Advisory Board

“As someone who has not always had a clear path in life, I’m proud to offer guidance through Diversity by Doing to underrepresented students and young professionals interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. It is only with broad representation that we can begin to address the disparities and challenges in the US healthcare system and create a future in which the next generation of innovators reflects and truly understands the needs of the patients and communities it serves.“

—Cynthia Yee, Partner, Vensana Capital

“I’m both humbled and thrilled to embark on this new journey with Diversity by Doing. Throughout my career, being the lone Hispanic female in various teams emphasized the importance of representation. While there were times, I felt isolated without peers who mirrored my background, it was the unwavering faith of one individual that anchored me to the MedTech world I’ve grown so fond of. My aspiration is to be that pillar of belief for others, to be a reflection of them, and to reinforce the idea that they belong. With Diversity by Doing, we have the collective power to infuse the MedTech industry with greater inclusivity, diversity, equity, and innovation. Let’s shape a future where every individual sees a part of themselves in this transformative space.”

—Maria Aboytes, Co-founder, Medina Medical

“I am excited and honored to accept the invitation to join the DxD board. I appreciate the mission of the organization and shared passion to expand opportunities and equip the next generation healthcare leaders. We are at a distinct moment in history, and I believe the greatest opportunity to drive change and positively impact lives is ahead of us. For the many people who can benefit from access to medical innovation, we will win when our unique perspectives join to improve healthcare for all.”

— Jonathon Lobbins, Founder, Keycard Health

“When the medtech industry is made up of people who reflect the diversity of the patient populations, the industry is better able to understand and address the needs of ALL patients.”

— Sarah Arth, VP, Education and Diversity Program, Advamed

“Coming from a family of clinicians who had to overcome significant hurdles to become well established in the medical field, I have a particular appreciation for those who come from backgrounds that have been historically overlooked and disenfranchised. I support the work of Diversity by Doing, because it enables additional talents and voices to join the work of advancing healthcare for all.”

—Omari Bouknight, DVP, US Commercial, Abbott Structural Heart

“Diversity by Doing Healthtech is an exceptional organization that promotes the equity we believe in at the Mullings Group search firm. Their efforts in identifying the next generation of diverse talent is key to ensuring that there is representation for all. As the first step in the hiring process we remain determined that every person receives an equal chance to grow their career and receives the best support, advice, feedback and encouragement possible. DxD believes in the importance of making sure no one is left behind and I look forward to working with the team to continue this effort..”

— Matt Kaufman, VP and Partner, The Mullings Group

“Having directly experienced biases in the health tech industry, I knew early on to drive change, I must be my authentic self, play an integral role in reforming the diverse fabric and advocate so the future would be less intimidating and more accessible for those that follow. Throughout my 20+ years, while I’ve witnessed positive strides, I am convinced that there is no better moment than now to advance equity and representation in health tech. I’m thrilled and honored to join Diversity by Doing, drawn by its mission and the immense potential for sustainable impact throughout the ecosystem. Together, we’ll champion and bring agency to the unique qualities of each individual, fostering diversity that strengthens the whole.”

— Rebecca Lai, Principal, Rebecca Lai Consulting

“I have seen diversity on investing teams, boards and company management teams lead to better investment decisions and higher performance of start-ups.  Diverse teams have been shown to outperform non-diverse teams and is therefore good business practice.  In healthcare, inclusive design processes and clinical trial inclusion, have lasting implications to health equity and access. Our medtech industry has a unique opportunity to be leaders in building teams that better reflect the patients we ultimately serve.”

— Juan-Pablo Mas, Partner, Action Potential VC and Co-founder, Somos VC

“It is with a great deal of pride and humility that I accepted the invitation to join the DxD advisory Board. DxD Executive Director, Ingrid Ellerbe wrote: “…we stand at a crossroads: we can choose now to embrace diversity of experience, perspective, and representation to improve medical outcomes for women and people of color. Rather than that being an exception, join DxD. Let us work together and make diversity, equity and inclusion in healthtech the norm.”  To me, as a Black female surgeon and industry leader, her call to action felt personal. I have been underestimated, undervalued, and overlooked throughout my journey in the healthcare and MedTech ecosystems. Together with DxD, I have an opportunity to nurture the aspirations and fuel the ambitions of people of color and women that if valued, seen, and heard will positively change the trajectory of human health in their communities and that of humanity. If one person can make a difference in the lives of many, I humbly accept the challenge.”

— Dr. Charisse Sparks, Chief Medical Officer, Inspire Medical Systems