Woman of the Week ~ Maria Luisa Escolar

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, and some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name: Maria Luisa Escolar

My Current Job/Company: Chief Medical Officer, Forge Biologics. Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh

My Work: I took care of patients with fatal neurodegenerative conditions for 22 years, I developed a therapy for one of the diseases and became part of a startup to move this therapy forward. I currently work in this company so to make it available to all children affected.

My Passion: My family, helping children with rare diseases.

My Family: Paul (Husband), Isabella (30), Julianna (28)

My Escape: Colombia, Punta Iguana, Baru, an Island in the Caribbean

My Pet Peeve: Negative people

My Indulgence: Dancing

My Roots: Colombia, Europe. Family and friendships that last forever.

My Future: Busy and Bright. Optimistic.

My Advice to Young Women: Follow your heart, believe in yourself, and think outside of the box.

How I Balance it All: Prioritize at work, live in the moment with family, friends, and be mindful of your own needs every day.