Jennie Montano, MSEE

💼 History Repeats Itself: Reflections on Affirmative Action, Professional Success, and the Ongoing Struggle for Equity In the 1970s, I became one of the few Black professionals to join the workforce under the framework of Affirmative Action. 👨🏽‍🔬 At Geigy Pharmaceuticals in Ardsley, New York, I worked alongside colleagues from prestigious Ivy League schools. My journey began at Bluefield State College, an HBCU, where limited resources forced us to build our own high-pressure liquid chromatograph rather than purchase one. 🔧 That hands-on experience prepared me in ways my peers hadn’t imagined. Despite my qualifications, I was labeled an “Affirmative Action hire,” a phrase implying I wasn’t as capable as my white counterparts. Many professionals of color from my generation faced the same narrative—dismissed, underestimated, and forced to prove themselves over and over. 📚 The Affirmative Action Era and the Backlash that Followed Affirmative Action, introduced in the 1960s, was designed to address deep-rooted discrimination by increasing access to education and employment for marginalized communities. 🎓 However, from its inception, the policy met resistance from whites. The backlash intensified in the 1980s under conservative political movements. The narrative became, portraying Affirmative Action as an unfair advantage for minorities. 🛑 Supreme court case, Regents of the University of California v. Bakke in 1978, banned racial quotas. Today, we see echoes of these same arguments in the attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. 🌍 Personal Lessons from a Lifetime of Professional Success In my career as a chemist, pharmaceutical executive, entrepreneur, and educator, I encountered subtle and overt forms of exclusion. I was often branded as "too ambitious" or "uppity." Once again, there is a concerted effort to roll back progress under the guise of preserving "merit" and "fairness." 🔍 Five Lessons to Avoid Repeating History Here are five lessons to avoid repeating history. 🌟 Recognize the Power of Diversity: Organizations and societies that embrace diversity will thrive. ⚖️ Challenge the “Unfair Advantage” Myth. 🏫 Invest in Inclusive Education. 📢 Prioritize Civic Engagement and Voting. Voting is the most powerful tool we have to defend and expand progress. Our ancestors fought for this right—exercise it. 🚀 Look to Gen Z for Leadership: They are living diversity. 🚨 A Call to Action: Vote for the Future You Deserve Frederick Douglass said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” This election season, we have an opportunity to demand equity, justice, and opportunity for all. Vote as if your future depends on it—because it does. Let’s ensure that the progress made by generations before us is not undone. #HistoryRepeats #AffirmativeAction #DEIMatters #InclusionNow #EquityForAll #PowerToThePeople ✊🏽 #BlackExcellence #LeadershipMatters #DiversityIsStrength #VoteForChange 🗳️

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https://lnkd.in/gAaqH754 Important message for employees when an organization is in flux. Change creates unease at all levels, but focusing on opportunities to do new things and more importantly, learn can be a motivator.

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Women in Pharma/Biotech who get promoted whenever they want do these 3 things..... If you're eyeing that next promotion, reflect on whether or not you've done (or know how to) do these 3 things first. It will save you so much time and prevent you from having to repair a botched promotion request that could set your career back. 💫 P.S. If you want to expedite your next promotion, schedule a consultation for 1-1 coaching. You will build the leadership and career skills to stand out in the industry and make your desired role or promotion inevitable. When you schedule your no-cost consultation, we will discuss your career goals and determine if we are a good fit. If we are, we will discuss my next availability and secure your spot. #themoreyouknow #womeninpharma #womeninbio #careertips #leadershipdevelopment

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With what feels like constant change in Pharma/Biotech, it’s not uncommon to get in a situation where the company’s direction and your desires for your career become mis-matched. Whether you find yourself in the middle of company layoffs that are forcing you to pivot or you’re wondering if you should stick it out, here are 3 steps to keep your career path on track while your company is having layoffs. I hope these 3 steps helped you see how you can keep your career on path during layoffs.  Tune in to the Your Worthy Career podcast for more support or send me a message to inquire how I can support you directly. #careerchange #pharma #biotech #lifesciences #careertips

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With what feels like constant change in Pharma/Biotech, it’s not uncommon to get in a situation where the company’s direction and your desires for your career become mis-matched.😫 Whether you find yourself in the middle of company layoffs that are forcing you to pivot or you’re wondering if you should stick it out, here are 3 steps to keep your career path on track while your company is having layoffs. P.S. if you've been trying to get a new job or promotion and it feels like a dead-end, take my quiz to diagnose the problem and get the fix you need. 🤩 #careerchange #pharma #biotech #lifesciences #careertips

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15 very compelling graphs to understand the the future of generative AI. Including: What will the technology be good at, and how quickly? What types of jobs will gen AI most affect? Which industries stand to gain the most? What activities will deliver the most value for organizations? How do—and will—workers feel about the technology? What safeguards are needed to ensure responsible use of gen AI?

