Congratulations to Anita Moser, Head of U.S. Neurology Assets and Optimization, and Erica Puntel, U.S. Neurology and Global Digital Business Transformation Communications Lead, for their recognition as Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) Rising Stars for 2021.

As a Corporate Partner of HBA, each year, UCB, nominates Rising Stars who contributes significantly to our organization and exemplify what it means to be a leader, a team player, and a role model for others, as well as dedication to the healthcare industry.

More than ever, many working women are facing additional pressures, stress, and ways of providing for their families. As Anita and Erica shared, there is no better time to celebrate women leaders as many are currently leaving the workforce due to various reasons as a result of COVID-19.

We applaud Anita, Erica, and the other UCB finalists on their well-deserved recognition!

About Erica- Beginning her career at UCB five years ago, Erica has already made a major impact on UCB’s digital presence. While she originally began her career in corporate digital media, she eventually moved into a role supporting both external and internal communications for U.S. Neurology. With Erica’s background in public relations for CNN’s digital business, she has already made many advancements as a part of UCB’s Digital Business Transformation (DBT). Aside from expanding UCB’s online presence, Erica sees DBT as an opportunity to communicate UCB’s patient value ambition to an even broader audience. Outside of UCB, Erica enjoys exercising and acts as a room mom for one of her children’s classrooms.

When asked about how she keeps herself motivated to continue being successful at work, Erica shared, “I often think of the impact our work can have on patients’ lives- that alone is enough motivation to keep me working hard. What we’ve seen more than anything during the pandemic, though, is that communication is critical for success, especially at UCB where relationships are valued and drive our work to help patients live their best lives.”

About Anita- Anita began her career at UCB as U.S. Head of Business Analytics, Insights and Strategy four years ago after moving to Atlanta from New York City where she led a strategy group in U.S. vaccines at Pfizer. Now, Anita is the Head of U.S. Neurology & Rare Assets and Optimization and explains that she “wears many hats” in this role. While Anita has always viewed patient empowerment as vital to success in the pharma industry, she believes COVID-19 has amplified the need to personalize the patient and stakeholder experience virtually. Aside from her involvement with HBA she also is active in fundraising for the Trinity School, Atlanta Speech School, and the Odyssey Program. During her spare time, she coaches her daughter’s soccer team.

Motivated by learning, Anita believes that this is the time for people to find new ways of learning and thinking strategically. “Because of our new reality we are reassessing everything: our work-life balance, our roles at home, even our ways of staying motivated, but most of all this year has forced us to reassess what the pharma industry can do. We now play an even larger role within the healthcare industry and it’s important that we leverage this learning and create new norms for biopharma and our role in society,” Anita said.

HBA will host the Woman of the Year Event virtually on Thursday, May 6, where Rising Stars will be recognized and the achievements of remarkable leaders in the healthcare industry will be celebrated.

Congratulations again to our HBA Rising Stars – we’re proud to honor you and are grateful for the important roles you both play in the lives of those at UCB and in the lives of patients.