Why Ariella LaBell Volunteers for the HBA

Why do I volunteer with HBA?

Many years ago, I was very involved in a Phoenix-based Women In Healthcare group that unfortunately folded. For years afterwards I kept searching for something like that to fill the void. In 2019 when I learned there was a Phoenix HBA branch (chapter-to-be) I  jumped in to get involved ... and I've been all-in ever since. Time and again, HBA members have welcomed me with "radical hospitality”, from when I first joined locally, popped in at a San Francisco chapter event while there on business, or attended my first national conference. This is such a special, signature part of HBA that's important to me to continue and grow in our hometown.

The life sciences community here can feel particularly fragmented with such a large percentage of us being field/home-based. And, at times a bit isolating. For example, two attendees working for the same company but different departments met for the first time at one of our Phoenix-area events, each unaware of the other. In fact, this happened twice. 

Being a part of HBA has been a game-changer for me -- I never would have otherwise had the opportunity to get to know and develop friendships with this many women across the industry in just a few years. 

I'm inspired by our chapter growth, and the potential to become the connective tissue across our local healthcare ecosystem. HBA is a powerful collective, platform for collaboration, and opportunity for personal and professional growth. As an HBA board, we're committed to meaningfully support the advancement of women leaders at all career stages in our local community, and broadly across the country. I can't wait to see where the future of HBA takes us!

Connect with me on LinkedIn here.