Who We Are
When members of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association come together, it’s with a shared purpose: to be a United Force for Change.
Founded in 1977, the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) was born out of a bold vision by five visionary leaders who recognized the critical need for women in healthcare to connect, share industry insights, and cultivate career growth through mentorship and mutual support. Starting from informal meetings, their shared vision quickly blossomed into a robust community, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the HBA.
Today, nearly half a century later, the HBA stands as a United Force for Change. As a global leadership accelerator, talent pipeline, and business growth partner for the healthcare industry, the HBA connects women and men from every facet of healthcare and life sciences in a network unified by purpose. Our members collaborate across disciplines and continents, driving strategic advocacy and offering unparalleled opportunities for executive development and tangible business results.
The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association has pursued its mission of furthering the advancement and impact of women in the business of healthcare. That mission is just as relevant now as it was 50 years ago. Since its inception, HBA membership and programs have always been open to anyone who wants to become a member and join our United Force for Change.
Our Mission at Work: 2025
The HBA is innovative, engaging, and forward-looking. We share a common purpose: to ignite a powerful movement that connects people across every corner of the healthcare and life sciences ecosystem. Together, we are bold, and we are driving meaningful change.
Our History
- 1977 - The HBA is founded by Diane Anderson, Peg Dougherty, Millicent Gryczka, Sheila Sinkking, and Ruth Smith, MD
- 1979 - The HBA is established as a non-profit expanding signature events to New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
- 1988 - 12 women honored as HBA’s inaugural class of Rising Stars
- 1990 - More than 350 visionaries attend the inaugural Woman of the Year event which has since grown to HBA’s premiere global gathering.
- 1997 - The HBA holds its first Annual Conference, building the foundation for signature events, leadership summits, and more.
- 1999 - Strategic Transformation Achievement Recognition (STAR) award established to recognize an outstanding HBA volunteer who has strategically transformed the HBA.
- 2001 - Honorable Mentor award established; HBA San Francisco Bay Area and HBA Boston chapters launch
- 2004 - Eight new chapters launch, including HBA Metro, HBA Chicago, HBA Indiana, and HBA Mid-Atlantic.
- 2006 - Laurie Cooke becomes HBA’s first CEO building on decades of impact
- 2007 - HBA Europe chapter is established creating a foundation for global expansion; Today, the HBA has more than 55 chapters globally
- 2014 - HBA Luminary award established honoring leaders in the healthcare industry at the annual Women of the Year event
- 2018 - The Gender Parity Collaborative is formed to accelerate real change for women in our workforce
- 2021 - The HBA launches HOPE program for high-potential leaders from underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+, women of color, women with ability diversity, and more
- 2023 - Mary Stutts named CEO of the HBA
Today, the HBA spans more than 80 locations worldwide. Our global network of Member Leaders is driving our United Force for Change: accelerating leadership development, strengthening the healthcare talent pipeline, and serving as a trusted business growth partner across the industry.
HBA Is Working for You
HBA’s volunteer leadership and professional staff provide expert guidance, governance, strategic vision, and management to achieve the mission and engage and support members and Corporate Partners.
