The Spotlight Series amplifies the authentic stories of women and underrepresented groups in tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Anita Vila-Parrish, PhD
“I’m responsible for defining products and features that oncologists use to help to deliver the best cancer care to their patients!”
ANITA VILA-PARRISH
Sr. Director of Product Management at Ontada
HOW DO YOU CHAMPION CAUSES YOU CARE ABOUT?
"Being a woman in engineering and also Cuban has played a large role in being a mentor to many students - underrepresented or not - and being visible. Sharing success but also vulnerabilities and mistakes is critical to supporting others."
WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
"I am proud of continuing to seek growth & inspiration in what I do. I've had several careers so far - each leap into the unknown marks my commitment to never stop learning."
WHAT'S YOUR DAY-TO-DAY MANTRA?
"'Focus on what you can control' - this is a reflection of the pandemic which was huge adjustment in our lives when our kids were home for so many months! I'm very action oriented and this mantra helps to minimize all the distractions."
“I think exemplifying there is no one path that equates to success, keeping that growth mindset, and grit are they key messages I try to share. And HAVE FUN! Don't take yourself too seriously. It's fun to have fun."
WHAT'S THE MOST ADVENTUROUS THING YOU'VE EVER DONE?
"Quit my job and move across the country to San Francisco."
"Would I do it again? In a heart beat."
WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU'RE WORKING ON THAT'S "IN PROGRESS"?
"I joke around that we moved back from San Francisco eating avocado toast with a yoga habit."
"Yoga is time to be with yourself & challenge your body and mind! I'm getting better at not letting my mind race."
WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU RATED 5 STARS?
"A hike that I did in Kauai - growing up in Florida I have found hiking much later in life. Being in nature, especially the mountains brings me a sense of relaxation that is unparalleled."
WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU'RE GEEKING OUT ABOUT RIGHT NOW?
"Podcasts. I can't get enough - from nerdy healthcare podcasts to tech and pop culture. I try to get some minutes in while walking the dog or in the shower."
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSPECTIVE?
"I'm a cautious optimist. To me that means that I try to be hopeful about the future - but I also meter that with facts and reality."
Our Spotlight Series ↗ amplifies the authentic stories of women and underrepresented groups in tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.