Long overdue, but I have been reflecting on my last 18+ months at Calla Lily Clinical Care. From starting my first day by jetting off to Paris to Pharmapack Europe to setting up our incredible new office and labs to acquiring funding for our first in-women clinical trials of our drug delivery technology next year: it’s been a monumental year of learning, professional growth, and pursuing my dream of working in women’s health.

It’s true what they say about wearing lots of different “hats” in startups. As I look back on this time, I’m grateful to work with people who share my desire to make a difference in this space, often doing #whateverittakes!

There have been several stand-out moments for me, but just to list a few:

👩‍🔬 I’ve been frequenting UCL School of Pharmacy to work with PhD Scheilly Tsilova on all things dissolution testing and mould designs. It’s been so inspiring to work in these labs amongst a brilliant group of all-female PhD students!

🌎 In the fall, we attended the Women’s Health Innovation Series Summit in Boston where we connected with advocates and innovators from all over the world. Being amongst many other innovative & impactful companies makes us all realize how important (and deeply challenging) it is to make a meaningful difference.

🤖 This past year we commissioned a bespoke manufacturing machine from Adbro Controls Limited, which I had the pleasure of working with Daniel Akam, starting from very early concept design.

🏥 In the spring, we attended the monumental launch of Tommy’s ground-breaking National Centre for Preterm Birth Research, meeting clinicians, researchers, midwives, and hearing first-hand from families sharing their experiences, reminding us how important this work is. Very excited about running for Tommy’s next April in the London Landmarks Half Marathon Limited!

💪 Connected with incredible leaders at Oxford FemTech Society’s conference.

As I look ahead, I am more motivated than ever to continue pushing the boundaries for women’s health, including developing further exciting applications of our technology (including in diagnostic sample collection). The barriers and challenges we face are vast in our space, but the support, collaboration, and relentless drive of my colleagues inspire me daily. Here’s to many more milestones, breakthroughs, and impactful innovations at Calla Lily Clinical Care!