Join us for Women In Bio's highly anticipated Annual Plenary at BIO 2024! This year, we're proud to present a panel of distinguished women leaders in the life sciences industry who will discuss advancements in women’s healthcare and provide invaluable insights into this critical area. This plenary offers a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts, gain valuable knowledge, and expand your professional network. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this event promises to be both insightful and inspiring.

Program

6:00 p.m. Networking Reception
6:20 p.m. Panel Discussion
7:00 p.m. Q&A
7:25 p.m. Closing Remarks

Opening Remarks

Gina Ford, DPh, MBA, Executive Director of Women In Bio

Gina Ford is a highly experienced professional with 20 years of expertise in the life sciences, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles in corporate strategy, commercial, portfolio management, business development, and patient advocacy. As the principal of One Joule, LLC, a corporate strategy consulting firm she founded, Gina provides strategic advice to life science clients on various aspects of their business, including company formation, corporate strategy, fundraising, dealmaking, and US commercial and globalization strategies. In her recent Executive and C-suite roles at OncoSynergy, NephroSant, and Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Gina was responsible for Corporate Strategy, Corporate Development, and Commercial Planning, where she helped drive growth and development for these companies. Gina is a Doctor of Pharmacy with an MBA. She is an accomplished start-up and growth phase expert, sought after for her successful fundraising experience at all levels. Early in her career, Gina was the executive director for the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacist. Her long-term focus on patient advocacy highlights her commitment to the life science industry’s core mission of improving patient outcomes through innovative therapies and treatments. Gina’s previous industry leadership roles include AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Ipsen Pharmaceuticals, Solstice Neurosciences, and Elan Pharmaceuticals. 

Speaker Bios

Grace Colón, Biotechnology CEO, Board Member, and Entrepreneur

Dr. Grace E. Colón has over 25 years of experience in biopharma, genomics, health care, and industrial biotechnology. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of InCarda Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage cardiovascular company for which she raised ~$120M in venture financing and led the lead product from the pre-clinical stage to Phase 3 initiation. She serves on the boards of CareDx, Inc. (NASDAQ:CDNA), Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VYGR), the MIT Board of Trustees, and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), where she is Vice Chair of the Emerging Companies Section and serves on the Executive Committee of the Board. She is also Board Chair of Bloom Science and Emm Technology, and advises a number of early stage startups. Formerly, she was a partner at New Science Ventures and served on the boards of ProterixBio (Executive Chair), Cocoon Biotech, PerceptiMed, and Paradigm Diagnostics. Previously, she was SVP and President of the Industrial Products Division at Intrexon Corporation. Prior to Intrexon, she held several roles at Gilead Sciences, including leading the Clinical Operations, Alliance Management, and Commercial Strategic Planning groups. Prior to Gilead, she was VP of Corporate Planning at Affymetrix and Acting Chief Operating Officer for the International Genomics Consortium. Prior to Affymetrix, Dr. Colón was an engagement manager with McKinsey & Co., where she served clients in health care, biotech, high tech, and venture capital. She received her PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BS degree from the University of Pennsylvania, both in chemical engineering. Dr. Colón is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and lives in Los Gatos, CA, with her husband and three kids (who have left the coop but visit often).

Elizabeth I. O. Garner, MD, MPH, Chief Scientific Officer at Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Elizabeth Garner is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with a career-long focus on addressing unsolved issues and conditions that affect women’s health and quality of life. Dr. Garner is currently Chief Scientific Officer of Ferring Pharmaceuticals US and has held previous positions as Chief Medical Officer of ObsEva and Agile Therapeutics, as well as senior positions at Myriad Genetics, Abbott Laboratories, and Merck Research Labs. Beth is on the Boards of Directors of Kezar Life Sciences and Sermonix Pharmaceuticals and is the Chair of the Board of NUA Surgical. She is also the current President of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), a professional organization whose mission is to advance women in medicine, advocate for equity, and ensure excellence in healthcare. Dr. Garner received her MD and MPH from Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health and trained in obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology at Brigham and Women’s and Massachusetts General Hospitals and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Beth is a frequent speaker on a range of topics, including the health of women, women’s leadership, and clinical trial diversity; she is a 2019 and 2023 awardee of the PharmaVoice 100 Most Inspiring Individuals in the life sciences industry and was the 2022 recipient of the Woman in Science Award from AMWA. 

Kathleen Jordan, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Midi Health

Kathleen Jordan, MD, is an internist, infectious disease specialist, and proponent of telehealth as a tool for better, lower-cost, more accessible healthcare.  Serving as Chief Medical Officer in a variety of settings, Dr. Jordan has gained unique insight into both the clinical and institutional applications of telehealth. At a hospital in a traditional healthcare system, Dr. Jordan and her team added telehealth to conventional service lines. At a women’s health clinic start-up, she expanded into telehealth to augment in-person clinics. Currently, she serves as the CMO for a pure telehealth women's healthcare solution, Midi Health, which she helped found as a menopause and perimenopause solution and now serves women's healthcare needs more broadly. She continues to see patients virtually as a clinician while also working to innovate the tele experience to advance quality, efficiency, and outcomes for patients.

Sarah Odeh, President and Board Chair of Women In Bio and Executive Director of Medical Affairs at TGaS Advisors, Moderator

Odeh earned her BS in biochemistry from the University of Illinois. She is a Medical Affairs strategist with over 15 years of experience working with biopharmaceutical companies to inspire commercialization teams to deliver results that bring products to market in a patient-centric way. Odeh has a track record of developing high-impact strategic plans, executing company visions, and working cross-functionally to align medical objectives with overall business goals. 

Pricing Information

• Members: $80
• Non-Members*: $95

*Not a Member? Click here to purchase a WIB membership and gain access to our video library, mentorship opportunities, 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

Parking is available at the hotel for a fee.

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