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Big shout out and thanks to Kristen Mittal, RAC, PMP and Mittal Consulting for the great talk today on the FDA regulatory path for #medicaldevice. Thanks to all the founders who showed up - it was a great turnout. I wanted to highlight the new pilot #FDA program called Total Product Life Cycle Advisory Program (TAP). https://lnkd.in/gpKrrWqx So excited to see this slide in her talk! Blink Ventures is launching a new med device #accelerator (applications opening soon with a first cohort targeted for end of Q1 2025) and we are focused on ensuring early med device companies address the #reimbursement and #marketaccess side in addition to #regulatory. #FDA #innovation

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"I'll never work in quality....."     That's what Andrea Goddard said to her boss one day. Fast-forward a few years, and she would become Chief Quality Officer for Genentech!   This is Andrea's story about her career at Genentech which spanned nearly 30 years. Starting in manufacturing and eventually becoming the CQO. Andrea’s boss encouraged her to step into quality because of her technical expertise and her leadership skills. It's these skills - collaboration, inclusive decision-making, and the ability to communicate with diverse teams - that helped her get to where she is now. We talk about: - Building strong relationships with other departments. - The challenges and rewards of working in a global role. - Managing different time zones and cultures. - Making informed decisions using data and facts. - Putting yourself out of your comfort zone. And more! You can watch YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify.

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If you’re a woman in Pharma or Biotech doing all the “right” things but feeling like your career has stalled, get ready to apply for Beyond the Ceiling Club when enrollment opens December 2nd. This is the only program designed specifically for women in our industry who want to break free from “good enough” and step confidently into their next best role. 🤩 Whether the market is booming or challenging, this 4-month journey gives you the clarity, confidence, and skills to drive your career forward with ease. In Beyond the Ceiling Club, you’ll create your Career Protocol—a personalized roadmap defining your ideal role, the best-fit companies, and your unique competitive edge. It’s about building a career that not only advances but truly fulfills you. If you want to get a taste and learn more, join my free audio training, 3 Steps to Get Your Dream Job in Pharma/Biotech, launching November 18th. You’ll learn: 👉 The mindset shift needed to get noticed 👉 Outdated strategies to ditch for better results 👉 Three critical steps to start landing interviews and offers that excite you Register for the training now and gain exclusive early access to apply for Beyond the Ceiling Club—with a bonus only available to early registrants. #womeninpharma #womeninbio #careerdevelopment #careercoach #pharmacoach

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https://lnkd.in/gg2gQvF5 So vetting at FDA is a big goal for the new HHS Secretary, irony is assured at least for the next four years. This one is little tricky for big Pharma lobbying, not your typical lunch date with the Senator. One would say this one is worthy of those deep pockets Big Pharma has. Someone is coming into the beltway and threatening the cash cow big pharma has worked so tirelessly so many years to built. It’s not nice to mess with mother cash cow. For the thousands if not millions of us minions domestic and foreign that toll in the trenches of this industry and are somehow someway impacted by this seismic moves, it will be the saga of the decade to at least entertain if not hinder our activity in some way. Or at the end it maybe it’s just smack talk from a politician saying he is going to change government as we know it. Add the DOGE thing and you got a full blown attack on big pharma or at least the talk. On well, back to this little GMP task, that somehow seems so insignificant in the scheme of things. Drink your raw milk and ponder about it.

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Feeling stuck in your Pharma/Biotech career? You’re not alone. When women in our field reach out to me, they’re often feeling pulled toward something more but aren’t sure what the next move should be. 😫 Or maybe they know what they want but feel stuck, unsure how to make it happen. Sound familiar? Over the years, I’ve seen 5 common blindspots holding women back from having the careers they truly want. 1️⃣ You think you’ve exhausted all options… Your blindspot: You’re not seeing the hidden doors and creative pathways to move forward - without depending solely on LinkedIn or waiting on your boss. 2️⃣ You feel asking for help means weakness… Your blindspot: Networking is power! It builds your influence, gets people in your corner, and can open doors to that dream role. 3️⃣ You think your work will speak for itself… Your blindspot: This “wait-to-be-seen” mindset means others may not notice you as quickly as you deserve. It’s time to take the driver’s seat and make your own career moves. 4️⃣ You think your dream job doesn’t exist… Your blindspot: This belief holds you back from exploring new roles and creating new opportunities. 5️⃣ You think the market controls your career… Your blindspot: You control your trajectory! Learn to navigate the market, and you’ll have the power to grow on your terms. If you resonate, don’t worry - these blindspots are common, and they’re fixable! Inside Beyond the Ceiling Club, we start by building your Career Protocol so you have a clear vision, and then I help you with a strategic plan to make it a reality. Enrollment opens Dec 2nd, and today I released a free training: 3 Steps to Get Your Dream Job in Pharma/Biotech that complete with real-world steps, case studies, and the one skill that helped me go from “Is there something better?” to landing my dream job. #womeninpharma #womeninbio #careertips #blindspots #career

