Honoring Sanofi’s 2025 Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Luminaries and Rising Stars

Asma Ali, Head of US Established Products

HBA Luminary

Who has made a significant impact on you, personally or professionally? Please share why.

My father's dedication as a community pharmacist didn't just shape my career – it defined my purpose. Witnessing his compassionate care for others instilled in me a lifelong commitment to improving lives through healthcare.

Throughout my career journey from retail to specialty pharmacy and into the pharmaceutical industry, male mentors have shaped my path by offering growth opportunities. These leaders share traits that profoundly impacted me – exceptional teaching, authentic leadership, and trust in their teams. Their influence inspires me to help others achieve their potential while bringing my own unique female perspective to leadership.

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

GET STUFF DONE: Play to win means you must get off the sideline and get in the game.

STATE THE PROBLEM WELL: Don’t fall in love with the solution, fall in love with the problem to find the best path forward.

PRIORITIZE: Focus on where you are driving value and improving outcomes.

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

STRATEGY: It’s important to be a subject matter expert but it is equally as important to think strategically and connect the dots.

SKILLS: Be approachable and open because this will be how you learn.

CULTURE: Results matter and you can achieve great results faster with great culture.

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

Throughout my career, I've worked in settings where I impacted patients' lives directly. As I progressed, I aspired to scale that impact from one patient at a time to millions of lives. Improving healthcare through access, affordability, supply, and information is my passion, and this recognition affirms that my commitment is influencing the healthcare industry. At Sanofi, we believe each of us is chasing the miracles of science to improve people's lives, and being named an HBA Luminary validates my personal contribution to our corporate mission while inspiring me to continue this important work.

Daye Bexley, Interim Head, Market Account, Head, Account Management

HBA Luminary

Who has made a significant impact on you, personally or professionally? Please share why.

A former boss of mine profoundly impacted my career by encouraging me early on to pursue my undergraduate and graduate degrees and take on a sales role, shaping my professional trajectory. Another former executive female leader at my previous company, who sat on a predominantly male leadership team, inspired me personally by empowering me to embrace my authentic self rather than conform to expectations. My daughters continually motivate me – I strive daily to set an example they can be proud of and show them you can work and be a great mom. Additionally, I've been fortunate to work with exceptional leaders who have consistently believed in me, challenged me, and championed my growth.

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

My involvement with the Women Inspiring Sanofi Excellence (WISE) ERG has been especially transformative, giving me the privilege to learn from extraordinary women, understand the unique challenges they've overcome, and gain insight into what drives their success. Witnessing fellow Sanofian Norma Moledo skillfully lead WISE while also serving on our team inspired me to deepen my own commitment, proactively guiding and supporting women early in their careers to confidently bring their authentic selves to work. This experience has fueled my passion for mentoring and career counseling both within Sanofi and in my broader community.

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

Fully embrace your authentic self – your greatest strength lies in your uniqueness, not in conformity. Seek mentors and sponsors who challenge you, invest in you, and advocate for you. Prioritize continuous learning, stay curious, and never shy away from opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone. Most importantly, build genuine relationships, support other women on their journeys, and create spaces where everyone’s voice is valued. True leadership comes from empowering others and lifting as you climb.

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

Being named an HBA Luminary is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It represents recognition not only of professional accomplishments but also of the responsibility to inspire, empower, and pave the way for others—especially women and underrepresented voices—in healthcare leadership. To me, this honor reaffirms my commitment to fostering inclusive environments, mentoring future leaders, and championing diversity, equity, and authenticity in the workplace. It motivates me to continue creating impactful change, ensuring that the next generation has even greater opportunities to thrive, lead, and drive innovation in our industry.  This award is the pinnacle of my career especially since I was nominated by some extraordinary women on my team. 

Rachel Solomon, Lead, U.S. Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy, Oncology

HBA Rising Star

Who has made a significant impact on you, personally or professionally? Please share why.

Dr. Eugenie Clark, the Shark Lady, was my first childhood role model who inspired my early interest in marine biology and led to my internship at the DC Aquarium. Though I ultimately chose a different career path, her pioneering spirit in a male-dominated field continues to influence me today.

Throughout my oncology patient advocacy career, female managers have been instrumental in my professional development, with my current manager Elizabeth Franklin exemplifying inspirational leadership. Elizabeth leads with kindness and empathy, keeping patients at the center while creating a positive work environment that encourages me to stretch beyond my comfort zone with her unwavering support.

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

My involvement with WISE has been rewarding, as I’ve found ERGs and Affinity Groups foster inclusivity while supporting professional development. As co-lead of the Global Cancer & Work Affinity Group, I've gained leadership experience and expanded my network by connecting with colleagues across the organization that I wouldn't have met otherwise.

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

Some of the best career advice I received very early in my career didn’t come from a manager, a mentor, or a colleague, but from my mother. My mother told me right out of college on my first week on the job in oncology patient advocacy to say yes to things. She was right – pushing myself out of my comfort zone professionally led to my growth and development. And I’m still doing that – I put together a list of 35 things to do this year that push me out of my comfort zone. It has been a great feeling to cross things off that list!

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

I can only describe what this means to me in two words: Humbled and Honored. It is a privilege to be acknowledged among such inspiring and talented women. I was so excited and surprised to receive this nomination that when I first saw email notification come through my inbox, I thought it was spam or a phishing email!