Feature Article | Leen Kawas on Female Founders in Biotech: How Personal Drive Translates to Industry Success
- chance51029
- Oct 16
- 1 min read
Leen Kawas' journey from pharmacy student to biotech investor reveals how female founders navigate entrenched bias to drive breakthrough innovation. As Managing General Partner at Propel Bio Partners, Kawas invests in companies led by diverse, mission-driven teams focused on patient-first innovation. Her leadership philosophy centers on inclusivity, practical problem-solving, and elevating overlooked markets—principles she practiced while co-founding Athira and continues to champion through investments in Inherent Biosciences, Persephone, and OmniVis.
By emphasizing leadership diversity not as a quota but as a competitive advantage, Kawas redefines biotech success: real impact, equitable access, and superior returns.