BioConnects New England (BCNE), a multi-state coalition that aims to connect hubs throughout New England to support existing and establish new biomanufacturing infrastructure as a pathway to increase employment and educational opportunities for underserved regions and populations, recently announced Shaheen Hakimi as community manager.
In this role, Hakimi’s mandate is to connect, promote, and recruit partners to BioConnects New England, as well as support their missions while working together to drive community development and impact throughout Boston’s life sciences ecosystem.
“We are excited to welcome Shaheen to the BioConnects New England team,” said Jared Auclair, Ph.D., Northeastern University vice provost of research and economic development, director of bioinnovation, and co-lead of BioConnects New England. “His strong background in making connections and building momentum with stakeholders will translate well to his role with us, and help us move our mission forward.”
Hakimi has an extensive background in marketing and community engagement in a variety of industries, ranging from sports and entertainment to nonprofit and for-profit organizations. His experience includes work with the New England Patriots, where he managed fan and gameday marketing activities; Venture Café Cambridge, creating innovation and entrepreneurial programs as well as directing marketing and community development efforts; and Shoobx, where he managed community marketing to build awareness and growth for the company.
Hakimi earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in public health from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and earned a certificate of leadership in Seth Godin’s altMBA. A Boston native, Hakimi enjoys everything outdoors, including skiing, hiking, and biking. His involvement with Startup Boston Week has also allowed him to realize his passion for connecting with entrepreneurs and helping them launch their businesses.
“I recognize the potential for generational impact the work BioConnects New England will have on so many – whether through better jobs, learning opportunities and more clear career paths in its largest growing industry,” said Hakimi. “I am proud to join BCNE and look forward to the work ahead.”
Through its grant challenge sponsored by the Economic Development Administration, BioConnects New England is leveraging its resources in the region to create a robust biomanufacturing industry. Massachusetts-based Northeastern University leads the coalition, which includes The Biopharmaceutical Analysis Training Laboratory at Northeastern University, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland, Maine, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the I-195 Design & Innovation District in Providence, Rhode Island, the University of Rhode Island, and FocusMaine. The coalition will lead K-12 education and engagement activities, jumpstart prototyping and incubation facilities throughout the region, and invest in accessible start-up entrepreneurship programming.
ABOUT BIOCONNECTS NEW ENGLAND
BioConnects New England is a multi-state coalition and finalist of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge—a $1 billion program sponsored by the Economic Development Administration. Through this initiative, BioConnects New England will create a biomanufacturing cluster in regions of Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island that have been historically excluded from the biotechnology industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors in New England with national importance. This coalition will connect hubs throughout New England to support existing—and establish new—biomanufacturing infrastructure as a pathway to increase employment and educational opportunities for underserved regions and populations.
