This March, in honor of Women's History Month, we are celebrating the remarkable women of Forge. Each week, we will spotlight a different team member through an interview conducted by peers. Join us as we share their stories, explore their work at Forge, and learn about the people who inspire them. Stay tuned for these weekly features!
Rachel Mackie, Manager, Client Relations
Our fifth and final feature is Rachel Mackie, Manager, Client Relations, interviewed by Rachael Hardison, Ph.D., Senior Manager, Technical Sales
Rachel tell us more about your career journey
I’m a Client Relations Manager at Forge Biologics, where I act as a bridge between our clients and internal teams, ensuring client needs are communicated and advocating for Forge externally to build strong, collaborative relationships.
My career actually began in the classroom, where I spent 12 years teaching before realizing I was ready for a change. I transitioned into the edtech customer success field, starting in an entry-level role and later moving into a team lead position. I was eventually promoted to Director, where I built and scaled a customer success function and led teams across North America. This experience helped me develop strong skills in strategic problem-solving and cross-functional leadership, which I now apply in the biotech industry. I’m currently wrapping up a 12-week biotech manufacturing bootcamp to further deepen my understanding of this field. Outside of work, I’m a mom to four boys—17, 15, 13, and 11—and three rescue pups.
What inspired you to get into the work that you’re doing?
My journey into gene therapy and biotechnology was driven by my passion for working in industries that make a meaningful impact on people's lives. After years of working in customer success, I wanted to apply my skills in an environment where I could truly contribute to advancements that have the potential to change the future of medicine.
How do you balance career, personal life and passions?
Balancing career, personal life, and passions is an ongoing process where you simply cannot win in all areas all the time. Some days or weeks, one area will take priority, and that’s okay! The key is to give yourself grace and adjust as needed, knowing it’s a constant ebb and flow. My number one tip is to step back and pretend you’re a friend giving yourself advice—we’re often kinder to friends than we are to ourselves and putting it into perspective can help you show yourself more grace.
How can women support other women in their organizations?
I believe women can support each other by offering mentorship, sharing resources, and genuinely celebrating each other’s wins. Creating a space where we can all bring our authentic selves—no matter our background or identity—helps everyone thrive. I’ve found that lifting each other up, whether through encouragement or simply listening, makes a huge difference in creating an empowering work environment. We all benefit when we advocate for one another and push for equality and opportunity!
What is the best leadership or professional advice you have ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten is to lead with empathy and authenticity. It’s all about finding that balance—being strong and resilient while also being open and real. People respond to leaders who are approachable and who genuinely care about their well-being, and I really try to bring that energy into everything I do. Building trust and connection is key for creating a positive, supportive atmosphere.
Lauren Hall, Project Manager, Program Management
Our fourth feature is Lauren Hall, Project Manager, Program Management, interviewed by Sango Kasongo, Quality Control Control Analyst II, Quality Control
Lauren, tell us how you got into the gene therapy field.
I have always loved science and have been fascinated by genetics and rare diseases ever since high school. Following high school, I went on to pursue my undergraduate degree at Indiana University-Bloomington in psychology, with a minor in biology and neuroscience. I then received my graduate degree in Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine. Following graduate school, I started my career at a large diagnostics and drug development CRO as a project manager. I worked specifically in the rare disease and translational genetics/genomics research drug development sector. Moving back to my home state of Ohio, I wanted a change in my profession. My husband and I went to lunch with a current Forge employee and his wife (whom I went to high school with) when he mentioned an open role at Forge. I had already been interested in the position, so after our conversation, I applied, and the rest is history!
What inspired you to get into the work that you’re doing?
Throughout high school and college, I volunteered at family conferences that support rare diseases. While volunteering, my desire to one day help those impacted by these disorders grew. I wanted (and continue) to strive to play an important role in finding medicines (or even cures) for those impacted by rare diseases, and those who have never had hope before.
How do you celebrate your successes?
As a project manager, I like to celebrate my successes at work with other team members. It is important to celebrate together when huge milestones are crossed! It is also important to take time as a project manager to recognize and thank the team members who made great efforts to meet a milestone or celebrate after a challenging production run. I am successful when my team achieves success!
What do you do or value outside of work that contributes to what you do when you are at work?
I value my family and exercising. My family is my rock. They have been by my side through tough times, but they have also been there to celebrate my successes and achievements. If it was not for them, I would not be where I am today in my career.
