MEET Our LEADERSHIP Team
Diverse skills, unique professional backgrounds, yet we are united by a profound singular vision: to Cure Rare Genetic Conditions
Behind Bespoke Genetic Medicines is a Community of Patients and Rare Disease Advocates who refused to accept the status quo.
We are grateful to have you join us on this journey.
DR LAURA L ISSA
PhD, MBA, GAICD
Public Officer, Chairperson, Scientific
Dr. Laura Issa, a medical scientist with extensive pharmaceutical industry experience in research and development, serves as the Founder and Managing Director of Bespoke Genetic Medicines Inc.
Her expertise in advanced therapies, coupled with her profound personal motivation as a rare disease mother, drives her commitment to systemic change. This unique confluence of scientific credibility and purposeful motivation is focused on enabling better access to innovative genomic medicines for children and adults living with ultra rare genetic neurological conditions.
Dr. Issa's is also Co-Founder of Facio Biotherapies Pty Ltd, an enterprise specifically dedicated to finding a cure for FSH muscular dystrophy.
JENNY SALIBA
MBA, BEc, CA, GAICD
Treasurer and Secretary
Jenny Saliba’s commitment to Bespoke Genetic Medicines is driven by both professional rigour and a deeply personal mission to find a cure for her nephew. This conviction ensures that no patient is left behind simply because their condition lacks commercial viability.
As the current CFO of Avant Mutual and former CFO at Australian Unity, Jenny brings over thirty years of executive leadership to the Foundation. A Chartered Accountant and Graduate of the AICD, she possesses the financial governance and strategic expertise necessary to scale mission-driven organisations. Her experience in capital raising and investment management is vital as the Foundation progresses its first N-of-1 clinical trials.
Jenny bridges the gap between financial discipline and empathetic care. For families facing ultra-rare diseases, she helps turn Bespoke Genetic Medicines into actionable hope.
MICHELLE SAdek
BComm, MA in Teaching
Patient Community Engagement/Membership
As Patient and Community Engagement Officer on the BGM board, my role is to ensure patients, families, and carers are never an afterthought, they are the reason we exist.
My connection to this mission is personal. My nephew lives with SPG75, and his journey brought me to this work and keeps me committed to it. I bring the lived experience perspective to everything BGM does, connecting our community with information, support, and progress made on their behalf.
What drives me is a simple belief: access to hope and treatment should never depend on how many others share your condition. Every family affected by SPG75 deserves to be seen, heard, and fought for and I'm committed to making sure no one faces that fight alone.
DR kimberley lilischkis
PhD, MBA
Clinical Development, Regulatory
Kimberley Lilischkis is an experienced clinical and regulatory affairs professional based in Sydney, Australia.
She brings a strong track record in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector, with expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments and supporting the development and delivery of innovative therapies.
Kimberley is actively engaged in the healthcare community, with a passion for advancing oncology treatments and contributing to initiatives supporting patients with rare diseases.
Joseph issa
BCriminology
Patient Affairs
Living with SPG75, Joseph brings a deeply personal perspective to his role in Patient Affairs. He advocates for individuals with neuromuscular conditions, bridging the gap between patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Passionate about driving systemic change, Joseph works with governments, policymakers, and clinicians to secure funding for personalised gene therapies, lending his lived experience to the fight for rare disease communities.
ANJELICA ISSA
BArchitecture
PR and Fundraising
Anjelica is a Project Manager in the social infrastructure sector, with experience delivering large, complex, multi-million dollar projects with precision and integrity.
As the sibling of someone living with SPG75, she brings personal empathy and deep commitment to her PR and Fundraising role at BGM. Her communication skills, emotional intelligence, and people-first approach are backed by hands-on experience leading public relations and event coordination through the Architecture Society at UNSW. A background in Design and Architecture rounds this out with strong graphic design capabilities — helping her convey BGM's mission with creativity and impact.
PARTNER WITH Us
If you are working in the fields of rare disease, or gene therapy, we would love to explore how we can work together. Whether it is sharing data, collaborating on research, or simply opening a conversation, we are open to it all.
If you are a corporate partner/sponsors, your support can directly fund research, raise awareness, and help us build a community for families who have nowhere else to turn. Partnering with BGM means standing for something that truly matters.
No matter who you are or what you can offer — if you believe in this mission, we want to hear from you.