Join us for a panel discussion on what it takes to become board-ready! This event brings together accomplished women who have successfully navigated their way to roles on corporate boards. They will share their experiences, insights, and practical advice on how to position yourself for board opportunities. This is your chance to prepare for a seat at the table.

Ticket includes light bites, appetizers, and two drink tickets.

Program

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Registration/Networking
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Panel Discussion
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Networking

Speaker Bios

Molly Harper, MBA, Board Member

Molly currently serves on the Board of Directors of PreciseDx, a privately held AI oncology pathology company, and Catalyst Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CPRX), a commercial-stage biotech focused on transformative therapies for patients with rare diseases. Molly has over 25 years of experience focused on building businesses in life sciences across companies ranging from big pharma to biotech startups. She most recently served as Chief Business Officer for Synlogic, Inc., and prior to that, as Executive Vice President of Operations for Relmada Therapeutics, Inc. Prior to Relmada, she served in positions of increasing responsibility with Akcea Therapeutics, including most recently as Senior Vice President and Global Franchise General Manager, with responsibility for a six-drug portfolio. Ms. Harper was also Head of US Endocrinology in the Rare Disease division of Sanofi Genzyme, held multiple commercial roles at Merck & Co, and began her career in positions in equity research at UBS Warburg and strategy consulting at The Wilkerson Group/IBM.  Ms. Harper received her Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

Helen Ho, PhD, Chief Business Officer at Blueprint Medicines

Helen brings more than 15 years of pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry experience with a strong track record in business development, corporate growth strategy, and operations. She joined Blueprint Medicines in April 2018, most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, accountable for business development, alliance management, and new product planning. In her present role, she is responsible for driving the company’s corporate strategy, leading Business Development and Portfolio Strategy & Program Management. Prior to joining Blueprint Medicines, Helen served as Vice President, Head of Corporate Development at TCR2 Therapeutics. She led portfolio strategy, business development, and investor & public relations, which culminated in closing of $125M Series B crossover financing. Prior to TCR2 Therapeutics, Helen was the Director, Business Development & Operations at Agios Pharmaceuticals where she played a broad role in company building having led the business development licensing function, supported company’s IPO and building of its Rare Genetic Disorders and Immuno-Oncology franchises. Previously, Helen was a management consultant at L.E.K Consulting, leading projects from both the Boston and Shanghai offices. Helen holds a PhD in cell biology from Yale University and a BS in biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Nerissa Kreher, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer & Independent Director at Rezolute Bio

Dr. Kreher is a pediatric endocrinologist with more than 15 years of biotech industry experience in both clinical development and medical affairs. She has spent her career focused on drug development for patients with rare diseases in multiple therapeutic areas. Dr. Kreher is the former Chief Medical Officer of Entrada Therapeutics, where she was responsible for clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory, and patient advocacy. Her prior roles include Chief Medical Officer at Tiburio Therapeutics and Avrobio. Earlier in her career, she held roles of increasing responsibility at companies including Zafgen, Enobia (acquired by Alexion), and Genzyme. Dr. Kreher completed her pediatric endocrinology fellowship and pediatric residency at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. She received her MD from East Carolina University School of Medicine and her BS in biology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Philina Lee, PhD, Chief Commercial Officer at Blueprint Medicines, Moderator

Philina is the Chief Commercial Officer at Blueprint Medicines, bringing over 15 years of biopharmaceutical industry leadership experience. Since joining Blueprint Medicines in August 2014, she has held multiple roles across new product strategy, portfolio leadership and commercial leadership, significantly contributing to the successful launches of AYVAKIT® and GAVRETO®. Philina has been instrumental in building and shaping the company's commercial strategy and fostering a strong company culture. Prior to Blueprint Medicines, she held roles of increasing responsibility at Algeta, Sanofi, and Genzyme. She served on the board of Fusion Pharmaceuticals until the company was recently acquired by AstraZeneca. Philina holds a BS in biochemistry from the University of Alberta and a PhD in cell biology from MIT.

Christina Rossi, Chief Operating Officer at Blueprint Medicines

Christy has more than 25 years of global pharmaceutical and biotechnology experience. Since April 2022, Christy has served as Chief Operating Officer of Blueprint Medicines. Previously, she served as Chief Commercial Officer from October 2018 to April 2022 and has overseen the commercial launches of AYVAKIT® (avapritinib) and GAVRETO® (pralsetinib) across multiple indications and geographies, including the creation of commercial infrastructure and successful market access efforts in the US and Europe. Prior to joining Blueprint Medicines, she served as the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Business Unit Head, North America, at Sanofi Genzyme. In this role, she oversaw all aspects of the financial performance of Sanofi Genzyme’s MS franchise, increased market share for existing products, led the launch of new therapies, and optimized operations to accelerate patient access. Previously, Christy served as Vice President, MS Sales, and Vice President, MS Patient and Provider Services, at Sanofi Genzyme. Prior to joining Sanofi Genzyme, she held various roles at Biogen Inc., including Head, Commercial Strategy for Eidetica Biopharma GmbH, Biogen’s biosimilar-focused venture, and U.S. Brand Leader for TYSABRI® (natalizumab). In addition, she consulted in the healthcare practice at the Boston Consulting Group. Christy holds a BS in biology, cum laude, from Duke University and an MBA. from Harvard Business School. She currently serves as an independent director on the board of Xilio Therapeutics and is a member of the compensation and audit committees. 

Pricing Information

• Members/Guests: $40
• Non-Members*: $60

*Not a Member? Click here to learn about the benefits of a WIB Membership — access to our video library, mentorship groups, and more. 

Please read WIB's Code of Conduct, In-Person Event Waiver, and Refund Policy

Note: A confirmation email will be sent after registration has been completed. 

Maximum Capacity

150

Parking Information
Parking is available nearby at:

• 30 Pilgrim Street
• 80 Lansdowne Street
• 55 Franklin Street

Public Transit Information
Red Line, Central