Twelve years ago, Laura Velásquez Herrera faced a personal tragedy that reshaped her purpose. In just two months, she lost three close family members, not because treatment was unavailable, but because their illnesses were not diagnosed in time. Instead of accepting this reality, Laura chose to act. She decided to build technology that could change how healthcare works for millions.

That decision became Arkangel AI, a company using artificial intelligence for early disease detection. Today, more than half of global deaths are caused by conditions that could be treated if identified sooner. Arkangel AI brings powerful diagnostic tools to healthcare systems so that lives can be saved with timely action.

For Laura, this mission is deeply personal, but it is also global. She believes healthcare access can and must be different: smarter, faster, more human. Leadership, she says, is about growth not only for the company, but also for the people around you. Authenticity and vision guide her forward.

One of her biggest surprises on the founder journey has been the team she has built. “Being surrounded by people hungry to change the world is extraordinary. Together, we’re building something bigger than ourselves, something that can leave a legacy for generations.”

At Aurora, we recognize founders like Laura who transform pain into bold innovation. She is building a new model of healthcare. Together we build a table where there’s no seat, and we invite women like Laura to lead the future of global health.