Sanofi

Celebrating the Leaders Shaping Tomorrow: Sanofi’s 2026 HBA Luminaries and Rising Stars

Published on: March 31, 2026
Headshots of the three Sanofi Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Luminaries and Rising Stars – Helen Motamen, Linda Santi, and Sarah Zahlmann
Sanofi 2026 Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Luminaries and Rising Stars

Great leadership leaves a ripple effect—lifting teams, inspiring innovation, and opening doors for those who follow. This year, Sanofi proudly celebrates Helen Motamen and Linda Santi as Luminaries and Sarah Zahlmann as a Rising Star as recognized by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA).

Their work reflects the passion, resilience, and purpose that define the people behind our mission to chase the miracles of science. Through their dedication to patients, colleagues, and communities, they are helping shape a stronger and more inclusive future for healthcare.

We spoke with these inspiring leaders about their journeys, what motivates them, and the advice they would share with women aspiring to lead in our industry.

Six Sanofi employees are wearing white lab coats in a lab that has windows overlooking Frankfurt, Germany

Helen (bottom right) visits Sanofi’s R&D facility in Frankfurt, Germany with members of Sanofi’s R&D Quality team

Helen Motamen, Head of Quality Audit Inspection Intelligence & Advocacy

HBA Luminary

As Sanofi strengthens its commitment to chasing the miracles of science, share a moment when you realized your work was helping patients chase their dreams.

I recently hosted a face-to-face team meeting in Paris. During that meeting we had the opportunity to speak with two patients whose lives had been significantly and positively impacted because of the incredible work Sanofi is doing. They each explained the ups and downs of their journeys. One said, “You transformed my life and I am so grateful.” It was such an honest and powerful reminder that we are transforming the lives of patients and their families. We have done great work, and we have more work to do!

Is there someone in your life (personal or professional) that has made a big impact in your life? Please share why.

My mother was an amazing role model. She role-modeled a blend of intellectual, moral, civic and performance virtues. She was not a powerful person by the world’s standards but the impact she had on people was powerful. She had a way to make people around her feel calm, valued, and seen. She conveyed warmth and gentleness with strength and authenticity. Kindness was her hallmark. The author David Brooks says, “When we come into contact with people we admire and love… we consciously and unconsciously bend our lives to mimic theirs.” I am grateful for how she exemplified servant leadership and aspire for my life to mimic hers.

What is the best leadership advice you received in your career?

Three short phrases have impacted me significantly. Lead with Courage, Innovate with Purpose, and Act with Integrity. 

  • Leading with courage is about acting outside my comfort zone and taking risks. 
  • Innovating with purpose is about pursuing transformation, not change for the sake of change but change with purpose and value. 
  • Acting with integrity is about behaving both authentically and honestly even when it is inconvenient or unpopular.

They seem like simple phrases, but I find them full of challenge and inspiration. And I find that they are fully congruent with Sanofi’s “Take The Lead” values of Aim Higher, Be Bold, Act for Patients and Lead Together and Thoughtful Risk-Taking culture.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

We recently had a book club in our HBA Atlanta Chapter where we read and discussed Tiffany Dufu’s “Drop the Ball”. Dufu said, “What you do is less important than the difference you make.” It is therefore worthwhile reflecting on your purpose. Clear purpose is foundational for significant impact.

What does it mean to you to be named an HBA Luminary?

It’s an honor to be recognized as a Sanofi HBA Luminary. I feel both humbled and energized! I also recognize it as a call to continued action; to take risks, to learn new things in new ways, to stay curious and humble, and to invest in people, especially in our next generation of leaders. In HBA’s Atlanta Chapter I work with an amazing Board of Directors and volunteer community. Their commitment to patients and our local healthcare community continue to inspire me, and I love learning from them!

A family of four poses for a selfie while enjoying a vacation

Linda (right) enjoys spending her vacations with her husband and two children

Linda Santi, Head of Insulin and Established Products, General Medicines Canada

HBA Luminary

As Sanofi strengthens its commitment to chasing the miracles of science, share a moment when you realized your work was helping patients chase their dreams.

The moment I truly understood the impact of our work came when I recognized that behind every prescription, every patient support program enrollment, and every reimbursement navigation is a real person – someone managing their diabetes to watch their grandchildren grow up, or reducing their cardiovascular risk to pursue their dreams. When our team helps a patient access our products and they avoid a medical event, that's a miracle. When we support someone starting a new medicine and they achieve better control, that's a miracle. Every year, our medicines and vaccines touch thousands of lives, and realizing that our daily work – whether discussing therapies with physicians or ensuring patient access through our support programs – directly enables patients to chase their dreams is both our purpose and our privilege.

