Michelle Gallaher

Technology entrepreneur and women in STEMM advocate

Michelle Gallaher

Marketing technology entrepreneur and women in STEMM advocate

About Me

Michelle Gallaher is a technology entrepreneur, advocate, influencer and business leader in the Australian life sciences and health care sector.

Michelle is renowned for her role in advocating for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM). She has supported and mentored many individuals and organisations in the technology, biotechnology, medical research, medtech and start-up community. Throughout her career, she has guided change and advanced the implementation of legislation, policy and funding programs in support of biotechnology and medical research in Australia.

Her career spans working as an orthopist (allied healthcare provider) with low vision patients, to executive roles in listed biotech companies. She has led major national medical research initiatives, and served as Chief Executive Officer of the peak body for biotechnology and medtech in Victoria, the BioMelbourne Network.

Leaving corporate life in 2014, Michelle entered the world of entrepreneurship, co-founding The Social Science, a unique digital marketing communications agency focused on the science, health and technology sector. At the same time, she co-founded an advocacy group, Women in STEMM Australia. Michelle is also co-founder in a third startup, SkinLife, developing new products with a therapeutic application in dermatology.

She is a sought-after speaker, mentor, collaborator and influencer. Michelle is an enthusiastic contributor to the Victorian community as an Ambassador for the Victoria Against Violence Campaign and a regular at the St Vincent de Paul’s CEO SleepOut.

Michelle has served and continues to serve as a non-executive director and advisor within universities, private and in public companies, not-for-profits and on various government advisory committees and boards.

Michelle was awarded both the Victorian Telstra Business Woman of the Year 2017 and the Victorian Entrepreneur of the Year 2017.

Qualifications

B.App Sci, Grad.Dip (Business), AICD, FAIM

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