“As an organization tackling the world’s most dire health issues, Scripps Research is developing the next generation of leaders in science and I’m excited to offer guidance and support to the entire organization.” —Jennifer Rubio, CEO, Away 

The complexity and diversity of the scientific initiatives at Scripps Research require leaders with varied expertise. Accordingly, the institute earlier this year elected entrepreneur and philanthropist Jennifer Rubio to its Board of Directors.

Rubio is the co-founder and CEO of travel lifestyle brand Away. Launched in 2016, Away has been named one of Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies” and has been recognized on TIME’s list of “Best Inventions.”

In addition to her business acumen, Rubio also has an active interest in global health; in 2021, she and her husband, Stewart Butterfield, donated $25 million to UNICEF to accelerate its global COVID-19 vaccination programs. She says it’s an honor to help Scripps Research pursue its mission. “As an organization tackling the world’s most dire health issues, Scripps Research is developing the next generation of leaders in science and I’m excited to offer guidance and support to the entire organization.”

With Rubio’s appointment, Scripps Research also gains the insight of Butterfield, who serves as an observer to the Board of Directors. The co-founder and CEO of Slack, Butterfield, too, has long supported scientific research and medicine: In 2015, he pledged his personal shares in Slack to the Equity Giving program operated by Science World, a Canada-based nonprofit.

“We are delighted to have Jen join our board,” says Scripps Research President and CEO Peter Schultz, PhD. “She brings business savvy, boundless energy and a new perspective to the board, which will be enormously helpful as we pursue major new initiatives at Scripps Research.”