Dr. Sirisha Potala is a scientist turned strategic leader with over 15 years of experience in the global biopharmaceutical industry. She earned her Ph.D. from IIT Madras and completed postdoctoral research at Wake Forest University, specializing in biologics and translational science. Her career began in cutting-edge research, where she contributed to diagnostic and therapeutic innovations, and evolved into operational excellence—establishing Centers of Excellence to accelerate delivery and drive continuous improvement across global teams.

Currently serving as Associate Director of Strategic Planning & Operations at Amgen, Dr. Potala combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision to align scientific capabilities with business priorities. She leads cross-functional initiatives that integrate science, technology, and operations to shape the future of biotech and deliver better patient outcomes.

Beyond her corporate role, Dr. Potala is passionate about leadership development and inclusivity in STEM. The lessons hidden in everyday moments have shaped her journey, igniting a deep commitment to empower women and allies to rise, lead, and thrive. She actively engages with academic institutions and industry forums to inspire the next generation of scientists and leaders.