Join us as we honor the incredible achievements of Hispanic women who are breaking barriers and making impactful contributions to the life sciences. This empowering event features a dynamic panel discussion where Latinas in bio share their journeys navigating academia and industry while addressing the cultural and gender challenges unique to STEM careers. Gain valuable insights into balancing cultural expectations with ambitious career goals and explore the critical role that diversity plays in driving innovation and progress across the life sciences. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate these trailblazers shaping the field with resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to breaking boundaries.

Program

5:20 p.m. Check-in
5:30 p.m. – 6:10 p.m.  Networking, Raffle/Loteria, and Fun Activities 
6:10 p.m. – 7:05 p.m.  Welcome and Panel Discussion
7:05 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Q&A / Wrap-up

 

Speaker Bios

Diana Gutierrez, Principal Scientist at AbbVie

Diana has been in AbbVie for two years and began as a Senior Scientist II. She is the technical lead that supports new product introductions and on-market enteral tubing medical devices, which are part of a combination device used to deliver medication to Parkinson’s patients. Prior to AbbVie, Diana was in Baxter on the R&D Innovation team, supporting technology landscaping activities to monitor external trends and potential market opportunities for all global business units. She then moved to the Advanced Surgery team and supported new product development within R&D for devices within the soft tissue repair, ortho biologics, and microsurgery product spaces. Diana's passion is developing products that will have an impact on patients' lives by improving their quality of life, and that is why she loves to support the product lifecycle management of medical devices. She enjoys mentoring the next generation of scientific leaders and is part of the summer intern committee at AbbVie. Diana is an active member of the AbbVie Society of Women Engineering Outreach Committee. In her spare time, she loves to exercise (Zumba, Cardio Kickboxing, Pilates), travel, and is a self-proclaimed foodie.

Amanda Christine Maldonado, PhD, Innovation Portfolio Manager in the Innovation Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

The Innovation Program at Lurie Children’s is a scientific hub and seeks to advance pediatric medicine. Amanda uses her scientific expertise and entrepreneurial skills to stimulate the commercialization of therapeutic and diagnostic innovations from the hospital. Amanda earned her doctorate in medicinal chemistry from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and holds a BSc and AA in chemistry from Florida International University and Miami Dade College, respectively. Prior to Lurie Children’s, Amanda was an Entrepreneurial Fellow with the Chicago Biomedical Consortium, where she has played a pivotal role in the growth of start-up life science companies in Chicagoland. Through comprehensive assessments and diligence, Amanda uses her expertise to understand the value of novel technologies and products with a focus on innovative solutions in their development towards commercialization. Outside of work, her interests include running with her dog Ceviche, rock climbing, and exploring different cultures through travel and food. 

Sandra Torres, Business Marketing Manager, Pricing & Planning at Western Digital

Sandra Torres is a career coach, fractional consultant, and product leader. With over 13 years of experience, she has worked at the intersection of technology, science, and healthcare. She empowers research academics to seamlessly transition their careers outside of academia while honoring their values and creating their own sense of belonging. She also works with early-stage and startup biotech companies on product and commercial growth strategies. Drawing from her own successful transition over a decade ago, she is committed to guiding STEM professionals toward fulfilling, value-driven careers and pushing for more agile and inclusive practices in R&D.

Sofia Yunez, MD/MBA Candidate at the University of Chicago

Sofia is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and a second-year MBA candidate at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Throughout medical school, she has focused on community health, global health, and clinical informatics research. Sofia also serves on the leadership team of a student-run free clinic on Chicago’s West Side, where she helps underinsured patients access primary care. As co-CFO of the Latino Medical Student Association, the largest national nonprofit supporting over 5,000 Latinx medical students, she oversees the organization's financial strategy. In her MBA program, Sofia has honed her entrepreneurial skills with a focus on healthcare, completing internships in digital health and venture capital, particularly in life science and healthcare investments. She aims to leverage innovation to reduce healthcare disparities and improve access to high-quality care. After graduation, she plans to pursue an Internal Medicine residency.

Andrea Ziblat, Research Professional at the University of Chicago

Andrea Ziblat is an Argentine scientist born in Buenos Aires. She earned a combined BSc and MSc in biological sciences, with a specialization in molecular biology, from the University of Buenos Aires. She then pursued a PhD in immunology, followed by postdoctoral research in Cancer Immunology, both supported by fellowships from the  Argentine National Research Council (CONICET). In 2017, Andrea moved to Chicago to join Dr. Thomas Gajewski's laboratory at the University of Chicago for further postdoctoral training, where she focused on cancer immunology and immunotherapies. She is currently a Staff Scientist in Dr. Sweis' laboratory at the same university, continuing her research in cancer immunology, particularly in the area of immunotherapy resistance. After years of balancing the challenges of being an underrepresented minority and a mother in the U.S. scientific community, she developed a strong passion for building support networks. Andrea is dedicated to helping other Latin American scientists, underrepresented groups, and mothers overcome similar obstacles, with the goal of making it easier for them to navigate the U.S. scientific system and succeed despite the challenges and disparities.

Pricing Information

• Members: Free
• Non-Members*: Free

*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. 

Parking Information

Street parking is available. 

Public Transit Information
This venue is CTA accessible.

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