Syantra, Inc. Appoints Holly Smithson to Their Board: A Win for STEM and Cancer Detection

Syantra, Inc. Welcomes Holly Smithson to Its Board of Directors

In an empowering move for both the company and the community, Syantra, Inc., a leader in precision biotechnology, has appointed Holly Smithson to its Board of Directors. This announcement comes at a pivotal moment as the company gears up to commercialize its innovative cancer detection technology, Onco-ID™.

Holly Smithson is not just a STEM advocate; she is also a breast cancer survivor whose journey through illness has inspired many. A speaker at TEDx, she has dedicated her efforts to inspiring others to take control of their health and well-being. Her experience fuels her passion for advancing cancer detection technologies, which aligns beautifully with Syantra's objectives.

Currently serving as the CEO of Athena, an organization devoted to empowering women in STEM fields, Smithson has devoted her career to advocating for gender equality in science and technology. Under her leadership, Athena has transformed into a global movement that supports female leaders and their male allies, aiming for equitability in various industries.

Smithson's impressive career includes substantial achievements in cleantech, biotechnology, and STEM sectors. She has been instrumental in the launch, merger, and financial recovery of three successful companies. Additionally, she has served as a Presidential Appointee in President George W. Bush's administration, where she worked on critical legislative initiatives at the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Department, including representing California in a cleantech trade mission to China led by Governor Jerry Brown.

Smithson's accolades further demonstrate her exceptional influence and leadership. She was inducted into the San Diego Women’s Hall of Fame in 2023 and recognized among San Diego's Top 500 Most Influential Leaders between 2018 and 2023. Moreover, her contributions have led to her being honored as CEO of the Year and Businesswoman of the Year.

Upon her appointment, Smithson expressed her excitement, stating, “I am profoundly honored to join Syantra's Board of Directors. As a breast cancer survivor and advocate, I understand the life-saving importance of early detection. My TEDx talk, 'How to Uncage the Confidence Within,' emphasizes the powerful role of technology in overcoming health challenges. The mission of Syantra resonates deeply with my personal journey, and I am eager to contribute to the launch of their innovative platform in 2025.”

Rob Lozuk, Syantra’s CEO, also celebrated this pivotal appointment, noting, “Holly’s unique combination of lived experience, professional knowledge, and inspirational leadership makes her a truly exceptional addition to our Board. Her advocacy work in healthcare and STEM is precisely what we need as we strive to improve patient outcomes through our cutting-edge biotechnology. The timing couldn’t be better as we approach the commercialization of Onco-ID, which is integral to a global study focused on breast cancer detection.”

Syantra, Inc. was founded by a passionate team based in Calgary, dedicated to changing how cancer is detected and treated through advanced biotechnologies. Their efforts continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in early cancer detection.

The new chapter featuring Holly Smithson’s leadership promises exciting advancements in cancer detection technologies and a continued commitment to STEM advocacy. As preparations for the commercialization of Onco-ID unfold, the synergies between Smithson’s mission and Syantra's vision aim to not only redefine cancer detection but also enhance the representation of women in science and technology fields.

For more information about Syantra and its groundbreaking work in biotechnology, visit Syantra.com.