Driving Healthcare Forward: Tanya Alcorn Joins The HBA Foundation Board of Directors
From HBA member to Global Board leader, Alcorn brings three decades of experience and a passion for advancing global health to the Foundation.
Tanya Alcorn’s journey with the HBA began early in her career, attending regional meetings and programs with a curiosity about the organization’s mission.
“I started participating in local events,” she recalled. “But quickly, I realized the energy and dedication within the HBA were unlike anything else. People were genuinely invested in lifting one another up and creating meaningful impact in healthcare.”
Her commitment deepened over time, moving from regional involvement to a seat on the HBA’s Global Board of Directors. For Tanya, the transition wasn’t just about taking on a larger role; it was a chance to align her professional work with her passion for developing future leaders.
“I lead women’s mentorship programs and employee resource groups at Pfizer, and the HBA’s mission to further the advancement and impact of women in the business of healthcare resonated deeply,” she said. “Serving on the Global Board allowed me to amplify that work, connect with other passionate leaders, and learn from them while contributing my own expertise.”
Alcorn now takes the next step in her HBA journey as a member of the Board of Directors for The HBA Foundation, the newly launched philanthropic arm of the HBA, where she serves as Secretary/Treasurer. She sees the Foundation as a unique opportunity to extend impact beyond the existing HBA structure, combining philanthropy with strategic programs to address systemic healthcare challenges.
“The Foundation, in my view, is about two things,” Tanya said. “First, inspiring the next generation to consider careers in healthcare. Second, advancing global health through education and programs that improve outcomes. Done right, The HBA Foundation can literally save lives.”
Alcorn’s approach is informed by three decades of experience in healthcare operations, strategy, and policy. She brings a perspective that balances pragmatism and passion, connecting workforce development and early talent initiatives with broader systemic impact.
“Our current healthcare system isn’t fit for purpose in many areas,” she noted. “But when we equip young people with knowledge, mentorship, and exposure to STEM and healthcare careers, we can start to shift both outcomes and opportunities.”
The HBA Foundation is anchored by four core pillars: Educational Pathways, offering scholarships and grants to students; Mentorship and Leadership Programs, matching participants with mentors to accelerate growth; Pipeline Programs, working with schools and universities to introduce healthcare careers earlier; and Training, including virtual internships with HBA Corporate Partners. For Tanya, each pillar offers a concrete way to inspire, educate, and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. She also sees long-term potential in the Foundation to influence policy and create sustainable change.
“If we can shape education, mentoring, and even policy to be more representative, we have a chance to create systemic impact,” she said. “We want programs that don’t just work in pockets or short-term initiatives, but that truly improve global health over the long run.”
For Alcorn, joining the Foundation board is deeply personal. Beyond her professional experience, she is driven by a lifelong commitment to STEM and mentoring.
“I want to use my expertise, network, and energy to help young people navigate healthcare careers, especially those who may be intimidated by the unknowns in this field,” she said. “And if we can make a dent in health access while doing that, we’re truly changing lives.”
You can learn more about The HBA Foundation and its Board of Directors here.