Women In Bio Pittsburgh is uniting the regional life sciences community for a panel showcasing executive women leaders exemplifying service as a catalyst for regional economic growth. Through community engagement, outreach, and workforce development, these leaders are fostering a more sustainable and equitable industry. This conversation will focus on empowering executives to leverage their leadership roles to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion while aligning with business and economic goals. This is a great opportunity to network with professionals across the regional life sciences ecosystem and connect with partners like Leadership Pittsburgh and Vibrant Pittsburgh.

Program 

5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.  Registration and Check-in
6:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.  Welcome Remarks and Introductions
6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Panel Discussion, Q&A, and Closing Remarks

Speaker Bios

Divya Annamraju, Head, Device Development and Manufacturing at BlueRock Therapeutics

Divya has almost 30 years of product development and leadership experience in the technology and medical devices industries. With an MS in computer engineering, she has successfully delivered multiple product launches, strategic initiatives, and organizational transformation projects in new product development, quality, engineering, and cross-functional project management and strategic business roles. Most recently, she was the Chief of Staff for a global leadership team responsible for Bayer’s industry-leading global medical device brands in Radiology, Women’s Health, and specialty biotech products with over 2.5bn EUR in revenue. She currently leads device development and manufacturing for cell therapy combination products at BlueRock Therapeutics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bayer. For over 15 years, Divya has been a thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion and is known for bringing together diverse perspectives to enable business outcomes that exceed expectations. In 2019 Divya was recognized as a Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Luminary for her commitment to advance the impact and influence of women in the business of the healthcare and life sciences industries. She serves as executive sponsor of BlueRock’s TechOps Emerging Leadership team. Divya’s passion for helping leaders enhance their leadership effectiveness and reach their potential led her to become an ICF-credentialed coach. She coaches emerging leaders at businesses and NGOs as well as early-stage entrepreneurs. Divya volunteers with local not-for-profits that serve underrepresented communities. She has served on the boards of Shadyside Academy as Chair of the Community Life Committee (2007-2014) and FAME (Fund for the Advancement of Minorities through Education) as Secretary and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee (2014-2023). She currently serves on the Board of Brother’s Brother Foundation. Divya lives in Murrysville with her husband. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and cooking food from around the world.  

Jenn Beer, President and CEO of Leadership Pittsburgh Inc.

Jenn joined Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. (LPInc.) as President & CEO on June 13, 2022. Prior to that, she served the region for fifteen years at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, where she most recently was vice president for government affairs.  In that capacity, she supported the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce by directing state and regional public policy issues that aligned with the organization's strategic priorities.  She was instrumental in securing state public pension reform, increasing tax credits for community development initiatives, garnering comprehensive state transportation funding, and numerous other business climate and local government initiatives.  Jenn has been a recurring guest representing the business community on Our Region’s Business, a weekly Sunday morning business affairs program co-produced by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and WPXI-TV. Before joining the Conference, Jenn spent four years in Washington, DC, as government affairs manager with the Society of Interventional Radiology, and previous to that, she was a legislative assistant for Pennsylvania State Representative Dan Frankel. Jenn graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a concentration in Russian Studies.  She also has a Graduate Certificate in Political Management from The George Washington University.  Also, as a proud graduate of LPInc.’s Leadership Development Initiative (Class XVII), the program was a catalyst for Jenn’s career and solidified her passion for working to make the Pittsburgh region a better place. Recently appointed to the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Politics’ Board of Fellows, Jenn is also a Commissioner on the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the Pittsburgh region’s metropolitan planning organization. In addition, Jenn also sits on the board of directors for the Latino Community Center and the Local Government Academy and is Vice Chair of Trying Together. She also mentors women in the region through PA Women Work’s “Three Cups of Coffee” program. Jenn was named to the Pittsburgh Business Times’ Power 100 list in 2022. She was also honored in 2022 as one of forty women across Pennsylvania by City & State PA with their Above & Beyond Award, given to women in Pennsylvania who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in their field and made significant contributions to society. Jenn lives with her husband and two kids in Mt. Lebanon.
 

