Earlier this year we heard from Donna-Lee Destouche who shared advice on encouraging the next generation of female leaders in STEM. In her interview, she notes, “if we have some support to be ambitious in our career, and perhaps not lose a step because you’ve decided you wanted to start a family, we may have more women in the field.” Prothena is dedicated to changing the lives of patients and their families, but also to fostering a supportive workplace with equal opportunities for women and celebrating them day in and day out.

Today, following Mother’s Day in the U.S., we want to shine a light on another inspiring Prothenian. Yvonne Tchrakian, Corporate Secretary and Legal Counsel, shares not only why she likes working at Prothena, but what inspired her to come back to Prothena after working at other companies.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at Prothena?
A: Being part of the Prothena team brings so much purpose and meaning to my own life. It’s incredible to be part of an organization that is on a mission to create a better future for patients and their families. There is nothing more rewarding than making a positive impact on people’s lives. I have interviewed top neurosurgeon and neuroscientist James R. Doty and Emma Seppala (Yale faculty and Standford researcher) on my podcast. Both James and Emma have researched happiness and compassion. The data is clear – being of service to others is what really makes people happy (as opposed to title, money, material possessions). It’s really important to me in my career to be part of an organization that has a strong mission.

Q: What encouraged you to come back to Prothena after the 2018 restructuring?
A: After Prothena, I worked for a number of tech start-ups, but something was missing. I quickly realized that “something” was purpose. During my time away from Prothena, I also had two children. When the opportunity arose to re-join the company, I knew that Prothena would respect my “new life” – juggling two small children and having a career. Both my family and my career are very important to me, and I knew that Prothena was the right place to allow me to succeed at both. Now, I have four children (5 and under) and I am juggling even more. I’m especially grateful to a very understanding legal team.

Q: In what ways does Prothena support women in the workplace?
A: As a mom of four small children, the biggest challenge for me is the juggle. Trying to juggle work and family life. Prothena is very respectful of the times I have carved out of my calendar for “family time” (which is dinner time and bedtime). I also work a four day week which is really helpful for me during this period of what I would call “absolute chaos”!

Q: What advice would you give to other working mothers?
A: Set your boundaries. We have to take responsibility for ourselves. Speak up and let your managers know what will and will not work for you as a working parent. If it’s important to you to drop your kids to school in the morning and be present for bedtime etc., let your manager know. I’d also say – go easy on yourself! Being a working parent is definitely the biggest challenge for me in my career so far.

Q: In the spirit of Mother’s Day, who is one woman who has inspired you to be the woman you are today?
A: When I first joined Prothena, I had an indirect reporting line to Dr. Tara Nickerson (the then CBO). She was very supportive of my career and a great mentor. When I got pregnant with my first child she pulled me aside and said “Yvonne, do not give up your career after you have this baby. Having a baby does not mean the end of your career.” That’s exactly what you needed to hear as a first time mom – because your mind does go crazy wondering how you are going to do it all!

As inspiring women were celebrated this past weekend, we’re proud to spotlight Prothenians like Donna-Lee and Yvonne who motivate us each day.