I also really enjoy exercising as it helps me feel my best and relieves any personal or work-related stress. I am a huge advocate for Barre3 and Pure Barre. I often go after work, and I love the time to decompress and improve my overall mental and physical well-being. If anyone is interested, please join me in a class!
What advice would you give to young women entering this profession/organization?
Be curious! Ask lots of questions, as science is an ever-evolving and changing field. Shadow individuals to better understand the profession you are passionate about. Building connections can always go a long way in professional development!
What is the best leadership or professional advice you have ever received?
When needing something from a work colleague, a client, or an external vendor, it is always best to provide context around the ask. People often do not want to be asked to do something without knowing the reason, so providing background on why you are requesting something, and then asking for it, can often go a long way.
Brooklyn Eagan, GMP Support Lead, AAV Manufacturing
Our third feature is Brooklyn Eagan, GMP Support Lead, AAV Manufacturing, interviewed by Joslyn DeSantis, Program Manager, Quality Engineering and Validation
Brooklyn tell us more about your journey to Forge.
In 2013, after being laid off from my previous job, I took a housekeeping position at Nationwide Children’s Hospital while supporting my one-year-old child as a single mother. Within five months, I was introduced to an opportunity to assist the GMP group with facility cleaning once a week, where I met Ashley Craddick and Erin Ratzlaff.
Recognizing my dedication and work ethic, both Ashley and Erin approached me four months later with an opportunity to join full-time as the Tissue Engineering Vascular Grafts (TEVG) Coordinator. I was honored to step into this role, where I gained extensive training and hands-on experience in Tissue Engineering, Adherent Cell Culture, Flask Work, Transfections, and Downstream Operations.
Over the next eight years, I expanded my expertise with Tissue Engineering and AAV production. My journey took another exciting turn when Jaysson Eicholtz and Ashley Craddick approached me with the early vision for Forge. When the time came, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to join as their first technician, pioneering the cell line development within Process Development and executing EMPQ for Stage 1, Cell Culture, and Upstream Operations.
What inspired you to get into the work that you’re doing?
When I was first introduced to Tissue Engineering Vascular Grafts (TEVG), I was truly amazed. The idea of contributing to the development of cardiovascular grafts for patients with congenital heart defects was both inspiring and humbling. Knowing that my work had a direct impact on improving patient outcomes gave me a profound sense of purpose. I experienced that same sense of pride and fulfillment when I transitioned into AAV production. Having the opportunity to be part of the development and manufacturing processes for gene therapies targeting rare diseases reinforced my passion for advancing scientific innovation. Being able to contribute to life-changing treatments has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
What’s the most memorable compliment you’ve ever received for your work? What made it so memorable?
One of the most meaningful compliments I have received came from the doctor I was working with, who expressed immense gratitude for my contributions. This acknowledgment was particularly significant to me, as we had been dedicated to this clinical trial for over five years. I had the privilege of not only creating the first Tissue Engineering Vascular Graft (TEVG) but also witnessing my hard work culminate in a successful implantation. Seeing the direct impact of my efforts on patient outcomes was both humbling and deeply rewarding, reinforcing my passion for advancing scientific innovation.
What do you do or value outside of work that contributes to what you do when you are at work?
I am passionate about building meaningful connections, both personally and professionally. I truly enjoy engaging with people, fostering relationships, and expanding my network. I believe that strong connections not only create opportunities for growth and collaboration but also contribute to a supportive and enriching community.
How do you balance career, personal life, and passions?
Being a single mother of two while managing a full-time career comes with its challenges, but it has also taught me the importance of balance, resilience, and adaptability. It took time to adjust, but I have found that transparency and open communication with colleagues go a long way in fostering a supportive work environment. I am committed to being fully present and engaged in my professional responsibilities while also prioritizing my children’s needs. Striking this balance requires careful planning and flexibility, but above all, it reinforces the value of dedication—both as a mother and as a professional.
How can women support other women in their organizations?
I believe one of the most impactful ways women can support one another is by simply being a listening ear. Sometimes, having someone to talk to can make a significant difference in a person’s day. In my own experience, taking the time to listen and show genuine interest in someone’s well-being can go a long way. Additionally, fostering a culture of encouragement and empowerment is essential. By uplifting one another and serving as each other's cheerleaders, we can create a supportive environment where women feel valued, motivated, and inspired to reach their full potential.
What advice would you give to young women entering this profession/organization?
