Let's navigate the evolving landscape of our industry together. This panel discussion with leaders in the biotech and pharma industries will explore actionable strategies for collaboration, partnership, and mutual support amid recent industry challenges. We'll delve into how we can leverage collective strengths and resources to overcome obstacles and advance innovation, ensuring a resilient and thriving future for all. Join us to learn how you can contribute to fostering greater collaboration and success within our industry.

Note: Each ticket includes light bites and two drink tickets.

Program

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Registration & Networking
5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Optional 30-min tours of ElevateBio (sign-up sheet included in event registration confirmation email)
6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.  Panel and Q&A
7:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Networking

Speaker Bios

Susan Abu-Absi, PhD, Chief Operating Officer at Be Biopharma

Susan is a strategic operations executive with over 20 years of experience in product development and supply in the biopharmaceutical industry. She joined Be Biopharma in March 2025 as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for driving all operational aspects of the business to unleash the power of engineered B cell medicines as therapeutics for patients with serious diseases. Prior to Be Bio, Susan was Chief Technology Officer at 2seventy bio, where she led the Technical Development, Supply & Quality organization. Her team provided deep execution capabilities in autologous cell therapy manufacturing, resulting in the launch of Abecma and the translation of four novel therapies with complex layered technologies into the clinic. Susan also led Technical Development & Operations at bluebird bio, a pioneer in ex vivo gene therapies, where she played an integral role in the approvals of Zynteglo and Skysona. Before joining bluebird bio and venturing into cell and gene therapy, Susan held leadership roles in the Global Product Development and Supply organization at Bristol Myers Squibb. She started her career in the Process Sciences organization at Bayer Healthcare. Susan earned a PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota and a BS in chemical engineering from the University of Toledo.

Jenn Azar, CEO of Stellix and President of NECI

Jenn is the CEO of Stellix and President of NECI, where she leads a portfolio of innovative companies dedicated to accelerating breakthroughs in life sciences, energy, and industrial manufacturing. With over two decades of leadership experience at the intersection of science, technology, and operations, Jenn is widely recognized for her ability to turn vision into reality—bringing transformative solutions to market and building purpose-driven teams that scale with integrity. Under her leadership, Stellix has emerged as a catalyst for biotech R&D and commercial scale-up, helping partners harness the power of digital transformation, AI, and advanced automation to achieve faster, more sustainable outcomes. Jenn's experience leading NECI through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic—including the company’s critical role in supporting Moderna’s rapid vaccine deployment—speaks to her ability to lead with both urgency and empathy. A passionate advocate for ethical innovation, Jenn is driving conversations across the industry about how to embed equity, trust, and human connection into the biotech ecosystem. Her leadership at Stellix’s Aspire 2025 event brought together scientists, engineers, policymakers, and patients to explore how we co-create a future of predictive, preventive, and personalized health.
Jenn holds a degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern University and brings a systems-thinking mindset to everything she does. She believes the future of biotech will be shaped not only by what we invent but also by how we connect, collaborate, and lead.

Courtney Keiser, Senior Director, CMC Operations and Program Management at ElevateBio, Moderator

Birgit Schultes, Chief Scientific Officer at Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.

With over two decades of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, Birgit brings deep oncology, immunology, rare disease, and cell and gene therapy expertise to her role at Intellia. As Chief Scientific Officer, she manages a multidisciplinary team focused on in vivo and ex vivo applications of CRISPR/Cas9 to generate novel cell and gene therapies for genetic diseases, oncology, and autoimmune indications. Prior to joining Intellia, Birgit served as a senior director at Unum Therapeutics (now Cogent Biosciences, Inc.), where she directed the preclinical efforts for Unum’s universal T cell programs. Earlier in her career, Birgit held a variety of translational research roles in disease biology, oncology, and immunology at Momenta Pharmaceuticals, United Therapeutics, and AltaRex Corp, focusing primarily on biologics. Additionally, Birgit co-founded Advanced Immune Therapeutics, a company working on novel IgE-based cancer therapeutics. Dr. Schultes received her MS in biology and PhD in immunology from the University of Bonn, Germany. She completed the Advanced Management Development and Strategic Innovation Programs at Boston University and the University of Pennsylvania, respectively.

Pricing Information

• Members/Guests: $30
• Non-Members*: $45

*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 and Refund Policy

Note: A confirmation email will be sent after registration has been completed. 

Maximum Capacity

150

Parking Information

Free parking is available onsite in the lot closest to the building entrance.