Empowering Others: Nithya Iyer Singh Reflects on Her Journey as a Woman in Healthcare and Philanthropy
“If you can start your life and end your life volunteering, that is a blessing.” Today’s woman dreamer, Nithya Iyer Singh is a female leader in the drug development/healthcare space, with a passion for giving back. In this inspiring interview for our Women in Philanthropy series in collaboration with Akshaya Patra USA, Nithya reflects on her professional journey, her mission to give back to underserved communities, and her passion for running marathons. We are excited to share her story on Women Who Win.
On Women Who Win, we like to share the stories of inspiring women leaders in various professions. Tell us more about your journey as a woman in the biotechnology / business world. What made you the woman you are today?
It started with a family member in the business. Believe it or not, I had always wanted to work in clinical drug development since childhood and develop new cures for patients. My journey was quite long-winded and convoluted in the sense that while I went to pharmacy school, I didn’t start my career there. I worked in investing and various healthcare organizations before starting my career in biotech. What has carried me in my career is being passionate about my work, and I like work that is meaningful for humanity. Always follow your passion.
2. In addition to your healthcare work, you are dedicated to various philanthropies and are a big believer in Giving Back. You also attended the Akshaya Patra Boston Gala this past Spring. Why is it important to you to give back, and what inspires you about organizations like Akshaya Patra?
What I like about Akshaya Patra is their mission to enable people to get an education, which then allows them to get into the workplace. Getting an education enables them to eventually be financially independent as they grow up in life. I truly believe that this financial independence and self-sufficiency is key to the future of multitudes of communities and cohorts of people, whether it be women, people of different backgrounds etc. I think that enabling and providing that opportunity is absolutely core. In terms of what inspires me to give back, I grew up in India, so I saw what these kids went through, and the inequality/lack of access. I always try to get behind good causes and organizations with good missions.
3. Volunteerism and the desire to give back often runs in the family. Does your family/kids volunteer as well?
Yes. I teach my kids about the importance and power of giving back. With my volunteer work, I aim to set an example for them. I also think it is important to volunteer at the grassroots level. For example, I have volunteered with the STEM council at my school for the past several years to bring educational and enriching STEM opportunities to kids at an early age. I have also worked with organizations such as United Way, the Museum of Science and the Boy Scouts. I truly believe that if you start your life volunteering and end your life volunteering, that is a blessing. This is something I tell my kids and hope am doing a good job, leading by example.
4. One of Akshaya Patra's new initiatives is the Young Professionals, and at Women Who Win, one of our key focuses is mentoring young women. Reflecting on your own career, what is your top piece of advice for young women professionals as they navigate their careers?
My biggest advice is to follow your passion. I honestly think that as young professionals start their career journeys, it is important to get into an area that motivates and inspires you. When you do what you love, it is not just a job. It becomes a way of life and a career. Find something that is meaningful to you and where you have an opportunity to make a large impact on society. Focus on finding that industry you want to be in, you don’t have to be stuck in a box. Painting, medicine, whatever it is that excites you and fuels your passion is what you should do.
5. As the platform for women dreamers, what is your next big personal and/or personal dream?
Professionally, I want to continue my journey in the oncology /drug development space. I’ve launched a drug already and would love to continue bringing medicines and cures to patients. One of the projects I am working on now is in the area of gynecologic oncology. I would love to develop something that helps women.
One of my personal dreams is to run a marathon in Antarctica. Running is a key part of my work-life balance. I started running approx 10 years ago. Running is time to myself. I love being outdoors and being in nature. Initially, I was just running a couple of miles here and there, but then I was inspired by a close friend who has run multiple marathons. She said, you should consider running the Cape Cod Marathon. I was very hesitant at first but within a year of that, I ran my first half marathon. I have run many marathons and half-marathons since then, and hope to continue.
Thank you Nithya for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!
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