More than a decade ago, Carolina Coelho found herself at a professional crossroads. The passion she once held for her career practicing law had faded, casting more than a shadow of doubt onto her future. It was then that a conversation with an old friend opened her eyes to new possibilities – and, specifically, a career in biopharma. 

“She spoke about her work with great passion – it was inspiring,” says Carolina, who is Senior Director, Head of International Compliance for Latin America, Brazil and Japan at BioMarin, based in Sao Paolo. “The connection to my work and impact on patients inspires me every day and reconnects me with my purpose to make a positive impact in the world, which was what led me to study law in the first place.” 

Carolina has been steadily marching down that new path that unveiled itself and has found a way to align her profession with her purpose. We spoke with Carolina about her career journey as part of our employee profile series, “The DNA of BioMarin.” The series draws inspiration from the four bases that constitute DNA – A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine) and G (guanine) – by asking employees to reflect on the role that Aspiration, Translation, Connection and Gratitude play in their everyday work.  

Learn more about Carolina and how she translates her life’s purpose of making a positive impact on the world into the work she does at BioMarin.

ASPIRATION
How did you get your start in the biopharma industry? What do you aspire to accomplish through your work at BioMarin and in your career?

I’m a lawyer by trade and worked at a large law firm for many years. I learned a lot during that time, but at a certain point in my career, I asked myself if that was really what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The work I was doing was not having the impact I envisioned when I chose to study law. It was during a conversation with a college friend that the magic happened! She worked in the pharmaceutical industry, focused on pediatric products, and was leaving her position to live abroad with her husband. 

I mentioned the doubt I was having about my career, and she asked me if I would like to apply to be her replacement. I accepted and was hired. After that initial experience, I came to BioMarin and have now been working in the pharmaceutical industry for 11 years. 

Some might say everything was a big coincidence, but I would say it was truly destiny. I am passionate about the work I do, and I can see how everything I do together with my Corporate Compliance team ensures that the best treatment reaches patients in an appropriate and safe manner. 

GRATITUDE
Tell us about something you’re grateful for in your career, and why.

I am incredibly grateful to be part of a company and a team where everyone supports and inspires each other. In addition to all the admiration I have for the talented professionals my colleagues are, I feel grateful for working with such special and compassionate human beings. 

Early in my BioMarin career, I went through a very scary health situation with my family that resulted in my young son needing surgery. I cannot describe in words how wonderful my colleagues were. Not only were they supportive of me, checking in regularly, but they also put me in touch with doctors all over the world to discuss my son’s case. 

In essence, it is the people I work with and the lives we touch that make my career at BioMarin so fulfilling and meaningful. These relationships and experiences constantly renew my sense of purpose and gratitude. 

CONNECTION
What role does connection play at BioMarin?

I would describe myself as a people-person. Having meaningful connections drives me, and is at the heart of everything we do at BioMarin. Building strong relationships with our colleagues allows us to do our best, aiming at our ultimate goal, which is to improve the lives of patient communities and families impacted by rare and genetic conditions. 

Especially on my team, I feel there is a safe and collaborative environment where ideas can be freely exchanged, fostering a space for innovative and meaningful conversations. We also have a lot of fun together, making our jobs much easier – this a place we all truly want to be. 

Throughout my career at BioMarin, I’ve had the privilege of working with talented individuals from other functions as well, who bring unique perspectives to the table and help me expand my vision and knowledge across a variety of topics. 

Apart from my colleagues, the opportunities I’ve had to engage with patient families have provided me with invaluable insights into their needs and challenges, and have also been highly inspirational. These interactions remind me of the real-world impact of our work and fuel my determination to make a difference.

TRANSLATION
How do you hope your work will translate into impact for the patient communities BioMarin is working to support?

As part of the Corporate Compliance team, we are committed to ensuring all interactions we have with the various players and stakeholders along the patient journey occur in an ethical and lawful manner. 

This helps protect patients, employees and our company reputation, enabling BioMarin to continue developing new therapies for patient communities counting on our innovation. I see myself and the work I do as an important piece of the puzzle that allows the company to continue to flourish, grow and help people.