Join us to honor outstanding women in our local bioscience sector!

The HERstory Gala is the premier event for our chapter and its supporters, where we highlight women trailblazers in the life sciences who have made significant impact in the Capital Region metro area. This elegant event attracts men and women from industry, government, non-profit organizations, and academia across the region. It provides unique opportunities to meet with some of the region’s most successful women. Additionally, awards will be presented to the WIB Inclusion Grantee and Rising Star Award Winner. The ticket price includes a cocktail reception with an open bar, a seated dinner, and opportunities for networking with life sciences leaders in the Capital Region. The dress code for this event is business or cocktail attire.

Contact capitalregionsponsorship@womeninbio.org for sponsorship opportunities. 

Notes for purchasing tables:

• Tables of eight are available for purchase. Select the Table ticket at checkout.
• When you purchase a Table ticket, you can enter Guest 1, Guest 2, etc, if you don't yet know who your guests will be. Guest emails are not required at checkout, and the planning team will reach out to you for final details prior to the event.

Program

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Cocktails & Networking
7:00 p.m. – 7:50 p.m.  Welcome, Introduction, and Seated Dinner
7:50 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Speaker Intro and Keynote Addresses
8:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.  Q&A with Audience
8:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  WIB Inclusion Grant and Rising Star Award presentations
9:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.  Networking & Group Pictures

Speakers 

Kathie Callahan Brady
President & Chief Executive Officer of Frederick Innovative Technology Center

Kathie Callahan Brady is a dynamic leader working with highly talented, emerging biotech and technology companies as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI). Since stepping into this role in 2016, she has spearheaded a 476% growth in FITCI’s client base, now serving 83 active companies and more than 200 businesses overall. In 2024, she has overseen the design and launch of a new innovation center, raising $10 million for renovations featuring 45,000 square feet of community workspace, offices, and BSL-2 laboratories designed to foster collaboration and innovation. With over 30 years of executive experience spanning IT, real estate, business development, and entrepreneurship, Kathie has founded and scaled four successful companies in diverse industries, including telecommunications, naturopathic medicine, consulting, and real estate. Her ability to mentor and strategically guide entrepreneurs has enabled numerous startups to secure funding and transformed struggling businesses into high-growth ventures. Driven by a personal legacy honoring her grandmother and mother, she founded a non-profit organization in their honor and founded Future CEO to empower young entrepreneurs. Her global experience includes 12 years in Germany teaching computer science to military personnel for the University of Maryland. Kathie’s leadership philosophy is rooted in continuous growth, collaboration, and innovation. She has created FITCI’s Strategic Growth and Advisory Boards (SGAB), a program that connects startups with seasoned CEOs, contributing to FITCI’s impressive 93% success rate. Her mission is to help business leaders transform their organizations, enhance profitability, and foster a positive impact within their communities, demonstrating that success is not only achievable but a conscious, strategic choice. Kathie has earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and MBA from the University of Maryland.

Tammi Thomas
Chief Development & Marketing Officer at TEDCO

As TEDCO’s Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Tammi Thomas is responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, execution, and management of TEDCO’s marketing and fundraising strategies. Her goal is to broaden awareness of and resources for TEDCO and its various programs, including the development and implementation of the organization’s brand, marketing, and communications strategy. Her leadership and knowledge are instrumental in forging relationships that enable TEDCO to expand their reach and services, diversify resources, and grow the innovation ecosystem, as well as establishing TEDCO as the most recognized organization in Maryland for identifying, investing in, and growing technology-based businesses. Driven by this mission, she serves as TEDCO’s internal subject expert on media and public relations, social media, brand messaging, marketing, and special events. Her experience includes C-suite positions as the Vice President of Strategic Management at Data Solutions & Technology Inc., a full-service technology solutions provider, and Director of Business Development and Marketing at the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s Research Park & Business Incubator. Additionally, Tammi’s professional expertise has been sought after to teach the next generation of communicators as an Adjunct Professor at Bowie State University and University of Baltimore. She frequently speaks and publishes on such topics as leadership, entrepreneurship, and business development. Tammi has been recognized by her industry peers for excellence in communication and marketing. She has received the Cybersecurity Association of Maryland’s Cybersecurity Industry Resource Award in 2017, Maryland Economic Development Association’s Marketing Award for TEDCO’s Entrepreneur Expo in 2020, and AMA Baltimore's MX Award for Best Print Advertisement Campaign of the Year in 2022 and 2023; named one of The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women in Maryland in 2023; and most recently received a Distinguished Women Award from the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland in 2024. She has graduated as part of Leadership Maryland's Class of 2018, completing the eight-month hands-on learning program focused on the State's most vital social, economic, and environmental issues. Finally, she serves on the World Trade Center Institute's CEO Council, Maryland Energy Innovation Institute’s Investment Committee, Maryland Momentum Fund’s Advisory Board, and Maryland Economic Development Association’s Board of Directors, where she currently serves as Vice President. Tammi has earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Alabama State University, and an MBA from the University of Baltimore. 

Pricing Information

Register by March 27

• Members/Guests: $95
• Student Members: $40
• Non-Members*: $135

Register after March 27

• Members/Guest: $110
• Student Members: $55
• Non-Members*: $150

Register by April 7

Registration Deadline

April 24, 2025

Maximum Capacity

200

Parking Information

Parking is free for the first two hours at multiple parking garages at Pike & Rose.

Directions from Public Transit

Pinstripes Bethesda is an 11-minute walk from the North Bethesda Metro station on the Red Line.

Accessibility Accommodations

This location is wheelchair accessible. If you need additional accommodations, please contact us before the event at capitalregiongala@womeninbio.org.

Sponsors