Alia Qatarneh is an equity-driven scientist, educator, and systems strategist committed to reshaping how institutions leverage science, education, and innovation for broad-based social impact. With over a decade of experience spanning laboratory research, nonprofit leadership, curriculum design, and national education strategy, she brings a uniquely interdisciplinary lens to the work of building scalable, equity-centered solutions.

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As a Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Alia specializes in cross-sector collaboration, workforce development, and organizational transformation. She currently serves as Strategic Advisor to the CEO of Life Science Cares, a national nonprofit aligning the life sciences industry with community-centered initiatives across five major U.S. regions. In this role, she guides national expansion efforts, develops governance infrastructure, and co-leads strategic initiatives at the intersection of philanthropy, corporate responsibility, and education equity.

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Previously, Alia served as Program Director for the Amgen Biotech Experience (Massachusetts), where she led regional implementation of Amgen’s flagship STEM initiative—supporting over 100 educators and reaching 7,000+ students annually through hands-on biotechnology education. Her leadership increased student reach by over 40% and secured significant multi-year funding growth through program innovation and stakeholder engagement.

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Outside of her work in formal education and nonprofit systems, Alia brings her passion for access and community into creative and public spaces. She is the founder of µicroPAINT, an initiative that combines molecular biology and visual art to reimagine science as accessible and expressive. She also serves as LeadHer for Strategy, Partnerships, and Communications at TrailblazHERs Run Co., a women-of-color-led nonprofit dedicated to inclusive wellness and leadership.

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Across roles, Alia is known for integrating systems thinking with purpose-driven action—aligning vision, data, and community voice to drive change. Her work has been featured by the Harvard Gazette, Harvard Ed Magazine, and the Amgen Foundation. Additionally, she has spoken at international science education convenings, national leadership conferences, and local community forums.