Virtual Biopharma Comms Forum

Mikel is a Caribbean American and a first-generation college graduate with a profound passion for healthcare and pharmaceutical marketing. He holds a double bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Corporate Communication, Advertising, and Marketing from Baruch College, CUNY. Driven by a commitment to excellence, Mikel continually challenges change and innovation processes, takes initiative, amplifies voices, and achieves noteworthy outcomes through resourceful solutions. Mikel has interned at top Fortune 500 companies and pharma advertising agencies across the United States. Mikel started his career at JP Morgan Chase as a Data Analyst. He then transitioned to healthcare marketing, interning at Publicis Health Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness and later as Global Communications Intern at Merck & Co. Inc.

Mikel’s interests extend beyond his professional pursuits. He has a deep passion for the culinary arts and a meticulous eye for digital design. His love for travel adventures, exploring different cultures, and listening to music not only enrich his life but also contribute to his creativity and analytical thinking, setting him apart as a young individual.

Priyanka is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Elephant Head Communications, LLC, a strategic communications consultancy dedicated to helping companies in the life sciences, biopharma, and biotech sectors effectively convey their innovations and purpose. With over 18 years of experience, Priyanka is known for her strong work ethic, rooted in hard work, grit, empathy, and humility, offering an influential perspective for leaders navigating business challenges. In her previous leadership roles at Kinnate Biopharma and Mirati Therapeutics, she played a pivotal role in shaping their external affairs strategies during crucial transitions. At Bristol Myers Squibb, she led corporate communications through significant milestones, including the acquisitions of Celgene and Myokardia and managed global oncology communications for flagship products like Opdivo and Yervoy. Priyanka has been recognized as a leader of influence by the San Diego Business Journal and PRWeek. She also dedicates her time to community service, supporting organizations like Penn Medicine and Mama’s Kitchen. Priyanka holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Communications from Rutgers University.

Nicole Leffer is a seasoned marketing leader and a widely recognized expert in deploying generative AI technology to improve marketing efficiency, quality, and outcomes.

With vast experience in leveraging generative AI across various marketing domains—including content marketing, performance/growth marketing, demand generation, conversion rate optimization, ABM, social media, product marketing, and more—Nicole equips marketers and revenue team members with essential AI skills and strategies to boost efficiency, quality, and results. Her AI training sessions for marketing teams and online “Foundations of Generative AI for B2B Marketing” course give marketers immediately actionable insights to integrate generative AI tools like ChatGPT effectively into workflows and maximize AI’s potential across projects and strategies.

An early adopter, she has 4 years of direct, hands-on experience using AI tools and strategies, complemented by a year of leading a B2B SaaS marketing team that utilized AI. She began training other marketing leaders and teams on how to effectively implement generative AI full-time in early 2023. Today, she provides AI training solutions to marketing and GTM teams at all stages of AI adoption, helping accelerate their AI transition and build their AI skills to achieve marketing and revenue goals.