Dr. Leen Kawas | Managing General Partner | Propel Bio Partners
Dr. Leen Kawas is a distinguished leader in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, currently serving as Managing General Partner at Propel Bio Partners, a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles. Her career has been marked by significant leadership roles, with extensive experience in drug development and strategic business growth. Before co-founding Propel Bio Partners, she was the CEO of a biotechnology company, where she successfully led multiple drug development cycles and guided the company through its initial public offering in September 2020. Through these experiences, she gained valuable insights into the challenges of bringing new medical innovations to market. At Propel Bio Partners, she focuses on identifying promising biotechnology ventures that require financial, technical, and operational support. She is particularly passionate about empowering women and minority entrepreneurs in biotechnology, recognizing their potential to drive groundbreaking innovation despite being underrepresented in the field. At EliteX, we are proud to have Dr. Leen Kawas as part of the edition: 10 Unstoppable Women in Healthcare & Pharma, 2025.
Her passion for biotechnology originates from its ability to transform human health through scientific innovation. She has always been fascinated by the connection between biological science and healthcare applications, especially in how discoveries at the molecular level can translate into life-changing therapies. She finds inspiration in solving complex healthcare challenges, where intellectual rigor meets the opportunity to improve patients’ lives. She appreciates the multidisciplinary nature of the field, which brings together scientists, clinicians, data specialists, and business strategists to develop solutions that impact global health. This collaborative aspect of biotechnology fuels her enthusiasm and commitment to advancing medical science.
“The future of healthcare lies in collaboration, technology, and diverse leadership.”
Throughout her career, she has faced several challenges, particularly as a female leader in a male-dominated industry. Limited access to high-visibility projects, fewer mentorship opportunities, and occasional underrecognition of contributions are some of the hurdles she encountered. However, she navigated these challenges by prioritizing high-impact initiatives, building strong professional networks, and developing strategic communication skills. She also learned to work smarter by focusing on areas where she could make the most significant difference. These experiences have strengthened her leadership abilities and inspired her to support the next generation of leaders in biotechnology.
Staying motivated in such a demanding industry is natural for her because she remains connected to the purpose of her work—improving human health. She constantly reminds herself of the potential impact of the innovations and partnerships she supports, which provides sustained motivation even during difficult times. To maintain a work-life balance, she focuses on intentional integration rather than rigid separation of professional and personal time. Physical activity helps her recharge, and she ensures she dedicates quality time to her family and personal relationships. Strategic delegation is another key to sustaining productivity without burnout. She has learned to trust her teams, allowing her to focus on areas where she can add the most value. Being fully present in each moment, whether at work or in her personal life, has helped her maximize both professional and personal fulfillment.
She is particularly excited about the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in biomarker research. This combination is revolutionizing healthcare by enabling more precise diagnostics, personalized treatments, and predictive capabilities for chronic diseases. The increased computational power and advancements in data science are transforming drug discovery and clinical trials, making healthcare more efficient and targeted. Personalized medicine is another area she finds promising, as it allows treatments to be tailored to individual genetic profiles, improving patient outcomes while reducing side effects.
“Resilience and strategic vision are essential to navigating the challenges of innovation.”
Technology is reshaping healthcare by enhancing our understanding of diseases at a molecular level. AI-powered analytics enable the integration of vast amounts of data, allowing for more accurate decision-making in drug development and patient care. In the pharmaceutical industry, technology is accelerating drug discovery timelines, improving predictions of clinical efficacy and safety, and diversifying treatment pipelines. Additionally, biomarker monitoring platforms in clinical trials are revolutionizing data collection, generating higher-quality insights while reducing costs. Looking ahead, she believes technology will continue to shift healthcare towards preventative care, identifying disease risks earlier and enabling timely interventions to improve patient outcomes.
