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Astia Team
The Astia staff is dedicated to nothing less than the complete success of our companies and the advisors and sponsors that support them. Astia Team Alexandra Duisberg, Program Intern Alexandra is currently student at the Haas Business School at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a degree in Business Administration as well as a second major in Molecular and Cell Biology. While an undergraduate, she has also had the opportunity to spend a summer at the London School of Economics studying international business strategy. She has been able to combine her business interests with an interest in science-based research methods, most recently in laboratories at Stanford University, U.C. Berkeley and the University of San Francisco Medical School. Her previous work experience entails a summer spent at the global accounting firm Ernst & Young where she took particular interest in the financial and strategic analysis of biotechnology companies. This summer Alexandra will be working as an investment banking analyst in Morgan Stanley’s healthcare group. Prior to college, Alexandra was successful in both team-oriented and individual activities, including being a member of the Polish National Olympic figure skating team, a consistent top-ten finalist in the European Figure Skating Championships and a dedicated coach of junior-level athletes. Alexandra grew up moving between several continents as a daughter of U.S. diplomats, an experience which provided exposure to varied and exceptional viewpoints from an early age. Her long term academic goal is to earn an MD/MBA. Alexandra is very interested in the investment and entrepreneurship side of life Science. Additionally she hopes to combine her international experience with a fundamental depth of knowledge in both business and science towards the goal of implementing strategic healthcare initiatives on a global level.   Anne Morrissey, Director, Life Science Practice Anne Morrissey is a seasoned entrepreneur with over fifteen years in the Life Science industry. Anne has held management roles in marketing, business development and sales. Previously she was a member of the founding team at Vivant Medical, Inc. (acquired by Tyco) where she developed the company’s strategic plan. Ms. Morrissey also has experience with disposable products, implants and various surgical device products at several industry leading companies including General Surgical Innovations (Tyco), Mentor Corporation and Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Anne has directed the successful turn around of core businesses, the creation of new businesses and the fundraising process. Anne is most at home in an early stage environment, working closely with entrepreneurs, to bring products to market that address large unmet clinical needs and to help them successfully navigate the world of potential investors.  Jen Shelby, Managing Director Prior to joining Astia, Jen was an executive leadership and management consultant with over 18 years of experience in sales, marketing and operations with high-tech Fortune 500 and start-up companies. Her expertise and experience in creating and implementing new business models gives her first hand knowledge understanding of her clients challenges. CEO’s and Executives value Jen’s ability to help them retain and develop quality talent, evaluate strategy, and achieve operational excellence. Jen believes that too often the breach between strategy and implementation affects the ability to lead. She is dedicated to closing the gap between objectives and results by developing the leadership skills of her clients. Jen’s extensive background in high technology gives her valuable insight into what it takes to go from a company's base-line strategy to implementation, and the vital role that all employees play in that process. She also has significant experience in growing and succeeding by:
 Melissa Schulte, Development and Policy Initiatives Prior to joining Astia in June of 2007, Melissa spent six years in local California politics, working in the administration of the San Diego County and Orange County Treasurers. Her time in local government was followed by service for the State of Rhode Island as a staffer in the Untied States Senate. Melissa graduated at the top of her class for both her graduate and undergraduate degrees. Receiving an MA in comparative and American politics from California State University, Long Beach, Melissa graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and was one of three to be placed on the graduate deans list. Melissa received her BA in political science from San Diego State University in 2004. In addition to her time at California State University, Melissa spent two semesters at the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid, Spain and completed 15 units in politics at the University of London. With the ultimate goal of receiving a PhD, Melissa's academic career focuses in American and Latin American Public Policy.  Angelica Siles, Executive Assistant Coming from Nicaragua at age 18, Angelica Siles began working on her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts at City College of San Francisco, with an expected graduation date of May 2008. Before joining Astia's team, Angelica worked for DNA Bridges Inc. and has dedicated her time as a volunteer for Building Blocks International. As a dedicated life-long learner, Angelica continues to seek out challenging experiences in both her academic and professional careers. Looking ahead, Angelica has the goal of becoming a registered dietitian with the hopes of starting up her own business.  Sharon Vosmek, CEO Sharon Vosmek has been CEO of Astia since June 2007 having served as its COO since August 2004 and community member since 2002. Her life and career are best described as a series of serendipitous events that have led to great opportunity and adventure. Her diverse experience lends itself to the many constituents of Astia. Sharon has been instrumental in building the community that is Astia – the advisors, the sponsors, the thought-leaders, and the entrepreneurs we serve. Sharon has a Masters in International Public Affairs from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and a Bachelors in Political Science from Arizona State University. Prior to Astia, Sharon’s career included SJ Vosmek & Associates, a consulting firm focused on organizational change and growth that included PG&E and PacBell as clients; American Express; and the Office of United States Senator Dennis DeConcini. Sharon currently serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of San Francisco, on the Advisory Board of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs & Executives, and as co-chair of the Entrepreneurial Alliance for the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). In the recent past she has served on the boards of the Level Playing Field Institute, Food First: The Institute for Food & Development Policy, and Global Exchange. |