The Biotech Startups Podcast

🧬 Barbara Alcaraz Silva - J.P. Morgan - Part 1 | Living the American Dream & Emigrating From Mexico | Soaking Up Experiences & Embracing Opportunities | Researching at the Harvard of Mexico | Presenting In Spanish at a National Conference

Sep 23, 2024

In this conversation, Barbara Alcaraz Silva, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan, shares her inspiring immigrant journey from Mexico to the U.S. at just 17. She discusses overcoming educational challenges and the pivotal role of mentorship in her success. Barbara also recounts her unique experience of presenting in Spanish at a national conference, reflecting her growth and connection to her roots. With a rich background as a scientist-entrepreneur, she emphasizes resilience and the power of seizing transformative opportunities in the biotech sector.

38:19

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Barbara Alcaraz Silva

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Quick takeaways

Barbara Alcaraz Silva's immigrant journey highlights the resilience and determination fostered by her family's socio-economic struggles and strong work ethic.

Her academic success at UC Irvine was greatly supported by mentorship, community, and her willingness to embrace diverse research opportunities.

Deep dives

The Journey of Immigrant Resilience

Barbara Akira Silva shares her immigrant journey from Mexico to the United States at the age of 17, emphasizing how her upbringing shaped her resilience and determination. Her family's history of migration due to socio-economic hardships instilled a strong work ethic in her, particularly from her mother's sacrifices as a caregiver. This drive pushed her to pursue an education in the U.S., where she initially navigated the challenges of community college while learning English and adjusting to a new culture. Her experiences highlight the importance of adaptability and the effort necessary to overcome the obstacles she faced in her quest for academic success.

Intro

3min

Resilience in the Journey of an Immigrant

17min

Navigating Transitions: From Community College to UC Irvine

14min

Embracing Language and Diverse Scientific Paths in Research Presentations

1min

Navigating Research Interests and Grad School Aspirations

2min

Reflections on Experience and Future Engagement

2min

As a podcast listener, you can redeem exclusive discounts with a growing list of biotech vendors and get $500 off your first equipment lease by using promo code “TBSP” on https://www.excedr.com/rewards.

Part 1 of 4.

My guest for this week’s episode is Barbara Alcaraz Silva, Executive Director of Early Stage Life Sciences and Healthcare, Startup Banking at J.P. Morgan. She is also a former scientist-entrepreneur whose graduate studies focused on Telomeres and DNA Repair. Barbara has worked with many startups, including co-founding her own company, BioChron. While at the Manos Accelerator, she worked as an advisor for Biotech and Medtech companies, providing mentorship in business, fundraising, and capital, and offering guidance to startup companies. Additionally, Barbara worked as a Senior Investment Fellow at Life Science Angels, investing in up-and-coming biotechs and managing investor relationships.

After her time at Life Science Angels, Barbara became the Director of Early-Stage West Coast Life Science and Healthcare banking at SVB and is currently the Executive Director of Early Stage Life Sciences and Healthcare, Startup Banking at J.P. Morgan, where she is leading the national life sciences and healthcare practice. Barbara’s dedication to building a strong community in the biotech space and her expertise in science, management, and investing make her conversation one that founders don’t want to miss.

Join us this week and hear about:

Barbara’s immigrant journey and how her upbringing played an important role in her lead-up to becoming a scientist-entrepreneur.
Her path from community college to UC Irvine, where she gained essential lab experience, secured a research position in Plant Biology.
Her travels abroad to the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Please enjoy my conversation with Barbara Alcaraz Silva.

Find Our Guest, Barbara Alcaraz Silva, at these links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarasilvaucsf/

https://www.jpmorgan.com/global

Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonchee

https://www.excedr.com

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