FemSTEM 2025 Kickoff & Panel

Co-Founder & COO – HDAX

BSC, Biochemistry PHD, Medicinal and Pharmacutical Chemistry

Therapeutics l Forbes 30 Under 30

Dr. Pimyupa Manaswiyoungkul began her journey at the intersection of science and business through her deep expertise in biochemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Waterloo and completing her PhD at the University of Toronto, she co-founded HDAX, a health innovation venture focused on driving operational success and transformative impact.

Under her leadership, HDAX has pioneered innovative strategies in healthcare, leveraging Dr. Manaswiyoungkul’s rich academic and professional background. Her contributions include 14 published articles, two patents, and numerous academic awards, reflecting her commitment to advancing scientific discovery. Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Toronto, she combines her technical expertise with strategic training from The Wharton School, CFA Institute, and top consulting firms.

Dr. Manaswiyoungkul seamlessly bridges the gap between scientific research and business strategy, enabling HDAX to establish a strong foundation in project management, business development, and innovation. With a vision to lead in health innovation, she continues to push boundaries, transforming ideas into impactful solutions.

Founder & CEO, My Well Self

BSc Cell and Molecular Biology

Health and Wellness Advocate – Championing proactive well-being strategies and innovative solutions in personalized healthcare.

Meet Brenda Ahenkorah, the dynamic CEO and Founder of My Well Self, a company transforming the way health benefits are utilized and well-being goals are achieved. With a mission to revolutionize healthcare navigation, Brenda leads a network of dedicated health advocates in delivering an AI-powered digital wellness advisor, Abby, which personalizes and optimizes how consumers allocate their Health Spending Account (HSA) dollars to enhance their overall well-being.

A self-proclaimed “health geek,” Brenda’s passion for health began early in her career after earning her H. BSc in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Toronto in 1995. Starting with laboratory work, she soon realized her vibrant personality needed broader avenues for expression. She pivoted to academic research in hospital settings before transitioning into roles at major private firms in Big Pharma. It was here that Brenda experienced firsthand the abundance of health benefits available but also the challenge of effectively navigating and utilizing them.

A critical health challenge of her own brought clarity to the gaps in healthcare navigation. Like many, Brenda found herself addressing her health reactively rather than proactively, despite having extensive resources at her disposal. Taking over a year of leave to prioritize her well-being, Brenda emerged re-energized and determined to change the narrative for others. Her entrepreneurial journey began with a clear mission: to help individuals curate personalized health plans, optimize the use of their HSAs, and embrace a proactive, ongoing approach to wellness.

In July 2022, Brenda launched My Well Self and its flagship digital advisor, Abby, affectionately named after her daughter Abigail. With Abby, Brenda empowers consumers to take charge of their well-being with confidence and purpose, ensuring their health benefits work harder for them. Brenda’s innovative leadership is reshaping the healthcare landscape and inspiring a future where well-being is accessible, personalized, and truly transformative.

Co-Founder & COO, Silico Labs

BA in Organismal Biology, MSc in Physiotherapy, PHD In Rehabilitation Sciences

Healthcare Innovator | Expert in Immersive Technology and Behavioral Analytics | Advocate for Translational Research

Kyla Alsbury-Nealy is a trailblazer in healthcare innovation, bringing over a decade of clinical experience as a physical therapist and a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Toronto to her role as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of SilicoLabs. With a passion for advancing health research and improving patient outcomes, Kyla has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between knowledge translation and clinical practice.

During her PhD, Kyla recognized a critical need for tools that provide more accurate and actionable insights into health conditions. Traditional self-reported data often failed to capture true behaviors, motivating her to co-develop SilicoStudio, a no-code behavioral analytics platform that enables researchers to design immersive, real-world simulations. These tools offer unparalleled insights into conditions such as cognitive impairment, concussion, and stroke, transforming how health data is collected and understood.

As COO of SilicoLabs, Kyla combines her scientific expertise and strategic leadership to drive the company’s growth and innovation. She excels at optimizing operations, aligning business strategies with technological advancements, and fostering a collaborative, forward-thinking culture. Her ability to translate complex research into practical, scalable solutions positions SilicoLabs as a leader in the field of immersive technology for health research.

Kyla’s academic journey began with a BA in Organismal Biology and International Development Studies from McGill University, followed by an MSc in Physiotherapy from Queen’s University. Her diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to healthcare innovation continue to redefine how researchers and clinicians approach health and wellness. For those looking to explore groundbreaking collaborations in health technology, Kyla is a visionary leader eager to shape the future of immersive research.