2002: Mariana Palacios

As the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) has grown and prospered over the years, the organization has come to depend on the tireless efforts and dedication of the many volunteers who serve and have served on the HBA board of directors, advisory board, and committees. The HBA recognized Mariana Palacios as its 2002 Strategic Transformation Achievement Recognition (STAR), formerly Volunteer of the Year award.

Each year the HBA honors one STAR who stands apart as a truly engaging volunteer. The selected individual has demonstrated a long-term commitment to furthering the advancement and impact of women in healthcare worldwide.

As a board member, Mariana held several important positions, including seminars committee chair, ad hoc director of marketing, and co-director of marketing, during which she played major roles in the HBA's new branding and expansion efforts and in the formation of its chapters. 

She started her pharmaceutical industry career conducting pharmacological research. This work was followed by seven years in clinical development, including work as a clinical research associate, study manager, and clinical coordinator.

Following this foundation in research and development, Mariana moved on to the business side of the industry, working in licensing and acquisitions, international marketing, strategic marketing, and U.S. marketing. Her accomplishments as vice president of marketing in the mid-1990s included leading a staff of 28 people in managing the $400 million product portfolio of then Sanofi Winthrop Pharmaceuticals. At the time of receiving this award, Mariana was a founding partner of The Trillium Group, LLC, a strategic marketing consulting company serving the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. 

All information in the honoree’s bio is reflective of the time they won the award.