Meet our 2023 HBA Luminary award winner honored for inspiring others

Debbie Forster, our vice president of human pharma business law, is a transformative leader and champion of change in the pharmaceutical industry. She was recently named one of Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA)'s 2023 Luminaries. The award celebrates women in leadership who are role models and mentors helping advance other women's careers. Forster was recognized with nearly 80 other senior women leaders across the country for her passion and dedication to her colleagues and Boehringer Ingelheim. 

"Debbie is a true luminary and remarkable leader, inspiring others to be the best version of themselves every day," said Sheila Denton, our senior vice president, general counsel.

Forster's nomination is based on her unique combination of legal, compliance and business expertise. Through her leadership roles, she has helped shape successful business strategies to carry out our mission of developing medicines for patients that transform their lives. Denton shared in the nomination that Forster "has a passion for finding new opportunities to develop others into the leaders of tomorrow and encouraging new ways of working." 

"I'm honored to be recognized as a role model to my colleagues. Inspiring others and being there #ForEachOther is a part of our company's culture and my mindset. It’s so incredibly meaningful to contribute to a positive work environment where people are supported, treated with respect, and encouraged to thrive," said Forster. 

This award is one example of our Upstander culture, which aligns with our values of respect, trust, empathy, and passion for all at our company. We aim to understand different points of view, do the right thing, ignite positive change, and support one another along with the patients and communities we serve. 

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