HBA Member Spotlight: Estelle Paysinger-Hill, Director Non-clinical Project Management, Sangamo Therapeutics
How did you first get involved with the HBA, and what inspired you to become a volunteer?
I first came across the HBA back in 2007 when I attended an event at Abbott Diagnostics in Alameda. At the time, I wasn’t very focused on networking, but I had just lost my job and thought, “Why not expand my network a bit?” I became a member in 2007. Fast forward to 2016, I decided to get more involved after attending a San Francisco Bay Area Chapter "Dine Around" event hosted by Erik Smith from Deloitte. He suggested I volunteer, and shortly after, I attended a boot camp for the programming committee and became a volunteer. Over time, I naturally became more involved, and eventually, I connected with the Women of Color Affinity Group in 2020 and took on a volunteer role as the Pacific Regional Liaison in 2022.
You’ve been part of the HBA for quite some time now. Is there a moment that really stands out to you as special?
Absolutely. One of the most special moments for me was when Vanessa Nortey, Global Chair for the Women of Color Affinity Group, asked me to co-chair the 2023 Women of Color Wellness Summit with Gigi Shady from the New York Tristate Region. The summit focused on the challenges women of color face in the workplace, and we had an amazing speaker, Jimi Okubanjo, who shared her experiences along with those of other women of color through her documentary. To be honest, co-chairing that event really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I found myself introducing speakers, leading conversations, and working closely with the team to ensure everything ran smoothly. It was a lot of work but seeing it all come together and knowing we made an impact—that’s when I realized why I volunteer with the HBA. It was such a rewarding experience.
Has your involvement with the HBA changed your leadership style or helped you grow professionally?
Definitely. For example, earlier this year, I had the chance to sit on a panel for Women in Bio, discussing transitioning from the lab to leadership roles. My involvement with the HBA has helped me grow as a leader in ways I didn’t expect. After the event, people who knew me earlier in my career commented on how much I had grown. I used to be more reserved, but now I feel more confident and comfortable taking on leadership roles. The HBA has played a big role in that transformation, and it’s been really empowering.
You’ve had experience as both a mentor and a mentee. What advice do you have for someone looking for a mentor or hoping to become one?
As a mentor, I think it’s important to be flexible and meet your mentee where they are. Everyone is at a different stage in their journey, and it’s your job to guide them in a way that fits their needs. Being transparent and really listening are key. I mentor students through the Richmond Promise program, and I’ve noticed that the best mentoring relationships happen when the mentee takes the lead. On the flip side, if you’re a mentee, it’s important to come prepared, be open to feedback, and really engage in the process. The more you put into the relationship, the more you’ll get out of it.
What advice would you give to new or prospective HBA members who want to get more involved?
My advice? Start volunteering! Attending events is great, but if you really want to make connections and grow, volunteering is the way to go. Early on, I helped with event registration for the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, which gave me a chance to meet people and understand how much effort goes into these events. Volunteering also helps you step out of your comfort zone and gain new experiences. You really do get out of it what you put in, and it’s such a great way to grow both personally and professionally.