Penelope Shihab, an international biotech entrepreneur, has made significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape in Wyoming, particularly through her work at the University of Wyoming. Originally from Bethlehem and raised in Ramallah, Palestine, Shihab pursued her education in Jordan due to regional customs. Despite her initial desire to become a journalist, she followed her family’s wishes and studied laboratory medicine, biotechnology, hematology, and immunology.
Shihab’s career began with Dako, a Danish biotech company, and evolved as she balanced her professional life with her role as a mother of four. In her 30s, Shihab pursued an MBA and embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship, focusing on cancer and tumor marker research. She founded MonoJo Biotech in Jordan, pioneering research involving unique antibodies produced by camels. The company found success in producing an acne-fighting skin cream.
Gaining international recognition, Shihab was listed among Arabian Business’s top 100 most influential Arabs and recognized by the World Economic Forum for her contributions to the Arab world’s startup ecosystem. After earning a Ph.D. in pharmacy and biomedical sciences, Shihab’s life took a turn in 2020 due to personal challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic.
An opportunity arose in Wyoming, where she was introduced to the University of Wyoming’s President Ed Seidel. Shihab joined the university, leading the Center of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and played a vital role in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among students and faculty. Her efforts include collaboration with state leaders and business owners to identify gaps in Wyoming’s business ecosystem and inspire students to create solutions for state challenges.
Shihab, a global thought leader, was named to the Club of Rome and continues to be an influential figure in the international business community. Despite the challenges of adapting to life in Wyoming, she remains dedicated to her role in shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in the state. Her personal achievements, including raising four successful children and her diverse interests, demonstrate her multifaceted life journey.
