see more Latin Americans living their dreams without limitations.
I see more Latin American women in leadership positions in the academy and in the
corporative world.
I see more people from minorities representing their roots in scientific boards around
the world.
I see more women becoming scientists.
I see more healthy people with access to medicines that will change the course of
their disease.
How can we connect with you?
Instagram: clamarrapre
Facebook: Claudia Marcela Ramirez Preciado
Linkedln: www.linkedin.com/in/claudiamarcelaramirezpreciado