One of her proudest accomplishments is supporting Persephone Biosciences through Propel Bio Partners. The firm co-led a $15 million seed funding round in July 2022, which enabled the company to advance its microbiome-based drug research. Persephone Biosciences is conducting the largest-ever U.S. study on gut-immune interactions, aiming to discover biomarkers that can enhance cancer prevention and treatment. Their use of AI and machine learning to analyze patient datasets and develop precision immunotherapies aligns with her vision of data-driven and patient-centered biotechnology. Supporting such companies allows her to contribute to transformative medical advancements while fostering innovation in the industry.
Women play a critical role in transforming the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries by bringing unique strengths and perspectives to leadership. Studies show that companies with female leaders tend to have stronger financial performance, more inclusive cultures, and innovative approaches. Women often demonstrate high emotional intelligence, clear communication styles, and a collaborative mindset, fostering environments where team members feel valued and empowered. Their resilience, shaped by both professional and personal experiences, helps them navigate challenges and drive meaningful change. Female leaders also emphasize human-centered applications of emerging technologies, ensuring that healthcare innovations prioritize patient well-being.
For young women aspiring to enter healthcare or pharmaceuticals, she advises developing deep expertise in their chosen fields while maintaining a broad understanding of the industry. Building strong professional networks, including mentors and sponsors, is essential for career growth. Communication skills are also crucial for articulating ideas and demonstrating value in diverse professional settings. She encourages women to prioritize high-impact projects and to be strategic about where they invest their time and energy. Resilience is a key factor for success—setbacks are inevitable, but perseverance and adaptability make the difference between achieving long-term goals and falling short.
Success in biotechnology requires a combination of scientific knowledge, business acumen, and interpersonal skills. Intellectual curiosity is vital, as the field evolves rapidly and demands continuous learning. Strategic vision is equally important, allowing leaders to identify opportunities while assessing risks realistically. Given the industry’s challenges, resilience is essential for overcoming obstacles and maintaining progress. Emotional intelligence enhances teamwork and communication, which are critical for effective collaboration. Above all, integrity and ethical commitment must guide all decision-making processes, as the industry directly impacts human health and patient outcomes.
Collaboration is at the heart of biotechnology. No single individual can solve complex healthcare challenges alone—progress relies on the combined expertise of scientists, clinicians, regulatory specialists, and business leaders. At Propel Bio Partners, collaboration is fundamental to both internal decision-making and external partnerships. The firm brings together diverse perspectives to evaluate investments and support early-stage ventures. Creating an environment where team members feel safe to share ideas and take risks fosters innovation. Technology further facilitates collaboration by enabling real-time data sharing and communication across geographic and organizational boundaries.
“Biotechnology combines intellectual rigor with profound human impact.”
The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries will face significant challenges in the coming years. Securing research and operational funding will become more competitive, especially for early-stage companies. The rapid pace of technological advancements also requires continuous adaptation, placing financial and operational demands on companies. Regulatory complexities will remain a challenge, with evolving approval requirements necessitating proactive engagement with regulatory bodies. Cybersecurity concerns are growing as digital reliance increases, making data protection a critical priority. Additionally, talent acquisition and retention will be key concerns, particularly in specialized fields like gene therapy and bioinformatics. Companies must create compelling work cultures and professional growth opportunities to attract top talent.
Staying informed about industry developments is essential. She keeps up to date by reading leading scientific journals, industry publications, and regulatory reports. Attending conferences and professional events allows her to learn from experts and gain early insights into emerging trends. She also maintains strong academic and industry connections, enabling knowledge exchange and early awareness of breakthroughs. Digital platforms and social media provide real-time updates, while direct conversations with scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors offer valuable perspectives not always found in formal publications.
Her legacy in healthcare and pharmaceuticals is centered on advancing scientific innovation while fostering a more inclusive industry. She aims to support groundbreaking therapies that improve patient outcomes while ensuring diverse leadership voices contribute to the field’s future. Through Propel Bio Partners, she actively invests in companies developing transformative medical solutions. She is committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs, advocating for diversity in biotechnology leadership. Her vision is to leave behind an industry that not only drives medical breakthroughs but also reflects the diverse populations it serves, ensuring that innovation benefits all communities.
