Helen Abad
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Helen brings a unique blend of experience spanning operations, innovation, and venture capital. She began her career building analytics for physician leaders at Vituity and provided on-site consultative support. She then led digital health initiatives in the innovation sector with Google Health and Teladoc during the pandemic, sharpening her client-facing and program management skills. Prior to joining ISTC, Helen served as an investor and Head of Partnerships at Inflect Capital, collaborating with founders and industry leaders to create impactful partnerships.
She is focused on creating cross-sector partnerships and strengthening Illinois’ capacity to turn big ideas into real-world impact.
Helen, a life-long Illinoisan, has a Bachelors in Sociology and minor in Biology from Illinois State University, M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration from Roosevelt University, and an Executive Education certificate from Northwestern University in Business Growth. She lives in the Western suburbs with her husband, two children, and rescue dog.
