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In 2020, the Milken Institute launched the FasterCures LeadersLink Program to build capacity and support the personal development of an emerging cadre of leaders from patient advocacy organizations (PAOs) that fund or conduct biomedical research—thus filling a long-standing gap in the biomedical research ecosystem. The LeadersLink program focuses on building participants’ leadership skills and professional network and addressing their top priorities through mentorship, a capstone project, a series of convenings, virtual collaboration, and access to Milken Institute events and networks.
This year’s application cycle is open from January 12 to February 20, 2026, for the next cohort of the program. Below is a guest editorial highlighting some of the learnings over the past 5 years.
FasterCures LeadersLink: Empowering the next generation of R&D leaders
“It can be lonely at the top.”
As leaders rise into executive roles, the number of people they can turn to for trusted guidance often shrinks. For new CEOs and executive directors—especially those leading patient-centered nonprofit organizations—the challenges can be profound: navigating organizational culture, setting strategic direction, understanding the needs and priorities of the patient community, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and sustaining momentum in fast-moving scientific and regulatory environments.
While boards and staff provide essential oversight and support, many challenges of executive leaders are uniquely isolating. That is where mentorship plays a critical role.
Building on the legacy of leadership programs
For over 20 years, Milken Institute has led The Research Acceleration and Innovation Network (TRAIN) to provide a forum for patient foundation leaders to connect, learn from one another, and collectively leverage innovative strategies for funding and advancing biomedical research. At the same time, other parts of the Milken Institute have been at the forefront of initiatives that support the next generation of leaders, such as the Milken Scholars Program and the Global Financial Scholars Programs.
Seeing firsthand how peer learning and mentorship can accelerate progress, the FasterCures team set out to design a leadership development program tailored to the realities of patient organization executives. The result was LeadersLink—a structured, cohort-based program combining one-on-one mentorship, peer learning, convenings, and a capstone project aligned with each participant’s organizational and individual leadership priorities.
Key learnings and lasting impact
Experience from LeadersLink has surfaced several consistent themes:
- Confidence through connection: Patient organization leaders report that mentorship helps them refine their strategies, offers an external sounding board and objective perspective, and offers an outlet to brainstorm and receive feedback.
“The exceptional guidance of my mentor was a thousand percent win. It was a perfect match, helping me gain the confidence to prioritize needs, and unblock critical strategic challenges.”—Ana Rita Moreira, Founder and President of the v-ATPase Alliance, LeadersLink Mentee
- Peer-powered cohorts: Beyond mentor-mentee relationships, mentee peer learning creates durable collaborative networks. Participants often continue sharing strategies, resources, and support well beyond formal program activities.
“Having this network that a program like LeadersLink allows, really makes it feel like there are others out there, fighting the fight with you.”—Andrew Rosen, Chief Executive Officer, National Ataxia Foundation, LeadersLink Mentee
- Space for strategic reflection: Dedicated time for leadership coaching allows participants to step back from daily demands, identify bottlenecks, and recalibrate strategies to achieve long-term goals.
- Two-way learning and development: Mentorship is not a one-directional exchange. Mentors frequently report that conversations with mentees challenge their own assumptions and spark new thinking about organizational strategy, partnerships, and impact.
“Each time my mentee asks a question about my own organization, it gives me the opportunity to pause, reflect, and consider whether there are ways we can grow and improve as well. These conversations not only strengthen my mentee’s organization but also provide me with valuable insights and moments of self-reflection about my own work and organization.”—2025 Program Mentor
Why these programs matter to industry
Programs like LeadersLink accelerate patient organizations’ growth, helping them avoid costly missteps and bring innovations through the R&D pipeline more quickly. By learning from experienced mentors and peers, patient organizations share resources and best practices, ultimately benefiting industry partners who collaborate with leaders who are better-prepared.
In addition, the upcoming 2026–27 cycle of LeadersLink will focus its capstone activities on building strategic industry partnerships, creating opportunities to extend the LeadersLink program resources and learnings to the broader biomedical R&D ecosystem.
Get involved—apply now!
The applications for LeadersLink mentees, mentors, and experts are open until February 20, 2026.
- Mentees: emerging research-focused, non-profit executives can apply here.
- Mentors: current or former experienced patient organization executive leaders can apply to be mentors here.
- Experts: individuals with experience advancing patient organization and industry partnerships who are willing to volunteer a limited number of hours to advise mentees on their capstone projects. This may include current or former patient organization leaders, industry professionals, government officials, nonprofit leaders, or others with relevant expertise. Experts can apply here.
It is free to apply and participate in the program. Details on eligibility, expectations, and applications are available on the LeadersLink webpage. Contact fcleaderslink@milkeninstitute.org for any questions about participation.
Looking ahead
Patient organization mentorship programs such as LeadersLink are more than just training initiatives—they are engines of change. They help patient organization leaders navigate complex systems, build sustainable organizations, and collaborate effectively with industry. For all stakeholders in biomedical innovation, engaging with these programs is a chance to shape a future where patient voices guide every step, from discovery to care.
Whether you are a new patient organization CEO, a seasoned professional, or an experienced industry leader, now is the time to get involved. The next breakthrough in biomedical research could begin with the connections and insights fostered through mentorship.
Don’t miss your opportunity to make an impact—apply today!
BIO’s commitment to patient advocacy
As the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) recently explained in the updated version of its Principles for Ethical Engagement, patient advocacy organizations (PAOs) are non-profit entities involved in supporting, serving, and advocating for patients, caregivers, and their families. PAOs play an important role in educating patients, families, and the public. They can serve as key allies by providing patient and caregiver insights that may assist BIO members’ clinical development efforts. Beyond enhancing clinical development, insights from PAOs help inform decision-making processes for regulators, payers, and policymakers.
BIO remains committed to its partnership with our PAOs to support the development and commercialization of innovative medicines that we believe every patient should be able to access.
