GET TO KNOW JOANNE...
Following a degree in Mathematics from Queen’s University, Joanne began her career in banking before taking the leap into the world of self-employment. Over 15 years as a woman working for herself, she gained amazing experience in customer service, management, administration, event planning, bookkeeping and philanthropy and even a C.O.O of a start-up! When opportunities knock the best thing to do is open your mind and open the door!
Joanne has been Manager of Business Development for BioTalent Canada since March 2019. Prior to that, she was VP of Business Development for Nearest.com a social network that features trending promotions, click and call ordering, events, fun things to do, shopping, coupons, local business search and a unique chat network.
Q&A
QUESTION 1)
Q: What is it like to be a woman in bioscience?
A: I find it very empowering to be a woman in bioscience - especially in our new pandemic world. There is far less time spent explaining what bioscience is about and far more collaborative conversations in the positive aspects of theindustry.
QUESTION 2)
Q: Who are your women role models and not necessarily in science?
A: My female role models include Anne Frank for her positive influence during such tragedy still felt decades later, Princess Diana for her philanthropic endeavours and breaking down fears and shame around diseases such as AIDS/HIV and Marie Curie for her incredible work in science at a time when women were expected to be seen and not heard.
QUESTION 3)
Q: Would you say that through your career, things have become better for women working in the bioscience industry?
A: Absolutely - while many would argue there has not been enough change, I recently spoke to a bioscience employer whose staff was comprised of 66% female.
QUESTION 4)
Q: If you had the option to give advice to a younger version of yourself, what would that be?
A: Explore all opportunities. I graduated with a degree in Mathematics(statistics) and was led to believe I would only find work in financial services. Had I known then that my skills were transferable to other industries such as biosciences, I could have been working with researchers, laboratories, pharmaceuticals etc 25 years ago!
CONTACT INFORMATION
LinkedIn: @Joanne Jordan