Alanna Caffas, CEO of the Veterans Health Foundation

Alanna is the Chief Executive Officer of Veterans Health Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit corporation uniquely authorized by Congress to facilitate and support the research and education mission across VA Medical Centers in Pennsylvania and Delaware, aimed at improving the lives of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. In her role, Alanna oversees all operations, including strategic planning, communications, finance, and human resources. She is also an active member of the state of Pennsylvania’s Governor’s Advisory Council for Veterans Affairs, the Health Promotions committee, she is a mentor for Pennsylvania Women Work’s 3 Cups of Coffee Program, and Alanna also sits on numerous committees and workgroups within the Veterans Health Administration. She is a passionate and dedicated leader with over 15 years of experience fostering organizational growth, designing infrastructure to build and drive teams, and directing operations within a collaboration-focused framework rooted in achievement and service. Alanna’s distinct ability to motivate and inspire staff with varying backgrounds, skill sets, and educational levels to perform at their highest capabilities is her largest achievement and a testament to her steadfast leadership abilities. Alanna was born and raised in Southwestern PA, where she still lives with her husband and two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and practicing yoga (especially with goats!).

Chelsea Marsh, Head of Hardware Engineering at Bayer, Moderator

Chelsea received dual undergraduate degrees in chemical and biomedical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, a Master of Science in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and a PhD in bioengineering from the University of Pittsburgh (thesis: The Development and Application of Arthrokinematic Biomarkers for the Detection of Osteoarthritis). She has worked at Bayer for 10 years and started out in Human Factors Engineering before moving into systems engineering. As a systems engineer, she led the establishment of Bayer’s automated robotic testing lab and helped develop its testing capabilities. She was then the Chief Engineer of several fielded and in-development injection systems and is currently the Head of Hardware Engineering, where she leads a team of electrical and mechanical engineers in new product development. Chelsea is a member of Leadership Pittsburgh and volunteers with several local universities, including Making Science Make Sense and the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair. She focuses her volunteer efforts on STEM learning with local students and mentors university students in their job searches. She also has a husband and two sons, and in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outside.
 

Sabrina Saunders Mosby, President and CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh

Sabrina, a native of Pittsburgh—the “City of Bridges”—has dedicated much of her career to helping others navigate and cross them. As a seasoned executive, she currently serves as the President and CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh, a premier economic development organization supporting more than 50,000 stakeholders and the region’s leading resource, spokesperson, and convener on workforce diversity and inclusion. With extensive leadership experience across sectors, Sabrina has held senior roles in multiple nonprofits and spent nearly a decade in government, advocating for local and federal constituents. She has a proven ability to partner with business and community leaders to drive strategic change and build impactful local programs. Stakeholders describe her as highly creative, collaborative, visionary, and results-oriented, making her a sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator, and workshop leader. Sabrina’s accomplishments have earned her numerous awards, including recognition as an Athena Young Professional Finalist, Ebony Magazine’s Top 30, Pittsburgh Courier Fab 40, Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40, Whirl Magazine’s 50 Finest, four consecutive appearances on the Pittsburgh Business Times Power 100 list, and a 2023 C-Suite awardee. In addition to her professional success, Sabrina is deeply committed to public service. She serves on several boards, including the Allegheny Health Network, the Children’s Museum, the Pittsburgh Women’s Alliance, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, and the Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Sabrina is an alumna of Leadership Pittsburgh’s LDI XVII, a proud TEDx speaker, and holds a Master of Science degree from Carlow University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Sabrina resides in the Pittsburgh region with her husband, Brandon, and their son, Lincoln.  
 

Pricing Information

• Members: $25
• Non-members*: $50

*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. 

Maximum Capacity

100

Parking Information

While the event venue does not have on-site parking available, many parking options are close to the AWAACC. The closest parking options include:
The Westin Pittsburgh, 1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
David Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Grant Street Transportation Center, 55 11th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Smithfield – Liberty Garage, 111 9th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Public Transit Information    

Multiple public transportation routes service the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, including Port Authority buses and “T” light-rail service. The closest bus stop is Liberty Ave at William Penn Place, and the closest “T” station is Liberty Ave. at Wood St. For schedules, rates, and general information about these services, visit Port Authority’s online Trip Planner or call 412.442.2000. Please note that the Port Authority buses are free for travel within the Downtown zone until 7 PM; the “T” is always free Downtown.

Accessibility Accommodations    

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience for all audiences. To learn more, visit the Accessibility Information page. If you have specific questions, please feel free to reach out to pittsburgh@womeninbio.org or call the August Wilson African American Cultural Center at 412-339-1011.