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Thank you Sheila Gray for the opportunity to talk about medical #disinformation #misinformation #falseadvertising confusion over FDA approved branded medications vs generic medication vs #compounded medications like #compoundedtirzepatide #compoundedsemaglutides and ways consumers can protect themselves! I look forward to sharing the entire segment! I encourage all consumers to ask hard questions about the #clinics #medispas #ivinfusion clinics and #cryotherapy clinics offering compounded weight loss medications, vitamin infusions and selling supplements. My concern is your safety! Before you inject or infuse or consume medications from these clinics, ask questions and consider: - the training and experience of the provider prescribing the medication - the practice setting- is the setting a real medical facility? Do they have emergency medical supplies to manage acute issues? -if what they are doing ( ie weight loss) and what they are prescribing ( compounded medications) is part of their core business (weight loss in cryotherapy clinics??) -if they are upselling you to buy supplements or have procedures at the same time - ask them about data about what they are doing (there is no data about vitamin infusions showing benefit and there are risks) - did the prescriber take a complete medical history and do an exam before prescribing? Did they take the time to review your other meds and consider drug drug interactions? - will the provider take your calls and manage side effects from the medications they prescribe? - are they documenting the care they are providing in a medical record that you have access to? - are they sharing information with your other treating physicians? Consider if what you are paying for is quality medical care and safe!!! Be careful!! Practicing medicine and doing it well is hard and there are risks- don’t risk your health!! Good marketing does not mean good medicine. And remember- COMPOUNDED MEDICATIONS ARE NOT GENERIC MEDICATIONS! When it comes to the weight loss medications I know they are being falsely promoted by local centers as generic today! Don’t be fooled. Ms.Medicine

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Black people represent 6% of the Biotech workforce, but 14% of the US Population. Quite clearly there is a disconnect. Asian people represent 22% of the Biotech workforce, but 7% of the total US populations. Another disconnect… well, maybe. Biotech is centered in hubs across the US, the most prominent being: 1.      San Francisco bay Area 2.      Boston-Cambridge 3.      San Diego 4.      Los Angeles 5.      BioHealth Capital 6.      New York/New Jersey 7.      Research Triangle 8.      Greater Philadelphia 9.      Seattle 10.  Chicago The demographic makeup of these communities is completely different than most other parts of the US. But, when we talk about Chicago, we aren’t talking about the city, its Cook and DuPage Counties (which yes, does include the city). So, as we look more closely at the counties within these hubs, a demographic makeup becomes clearer. But, we can’t let larger cities like NYC and LA sway the numbers, when they have a fixed employee count. So, we must also take into consideration the number of employees employed in each of these hubs, so that we can apply the appropriate weights to the demographics. Now, we are cooking. As we look through the data, gathered from census and biotech industry sites, you begin to see the demographics that the biotech industry pulls from begin to change. Asians, while 7% of the US population, are 16.7% of the population in the employee count weighted demographic splits. We are no longer looking at a 15pp variance between the US population and the Biotech population, but 5.3pp. But, there is no escaping it. Even here, after diving into the data, we still have a representation problem. Blacks, 14% of the US population, are 13% of the weighted population, showing significant underrepresentation of Blacks within the Biotech industry, which is at 6%, or a -7pp variance. This is a well-documented problem, with real data to show just how significant the issue is, but in terms of solving the issue, this is where things get hung up. But there are tangible steps that can be taken. From a college recruiting perspective, we must break outside the norm of looking to Harvard and Northwestern for fresh talent, especially in the light of data on admissions post the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action. Harvard, for example, saw a 4pp decline in Black admissions. MIT, even more drastic, saw an 8pp decline in admissions. There is no reason, beyond well-entrenched beliefs that its Harvard or bust, that we wouldn’t recruit heavily from Howard or Moorehouse for top talent. But here we are, in a world of anti-DEI initiatives taking hold in states across the county, with a problem that requires a holistic DEI approach to solve. #dei #recruiting