Have you utilized any of Sanofi benefits or resources (like our EBRGs) / Affinity Groups) that help advance women? If so, please share your experience.

The Women Inspiring Sanofi Excellence (WISE) EBRG has been instrumental in my professional development journey at Sanofi. For many years, I attended sessions as a participant, drawing inspiration from both internal and external leaders who shared their experiences and insights. As I progressed in my career, I had the privilege of giving back by participating in panel discussions where I shared my own career journey, obstacles I faced, and strategies for overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome and career transitions.

Most recently, I was invited to speak at a session where I opened up about my leadership transformation – moving from perfectionist, approval-seeking behaviors to more authentic, mindful leadership practices. These experiences through WISE have not only accelerated my own growth but allowed me to inspire and support other women in their professional journeys.

What is the best leadership advice you received in your career?

This can be summarized in four key principles that have guided my career. First, know your value – understand what you uniquely bring to the table and don't underestimate your worth. Second, build a team of advocates, a "personal board of directors" who will champion you even when you're not in the room; these sponsors and mentors are invaluable in opening doors and creating opportunities. Third, take bold risks and don't be your own biggest limitation by thinking you need to know everything about a role before stepping into it – some of my greatest growth has come from saying yes before I felt fully ready. And finally, never apologize for your ambition; own your aspirations unapologetically and pursue them with confidence and determination.

What does it mean to you to be named an HBA Rising Star / Luminary?

Being named a HBA Luminary is both humbling and energizing. Specifically, I find it deeply meaningful because it recognizes not just what I’ve accomplished, but how I’ve chosen to lead. I take great pride in driving strong business impact and delivering results – but equally in using the platform that comes with leadership to elevate others. Throughout my career, I’ve been intentional about mentoring, sponsoring, and advocating for women stepping into more senior roles, ensuring they have both opportunity and visibility. I believe leadership carries a responsibility to challenge inequities and help build systems where talent can rise based on merit and potential. This recognition affirms my commitment to advancing equity across our industry and to being a role model for the next generation – demonstrating that you can lead with ambition, integrity, and a genuine commitment to lifting others along the way.

Eight women pose in business casual attire in a bright conference space

Sarah (back middle) works tirelessly with her Clinical Educator colleagues to support people living with hemophilia

Sarah Zahlmann BSN, RN, National Director, Clinical Educator – Hemophilia & Patient Support Services, Rare Blood Disorders

HBA Rising Star

As Sanofi strengthens its commitment to chasing the miracles of science, share a moment when you realized your work was helping patients chase their dreams.

Leading seven Clinical Educators has given me a front-row seat to what I love most about my role – developing my team and supporting the patients we serve. When I watch my team educate a person living with hemophilia on their condition, product, or administration, it’s so much more than a conversation. I see a patient gaining confidence in their treatment journey while a Clinical Educator finds purpose in helping them navigate what feels overwhelming. Witnessing both my dedicated team and empowered patients is what inspires me most and reminds me why this work truly matters.

How have your background and experiences shaped your perspective in your professional role?

Being a nurse at heart, I care deeply for people – patients, families, and my team. Leaning on this attribute has helped me build trust and create meaningful connections in every role I've held. As a Clinical Nurse Educator, it allowed me to meet patients where they were and truly understand their needs. As a leader, it's shaped how I support my team. I lead with empathy, listen generously, and prioritize their well-being. This foundation has taught me that care isn't just a clinical skill, it's a leadership skill. When you genuinely care about the people you work with and serve, it transforms how you approach challenges, make decisions, and build team culture.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

  • Care is a leadership skill. Don't let anyone convince you that empathy is soft. It's what builds trust, connection & results that metrics can’t capture.
  • Advocate for yourself as fiercely as you advocate for others. As women, we're often natural champions for our teams and patients, but we hesitate when it comes to ourselves. Speak up for your ideas, your growth, and your worth.
  • Learn from the women around you. Watch how they lead, ask questions and let their example shape your own style. Some of my best leadership lessons came from simply observing.

What does it mean to you to be named an HBA Rising Star / Luminary?

Being named an HBA Rising Star is incredibly humbling because it represents the kind of leader I've always aspired to be: someone who drives results while genuinely caring for people, who builds strong teams, and who lifts others up as they grow. However, this is an honor that goes beyond individual recognition. It's a reflection of the seven Clinical Educators I'm blessed to lead and the numerous women leaders who have shaped me along the way. This motivates me to keep showing up for my team and our patients with the same empathy and care that brought me here.

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