Join us for the launch of our 2025 3.8 Initiative Cohort. The 3.8 Initiative, named for the March 8 International Women's Day, seeks to increase start-up board leadership for women in Chicago's life science and health tech innovation ecosystem. Enjoy speakers and a networking reception.

Program

5:00 p.m. – 5:10 p.m.  Introductory Remarks
5:10 p.m. – 5:40 p.m.  Plenary Speaker
5:40 p.m. – 5:55 p.m.  Introduction of 2025 3.8 Initiative Cohort
5:55 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Networking Reception

Speaker Bio

Dannielle Appelhans, President & CEO of COUR Pharmaceuticals

Dannielle is the President & CEO of COUR, bringing extensive operational and leadership experience in the biotechnology industry with a dedication to providing innovative therapies to patients. Dannielle joined COUR in July 2023 as Chief Operating Officer, where she has since driven significant advances in expanding COUR’s distinguished employee base, research and development, technical development, technical operations, quality, and corporate strategy. Prior to joining COUR, Dannielle served most recently as the Chief Executive Officer of Rubius Therapeutics, Inc., a publicly traded and clinical-phase biopharmaceutical company pioneering cellular medicines. She previously served as its Chief Operating Officer, where she oversaw corporate strategy, communications, quality, technical development, and operations. Since 2022, she has served on the Board of Directors and as a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee for Generation Bio Co. Prior to joining Rubius, she worked at Novartis and held roles of increasing responsibility in operations and strategy, culminating in her serving as Senior Vice President, Head of Global Supply Chain across all divisions, and finally as Senior Vice President of Technical Operations and Chief Technical Officer at Novartis Gene Therapies, where she oversaw late-stage development, clinical and commercial manufacturing, supply chain and all supporting operational functions for the gene therapy unit. Before joining Novartis, Dannielle was a Senior Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, working in the pharmaceutical operations practice. Earlier in her career, she held roles of increasing responsibility at Eli Lilly and Company. Dannielle earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s School of Engineering, an MBA from Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Pricing Information

• Members: Free
• Non-Members*: $15

*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

100

Parking Information

Free parking is available in the Northwestern University lots after 5:00 p.m., and paid parking garage/street parking is near the venue.
 

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