Congratulations to CEO, Monica Dudley-Weldon
Monica Dudley-Weldon, President, CEO & Founder of SYNGAP1 Foundation, is a true professional in a challenging and competitive business, standing on the same podium as world-renowned corporate and key opinion leaders. As an advocate, she is considered the barometer for what an individual should strive to become. Monica is one of the most dedicated and compassionate leaders to work with! She has quickly accomplished many significant milestones by developing and leveraging essential partnerships and relationships and investing in initiatives with a high impact. She has become a powerhouse and tireless in rare disease advocacy and research. Her work has been the catalyst for substantial advances in neuroscience. Her willingness to share her knowledge and expertise with others creates a ripple effect of excitement within the patient advocacy community. Her constant work ethic to get her SYNGAP1 families "research-ready" by starting and maintaining a patient data registry, attending and speaking at many rare disease conferences, raising funds through grants and events, and even finding time to participate an author on published, indexed research papers.
In the rare disease space leading a not-for-profit is incredibly difficult. Many consists of women executive directors and CEOs. The vast majority are primarily mothers who have spearheaded efforts, like Monica, to find treatments and cures for their children. The need to support and encourage one another is critical. “As the genomic era is rising in innovation, my journey to educate myself comes from those in front of me. Paying forward and teaching strategy and new innovative ways to navigate a changing and fluid space to others make you a successful leader,” says Monica. “Being considered a pioneer, it is a duty to model for those to learn from your mistakes and successes, as we are all essentially tied together in some form or fashion. As a leader, you must teach and be teachable.”
The perseverance and tenacity mixed with a positive outlook to motivate others are compelling traits she naturally has. The passion in how she carries herself, giving hope and inspiration, shows those she meets encouragement to help those who are the most vulnerable at any cost. Her personal touch, being approachable and transparent, allows others to express themselves and explore new ideas that help change the landscape. She is a listener and a lifelong learner, inspired by her first career in 23 years of being an educator. Her experience of motivating young minds has carried over into a more extensive classroom, teaching others how to think as if there is “no box.”
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