Never give up. There have been moments in my journey when I felt discouraged and considered giving up, but perseverance has been key to my growth and success. It is important to keep pushing forward, even in the face of challenges. Seeking support from someone you can relate to—whether a colleague, mentor, or advisor—can provide valuable guidance and encouragement. Finding a mentor who aligns with your goals can be instrumental in helping you navigate your path and achieve your aspirations.
Joyanna Wesche Blake, Vice President, Technology Services
Our second feature is Joyanna Wesche Blake, Vice President, Technology Services, interviewed by Jess Bender, Senior Generalist, Human Resources
About Joyanna
Joyanna Wesche Blake serves as Vice President of Technology Services at Forge Biologics, bringing extensive experience in strategic IT leadership within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. With a career spanning nearly two decades, she has led the development and execution of IT roadmaps that enhance manufacturing, supply chain, and quality operations. Prior to joining Forge, Joyanna served as Vice President of IT Project Delivery at Alkermes, where she spearheaded strategic IT initiatives across the organization. She also held senior leadership roles at Boehringer Ingelheim, overseeing IT systems for quality control and manufacturing across multiple sites in the Americas.
Joyanna holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Science in Human and Consumer Sciences from Ohio University. Passionate about collaboration and innovation, she is dedicated to driving digital transformation and optimizing technology solutions to support Forge’s mission in advancing gene therapy manufacturing.
What do you do or value outside of work that contributes to when you are at work?
Some of my values are family, continuous learning and community engagement. I am in the lucky position to be able to combine all three of these by managing my 13-year-old’s Destination Imagination (a competitive STEAM based challenge) team. Watching the kids come together as a team to creatively solve problems helps me think about how to handle work problems from a different angle. I get to teach the team about project management and problem solving, reinforcing skills I use at work every day. I also get to learn along with them about whatever topics they decide to dig into each year.
What advice would you give to young women entering this profession/organization?
Make time for networking, particularly with industry and community groups. By attending events, you build relationships with others who share similar career interests. Many of these events have an education lens allowing for opportunities to stay up to date on current topics while meeting a cross section of people. Over time, you will be able to build trusted group of peers to vet ideas and continue to learn with.
Have you read any great books recently that have impacted your personal or professional life?
I just finished listening to The End of Bias: A Beginning by Jessica Nordell. It has been a few years since I have attended an unconscious bias training so this was a great refresher on the topic. The heart of the message is that we need to be aware when we are making decisions based on assumptions. By holding judgement, we can create spaces for other people to share their experiences and opportunities to expand our own knowledge and awareness of the world and communities around us.
Kari Henson, Director, Research and Development
Our first feature is Kari Henson, Director of Research & Development, interviewed by Claire Marasco, Associate Director of Global Regulatory Strategy.
Kari, share what you do at Forge and how you got to this point in your career?
I started my career in biologics and have always enjoyed working in start-ups. Smaller companies require you to take on multiple responsibilities and gain experience across many areas of the business. These foundational roles early in my career set the stage for my position at Forge. Here I have had the great opportunity to work across multiple departments with various teams. I started in Product Development, which is inherently a multi-faceted position working closely with Regulatory, Clinical, Quality, and Manufacturing in addition to multiple external organizations to help further our early-stage gene therapy programs. As our programs evolved over time, I was able to delve further into these different branches and have been able to contribute more deeply in each area. The cross-functionality of my role and being to work with so many different teams is my favorite part about what I do!
What inspired you to get into the work that you’re doing?
I knew from a young age that I loved science and wanted to be an engineer. This was in part inspired by my dad (an engineer) and by multiple science teachers I’ve had along the way. I was always encouraged to take the next step and further explore topics that interested me. This ultimately led me to biomedical engineering, and a path to find unique ways to understand and treat diseases.
What do you do or value outside of work that contributes to who you are at work?
By far, the biggest impact on who I am comes from my family. I am challenged everyday by my husband and kids to learn something new, push boundaries, and do something creative. We’ve explored everything from baking soda and vinegar volcanoes to DNA extraction from a strawberry (thanks She Forges!) and are constantly taking on new challenges.
What is the best leadership or professional advice you have ever received?
Make sure your voice is heard! I’m definitely more comfortable listening over speaking. But I had a mentor who pushed me to interact more. Her point was even if you’re not adding something revolutionary, engagement is important for growth; and you never know when your contribution will make a difference.
Who is your favorite female academic or pop culture icon, past or present, and why?
Katalin Karikó. Her work with RNA paved the way for safe and efficacious mRNA vaccines, including for COVID-19. Her story is a great example of how perseverance, the right team, and the drive to keep learning can lead to some pretty phenomenal outcomes.
