The Element Awards 2021: LIfe Sciences Women in Business Honored
April 2, 2021
The St. George Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the First Annual Element Awards recognizing sixteen outstanding women of achievement in Washington County. The inaugural event was held March 26 at the Dixie Convention Center.
These women, including women on the front lines of the life sciences, are building a legacy that future generations will emulate and are worthy examples of greatness and achievement. Among the winners were Dr. Martina Gaspari, Sr. Scientist at Genestat Molecular Diagnostics and faculty member at Dixie State University and Tazia Taylor, Marketing and Communications Manager of Intermountain Precision Genomics. Precision Genomics, a BioUtah Elite member, was also the presenting sponsor of the event. Ally Isom, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at BioUtah Elite Member EVOQ nano was the event’s keynote speaker.
“Our life sciences industry was well represented at this prestigious event.” commented Kelvyn Cullimore, CEO of BioUtah. “Congratulations to Dr. Gaspari and Tazia Taylor for the well deserved recognition. We’re proud of our women in life sciences that are making a difference.”
Dr. Martina Gaspari
Dr. Martina Gaspari is a Consulting Senior Scientist at GeneSTAT Molecular Diagnostics, where she has been instrumental in advancing the science behind COVID-19 tests. Despite the newness of the disease, and the many unforseen challenges securing raw materials, Martina defeated “the supply wars” by finding new solutions through patience, flexibility, and creativity. Her leadership guided the scientific team to create one of the most sensitive and easiest to read COVID-19 tests in the world. She believes the presence of women leaders promotes positive change and better outcomes in workplaces and communities.
Tazia Taylor
An expert in building brand reputation, Tazia Taylor spearheaded the global launch of Intermountain Precision Genomics (IPG), directs marketing for clinical products and research services, and managed the rollout of the world’s largest population study: HerediGene. As part of IPG’s Senior Strategy Team, Tazia plays a key role driving strategy and vision for growth. She also oversees IPG’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative and launched Women Leading with Precision, a program empowering female leaders. She enjoys gardening, yoga, and spending time with her husband, rambunctious three-year-old son, and two dogs.
Ally Isom
Ally Isom is a leader passionate about bringing people together and tackling tough issues. She is a community leader and strategist where brand, policy, communication, and public engagement intersect. With an inclusive and affirming leadership style, she is uniquely skilled at fostering gender intelligent teams and building capacity in future leaders.
Ally is the chief strategy and marketing officer for EVŌQ nano, a flourishing Utah nanotech firm. She previously headed up global branding and messaging for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; served as the Utah Governor Gary Herbert’s deputy chief of staff, communication director, and spokesperson; and spent several years in state agency leadership.
Highlights from her civic involvement include service as a Kaysville City Councilmember, the Utah Clean Air Partnership Board, the Women’s Leadership Institute executive board chair, the Emerging Leaders Initiative advisory board, and the Utah Heritage Council. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University. Ally and her husband, Eric, have four children, one grandchild, and one not entirely bright labrador. When she finds free time, she relishes historical fiction and biographies, preferably on a beach, and mole poblano, pretty much anywhere.