Dr Kawas is the perfect Managing General Partner for Propel Bio Partners, equipped with impressive credentials in drug discovery, operations, and clinical trial management. As CEO of Athira Pharma, she effortlessly secured over $400 million through venture capital. She steered it to a successful IPO process – verifying her remarkable talent that will be invaluable at Propel Bio Partners. Her past victories prove that success will continue in this new role.
Fueled by her grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, Leen Kawas was determined to make a positive impact in the field of bioscience. She followed through on that ambition and earned a Doctorate of Molecular Pharmacology from Washington State University to pursue an effective cure for this heartbreaking disorder. Thanks to her dedication, most people can remain hopeful with more promising treatments and cures looming.
In 2011, when Dr Leen Kawas was ready to take up a professorship at the University of Pittsburgh, Joseph Harding persuaded her to pursue research and entrepreneurship instead. Subsequently, in January 2014, she made history by becoming President, CEO and Board Member all at the same time – an incredible feat! After that incredibly successful start, she led M3 Biotechnology (now Athira’s) with unwavering ambition; under her leadership over the years since then, it has achieved fantastic success and continues its prosperous journey into 2021 and beyond.
Dr Leen Kawas and athlete investor Richard Kayne joined forces in March 2022 to revolutionize the life science industry through Propel Bio Partners LLC, a venture fund committed to empowering entrepreneurs in this space towards success.
As the Managing General Partner for Propel Bio Partners, Dr Kawas is passionate about financially supporting budding biotech entrepreneurs and granting them access to top industry experts who can provide invaluable guidance and support – thus positioning his firm as a leader amongst its competitors. With such an initiative in full swing, Dr Kawas couldn’t be more delighted with overseeing his company’s actions that have far-reaching implications.