Cecilia Newcomb-Evans

Entrepreneur | Scientist | Communicator | Leader

Personal Background & Education

Cecilia Newcomb-Evans is a daughter, sister, mother, wife, and entrepreneur. Born into a large, blended family, she quickly learned to navigate diverse personalities and complex dynamic skills that would later shape her leadership style. Early on, she discovered the importance of communication, always striving to be heard and understood.

Cecilia graduated from E. Franklin Frazier Elementary and Austin High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She later earned a master’s in management with a focus on team dynamics from Cardinal Stritch University.

Over time, she developed into an experienced communicator, able to articulate complex technical information to diverse audiences and build strong professional relationships grounded in accessibility, responsiveness, and trust.

Entrepreneurial Journey

Cecilia has been a serial entrepreneur since 2010, founding and managing multiple ventures across industries, including an analytical laboratory, an entertainment label, real estate investments, and a cannabis dispensary. Each enterprise reflects her ability to identify opportunities, build strong foundations, and lead with integrity.

Her entrepreneurial journey was shaped by nearly three decades working in corporate America, mostly in the pharmaceutical industry. Experiencing firsthand the challenges of pay inequities, slower promotions, and discrimination—especially as a Black woman in STEM—she realized that true impact required a seat at the decision-making table. That realization drove her to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Prompt Praxis Laboratories (PPL)

In 2011, Cecilia co-founded Prompt Praxis Laboratories (PPL), a women-owned analytical laboratory built on the belief that testing services could be delivered with greater accuracy, transparency, and customer care than what the industry had come to expect.

The early years were marked by sacrifice: partners worked without pay, relying on personal incomes to keep the business afloat. After a failed takeover attempt and the departure of two founding partners, Cecilia and her remaining partner, Lisa, held on through sheer determination. By 2017, PPL gained traction, enabling expansions in 2017 and 2018, including the addition of a cleanroom to provide sterility and endotoxin testing—entering the microbiology space.

Today, PPL is recognized as one of the few women-owned analytical and microbiology laboratories in the United States. The company has validated over 120 Ready-to-Analyze® test methods, operates 17 ultra-performance liquid chromatography (uPLC) systems, and continues to serve the compounding pharmacy industry with rapid, reliable results.

PPL is powered by cutting-edge information technology, automation, and rigorous training systems to minimize human error and deliver best-in-class solutions. The company’s mission is clear: 100% customer satisfaction, 100% of the time.

Leadership & Resilience

Cecilia’s leadership philosophy is rooted in communication, confidence, commitment, reliability, honesty, respect, and expertise. She has proven that with organization, time management, and a willingness to learn, leaders can overcome the toughest challenges.

Her journey has not been without adversity—navigating systemic inequities, steering a company through financial uncertainty, and surviving the unique pressures of COVID-19 on small businesses. Yet, her resilience has kept PPL thriving for over 13 years, with continued growth on the horizon.

Community & Future Vision

Beyond business, Cecilia is deeply committed to helping her community understand the value of education, entrepreneurship, and perseverance. While her demanding schedule no longer allows for direct mentoring, she actively supports organizations that provide resources for young men and women pursuing careers in science and business.

Looking ahead, Cecilia is focused on expanding PPL’s client base, succession planning, and securing investment partners to elevate the company to the next stage of growth. With a foundation built on perseverance, innovation, and excellence, she continues to embody what it means to be a scientist, entrepreneur, and leader who creates lasting impact.