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10 Insider Tips on Searching for a Job in Pharma and Biotech That Will Have an Outsized Impact (especially if you're serious about landing your dream role) 1. Remove the "Open to Work" Frame from Your Headshot It can signal desperation; a clean professional photo is more impactful. 2. Optimal Time to Apply for Jobs Submit applications Monday–Thursday between 8 AM–12 PM ET for higher visibility. 3. Use an Agency Recruiter When You're Qualified They can advocate for you and have direct contacts within companies. 4. Consider Hybrid and On-Site Positions Remote roles receive 10x more applicants. Being open to on-site can increase your chances. 5. Be Prompt in Your Responses The difference between getting a job or not can come down to who answers phone calls or emails first. 6. Align Your Experience with Industry Requirements In biopharma, relevant experience usually means work done within the industry. Tech industry experience may not translate directly. 7. Be Prepared to Explain Employment Gaps or Short Tenures Have clear explanations for any employment gaps longer than one month or for leaving a position after less than two years. 8. Get Your Profile Ready Before Applying Don’t start applying for jobs until you have a professional headshot, a verified LinkedIn profile, and your first and last name visible. 9. Understand Unlisted Requirements Some companies have unwritten criteria, such as preferring candidates already working at sponsor organizations. Review employees on LinkedIn to see how you align with others at your desired level and function. 10. Follow Up After Interviews A thoughtful follow-up can reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind. Best of luck in your job search! P.S. Which of these tips resonates with you most? Drop a comment below and let’s chat! ♻️ Repost this for your network—let’s help more people land their next big role!

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The Leadership Trifecta: Where Empathy, Curiosity, and Vulnerability Drive Success in Biotech and Pharma 🧬 In the fast-paced world of biotech and pharma, leadership extends far beyond technical prowess. It's a delicate dance of empathy, curiosity, and vulnerability – a trifecta that unlocks true human potential and drives groundbreaking innovation. Empathy: The Cornerstone of Trust 🤝 Empathy isn't just about feeling someone's pain; it's about truly seeing the world through their eyes. As a leader, this means understanding your team's individual needs, motivations, and perspectives. It fosters a culture of trust and open communication, where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. Curiosity: The Engine of Innovation 💡 A curious mind is a fertile ground for ideas. By embracing curiosity, you cultivate a culture of questioning, exploration, and experimentation. This fuels innovation, pushing your team beyond the boundaries of the known and into uncharted territory. Remember, the next breakthrough might just be around the corner. Vulnerability: The Catalyst for Growth 🌱 Vulnerability isn't weakness; it's the courage to be authentic, to admit mistakes, and to seek help when needed. This fosters a safe space for your team to do the same, creating a powerful environment of collaboration and learning. When we embrace our vulnerabilities, we open ourselves up to growth and transformation. The Synergy of Leadership 💫 These three traits are not separate entities; they intertwine and reinforce each other. Empathy fosters curiosity, curiosity fuels innovation, and vulnerability strengthens trust, creating a powerful cycle of growth and success. Charting the Course Forward 🧭 In a world demanding constant adaptation, leaders who embody empathy, curiosity, and vulnerability are the ones who will thrive. They will build resilient, innovative, and collaborative teams, paving the way for a brighter future in biotech and pharma. What are your thoughts on the leadership trifecta? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below! 👇 #Leadership #Biotech #Pharma #Innovation #Teamwork #Empathy #Curiosity #Vulnerability

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🚀 Exciting day ahead as I lead a Situational Leadership workshop for a forward-thinking biotech company! Today, we’re exploring how leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’re exploring how leadership styles can (and should) shift based on each team member’s development level, readiness, and commitment. By adjusting the balance between direction and support, leaders can empower their teams to grow in competence and engagement. It’s all about building adaptable leaders who know when to step up, guide, or step back to foster autonomy. The goal? High-performance teams are driven by leaders who understand that growth is a journey, not a destination. #Leadership #TeamDevelopment #SituationalLeadership #HighPerformanceTeams #BiotechLeadership

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Quick question for you - if the FDA is inspecting your facility, do you: A) Make them take the long route as part of a facility walkthrough so you have time to destroy important documents, or B) Not do that. This wasn't an obvious choice for one pharmaceutical manufacturer. To find out who they are, check-out the last story in this edition of the TLDR Biotech newsletter: https://bit.ly/3RhFYkW #tldrbiotech #biotechnews #pharmanews

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Where can you get peptides for fat loss or muscle building? This is a question I often receive. There are two primary ways to kickstart your peptide protocol: - The first method involves consulting a doctor to have the peptides prescribed to you by a compound pharmacy. - The second approach is to order the peptides directly from LimitlessLifeNootropics and educate yourself on self-administration. Personally, I began my journey with a doctor, collaborating with him for about a year. Through various courses and daily study, I acquired the necessary skills to take control of my health. With over 7,000 peptides available, I aimed to leverage them in a way that best suited my well-being. Curious about the two different ways to source peptides? Watch my latest video to delve deeper into this topic.

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