Today, I’m announcing my departure from the Institute for Genomics Education, Workforce & Leadership at Sarah Lawrence College and my role as inaugural director with deep gratitude for the journey this chapter has afforded me. It’s been an incredible experience, both personally and professionally, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated, visionary team.
As I reflect on the past few years, I’m reminded that leadership—like life—is defined by transitions. My focus during my time here has always been on building a strong foundation: cultivating a culture where innovation thrives, new ideas take root, and bold thinking is encouraged. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve built together—from seeds that have yet to be announced to early concepts in the pilot stage and fully realized programs (GC+ Academy) that are now beginning to make their mark.
Now, it’s time to pass the torch. I leave the Institute in the hands of an exceptionally talented team—one I trust wholeheartedly to continue growing what we’ve started. Their passion and commitment give me great confidence that the work will not only continue but flourish.
I leave the Institute in the hands of an exceptionally talented team—one I trust wholeheartedly to continue growing what we’ve started.
The genomics and biotech landscapes have undergone seismic shifts in recent years. We’ve witnessed mass layoffs, corporate reinventions, career pivots, and the rise of AI—alongside extraordinary advances in early disease detection, diagnostics, and therapeutics. And yet, the widespread implementation of these breakthroughs remains uneven. Too often, innovation outpaces our ability to deliver it equitably and at scale – falling far short of the promise of personalized healthcare for all.
To overcome these challenges, we must break down silos and engage in true collaboration—across sectors, across perspectives, and across systems. One organization alone cannot transform the healthcare landscape. But by stepping beyond our individual vantage points—be it company, product, patient, or provider—we can begin to connect the dots and drive the kind of system-wide change that personalized healthcare demands.
While I’ll no longer be involved in the day-to-day work, I’ll be watching proudly from the sidelines—cheering on this remarkable team and the seeds we’ve planted together. You can too, by following the Institute’s LinkedIn page and by signing up for the Institute’s contact list for the latest news and events.
It’s been a privilege to help shape the vision and direction of the Institute. I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished, and I can’t wait to see how the next chapter unfolds.
With Gratitude,
Kelle Steenblock
Inaugural Director
Institute for Genomics Education, Workforce & Leadership Sarah Lawrence College