PBN Business Women Awards 2026
WOMAN TO WATCH | GOVERNMENT/QUASI-GOVERNMENT:
Lilia Holt, R.I. Life Science Hub interim president,
When Rhode Island set out to establish itself as a serious player in the life sciences industry, Lilia Holt was in the room where it happened – and in many cases, she was leading the meeting.
Holt serves as interim president of the R.I. Life Science Hub, a quasi-public entity based in Providence that works to strengthen the state’s life science sector by fostering collaboration among government, healthcare systems, academic institutions and private industry. She has been with the organization for two and a half years and brings six years of professional experience to the role.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University and an MBA from Simmons College.
“Lilia was instrumental in developing the founding principles for launching the Rhode Island Life Science Hub,” said Patrice Milos, an adviser to the hub. Working alongside then-board Chair Neil Steinberg, Holt helped establish the organization’s operating principles, bylaws and budgets, and guided its transition from within the R.I. Commerce Corp. into a stand-alone entity.
Among her most tangible contributions is her role in launching Ocean State Labs, Rhode Island’s first life science incubator, which opened in early 2026. The facility provides a foundation for startup companies focused on addressing fundamental challenges in human health and represents a milestone for a state working to attract and retain biotech and life science talent.
Before stepping into her current role, Holt served as vice president for business development at R.I. Commerce, where she represented Rhode Island at national and international forums, including the BIO International Convention. Her earlier career at global investment firms gave her a nuanced understanding of the financial dynamics that drive industry decisions and shape economic-development strategies.
She currently serves as board chair of the Financial Literacy Youth Initiative, a position she has held since 2019, working to equip young people with the financial knowledge they need to succeed.
(Editor’s note: This profile was written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by honoree nominations and applications. The material was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for style and accuracy by Providence Business News editorial staff.)
