Women Aware Board of Trustees Welcomes Rachel Carnes

New Brunswick, NJ – Women Aware recently announced the appointment of Rachel Carnes as a member of its Board of Trustees. Ms. Carnes is Senior Vice President, Global Product Strategy for Ionis Pharmaceuticals. A member of Ionis’ Leadership Team, she is committed to supporting the commercialization of Ionis pipeline products, ensuring that pioneering therapies are developed, commercialized and made readily accessible to the patients who need them worldwide.

Ms. Carnes’ 20+ years of diverse experience in the pharmaceutical industry includes sales and sales training, as well as global and US marketing. Prior to being recruited by Ionis, Ms. Carnes enjoyed a successful career with Celgene Corporation that was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2019. Her most recent role at that time was Vice President, Early Commercial, Global Hematology Marketing.

“Rachel has a long track record in advancing opportunities for women,” said Women Aware Board of Trustees President Diane Palmer. “She recognizes that access to resources are critical to victim-survivors’ ability to break down the barriers that stand between them and a brighter, self-sufficient future. We welcome the experience and strategic thinking she brings to the board at Women Aware.”

Ms. Carnes earned a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia and attended the University of Virginia Darden School of Business Executive Finance Program. An active member of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, she served on the steering committee which developed the Career Transformations Initiative. Ms. Carnes also served as a guest lecturer for Rutgers University’s Communicating Science course.

“My decision to join the Board of Trustees of Women Aware stems from a deep belief in the importance of empowerment, advocacy and access to resources,” explained Ms. Carnes. “I am committed to helping women reclaim their futures and to raising awareness about the services available—so that those suffering in silence, or those close to someone in need, can find a path to safety and support.”

About Women Aware

Women Aware is the state-designated lead domestic violence agency for Middlesex County. For over 44 years, Women Aware has been saving lives through a comprehensive array of services that include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, support groups, children’s trauma therapy programs and legal advocacy. Each year, Women Aware shelters 200 women and children in imminent danger, and serves an additional 3,000 women, children and men in safety net programs.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, call Women Aware’s free 24-hour hotline at 732-249-4504, toll-free at 833-249-4504. The Middlesex County Family Justice Center, located at 100 Bayard Street, 4th Floor, New Brunswick, NJ is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm. No appointment necessary. Follow Women Aware on social media:

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