About Us
The Innovation Equity Forum (IEF) was launched in 2023 through a partnership between the Gates Foundation and the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health. It was created to confront a long-standing gap: the underinvestment and underrepresentation in women’s health research and development (R&D).
The IEF brings together a global community of over 250 stakeholders committed to advancing women’s health.
Our membership includes philanthropists, venture capitalists, biopharmaceutical companies, women’s health startups, regulators, researchers, and patient advocates. Together, this diverse group is committed to advancing a more equitable, coordinated, and innovation-driven ecosystem for women’s health R&D.
The IEF was established to
Convene
key global players and decision-makers in women’s health innovation
Mobilize
transformational efforts through a shared understanding of critical R&D priorities
Catalyze
cross-sector, multinational partnerships that overcome structural barriers and drive progress
In 2023, the IEF published the Opportunity Map, a foundational resource to identify gaps, align priorities, and build momentum for transformative action in women’s health R&D.
Since then, the Forum has met regularly to strengthen accountability and impact, launching a 2024 Progress Report to track advancements across the ecosystem and forming dedicated working groups to translate insights into impact. The Innovation Equity Forum is building a movement to elevate women’s health as a global innovation priority.
Marta Fernández Suárez
Concept Foundation
Executive Director
Mary Fleming
Reede Scholars
President, Physician
Mavis Akuffobea-Essilfie
CSIR-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Senior Reaserch Scientist
Maya Goldstein
Impact Global Health
Director of Strategy
Meaza Zeleke
Armauer Hansen Research Institute
Researcher
Melissa Laitner
National Academy of Medicine
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Special Assistant to the President
Melissa Laitner, PhD, MPH
National Academy of Medicine
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Special Assistant to the President
Michael Santos
Foundation for the National Institutes of Health
Senior Vice President, Science Partnerships
Michelle Korte
Camber Collective
Engagement Manager
Misti Ushio
Digitalis Ventures
Managing Partner
Mitzi Krockover, MD
Woman Centered, LLC
CEO
Moushira El-Sahn
Independent Advisor
Founder, Research Director, Principal Investigator
Contribute to quarterly meetings, connect with others across the field, propose ideas for action and collaborate with others across the ecosystem to move them forward, and share work that is advancing progress.
