5 Questions with Meron Cherenet, VP – Business Operations and Human Capital, Vandstrom, Inc.

Meron Cherenet is the Vice President of Business Operations and Human Capital at Vandstrom, Inc., where she is dedicated to fostering innovation and leadership in the life sciences industry. Originally from Ethiopia, Meron's journey took her from pursuing a medical career to finding her true passion in business operations, talent development, and driving impactful change. She is deeply committed to mentorship, community-building, and initiatives that empower emerging leaders in biotech.

Meron will be part of the ISPE 2025 Mid-Atlantic Science & Technology In-Person Showcase, serving on the Biopharma Leaders – A Guide to Building High-Performance Teams panel, where she will share insights on leadership, connection, and collaboration in the biopharma space.

1. What did you want to be when you grew up? 

When many children dream of their future, their imaginations soar with possibilities, but before we know it, social influence takes over, and our imaginations as kids are engulfed by social expectations. Growing up in Ethiopia, at an early age, I recall my family saying, “You are destined to be a doctor,” without knowing much about what that meant, I gave in to what was expected of me. To pursue that dream others had for me, I moved to the United States at the age of thirteen. I graduated high school, and then college, with a degree in Biology (Pre-Med). A couple of semesters before graduation, I started volunteering and shadowing physicians in different fields of study, and that exposure was an eye-opening experience. Why? Because I learned that medicine was not for me, it simply was not in my heart. That was an earth-shattering discovery, to say the least. However, I was glad to find out before I committed myself to medical school, which was the next step to getting to my made-up destiny. 

Then comes the question: what am I passionate about to dedicate my life to? I did not have the answers, but at least I am now on a mission to search for my Ikigai. In the meantime, I decided to put my degree to use and joined Vandstrom, Inc., formerly Applied Biomimetic, Inc., a startup company whose mission focuses on mimicking nature to revolutionize separation science using specialized proteins, Aquaporins. I kicked off my career working on what is soon to be a groundbreaking technology to address a global issue: water scarcity, among other possibilities of enabling other innovations. Just like that, I stumbled into my calling to make a difference. I have navigated through various roles before becoming an executive, however, my commitment to the mission of the company I work for has not changed; quite the contrary. The moral of my story is, to devote your life to what matters to you, where you will encounter absolute joy and involvement. 

2. How are you helping to build a more connected community?

Alain Hunkins, the author of Cracking the Leadership Code draws on three critical elements: Connection, Communication, and Collaboration in defining what makes a successful leader. I believe the same applies to helping to build a connected community.

I am engaged in various programs like mentoring college science students, as well as upcoming scientists on navigating career development. I remember not having a mentor and feeling lost when I was navigating through my journey, and I want to make sure I am resourceful to those who need support. Beyond that, I am grateful for programs like BioBuzz, ISPE MAST, and WIB for creating an opportunity for individuals in the Science and Technology space to connect, communicate, and collaborate to build a more connected community. I recently joined WIB and soon will be joining the Executive Women in Bio Committee, where I hope to make more connections and contribute to the program. 

3. What are you currently buzzing about?

Where should I start? The list is long, but to focus on a few: 

• I am excited to witness the fruition of a major company milestone, I remember it just being an idea several years ago.    

• I am eager to join WIB-Capital Region, make meaningful contributions, and meet like-minded people. 

• I am working on a cookbook; it is about 80% complete.

• My husband is opening his first coffee shop in Bethesda.

4. What career advice would you shout from the rooftops now?

Find your Ikigai and pursue that. Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning "a reason for being". It is about finding what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, and aligning these to create a meaningful life. 

5. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

If I had a superpower, with a snap of my fingers, I would end global warming and eliminate poverty, creating a world where everyone has equal opportunity to flourish.

Don't miss the chance to gain valuable insights from industry leaders like Meron Cherenet. Register now for the ISPE MAST Showcase and join the conversation on building high-performance teams in biopharma!