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.
The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) is a global leadership accelerator, business growth partner, and enterprise solution for the healthcare and life sciences industries. With a presence in more than 80 locations worldwide, the HBA partners with nearly 150 organizations and reaches nearly six million professionals through its Corporate Partner ecosystem spanning biotech, pharmaceuticals, providers, payers, and technology. From the bench to the bedside, workforce demand for HBA membership, engagement, experiences, and market presence continues to grow across domestic and global markets.
For nearly 50 years, the HBA has worked to ensure that all professionals have access to the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to grow, lead, and make an impact. Through high-impact programs, global forums, and recognition initiatives, the HBA develops and advances leaders at every career stage: elevating individuals, strengthening organizations, fostering innovation, and driving measurable progress across the industry.
As a transformative organization, the HBA remains focused on building a global health and life science workforce that reflects the patients it serves. We stay centered on what matters most: accelerating leadership at every level, closing the gap between women’s and men’s health, strengthening the talent pipeline, supporting workforce representation, and elevating voices that will shape the future.
Join our United Force for Change. We are Creating Health Leaders for Life.
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.
