Join us for a panel of women leaders in life sciences sharing how they navigate demanding careers while raising families—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the real trade-offs behind the scenes. What makes this event unique is the added perspective from their children, who may join the conversation to share what it’s actually like to grow up with an executive as a mother. This rare, two-sided view offers an honest look at leadership, motherhood, and the impact of both at home and at work. Learn their strategies for managing time, setting boundaries, and building support systems, as well as a clearer understanding of what balance can realistically look like at different stages of life and career. You’ll also gain connection to a community of women navigating similar challenges, making this not just a panel—but a space for shared perspective, support, and growth.

Women are encouraged to bring their children in light of Mother's Day.

Note: Each ticket includes hors d'oeuvres, charcuterie, desserts, and two vouchers for the wine bar.

Program

5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Check In, Networking, Light Refreshments
6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.  Panel
6:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Q&A
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Networking & Event Conclusion

Speaker Bios

Meg Elias, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Arcutis Biotherapeutics

Meg is an accomplished leader with more than 25 years of experience in the biotech industry. As the Vice President of Clinical Operations at Arcutis Biotherapeutics, a company focused on developing treatments for immune-mediated dermatologic conditions, Meg built and leads a highly experienced team responsible for the successful execution of over 30 clinical trials, resulting in 6 FDA approvals in just over 3 years. Prior to joining Arcutis, Meg led the study management group within clinical operations at Kite Pharma and served as the clinical operations lead on the pivotal Phase II study, which resulted in the initial US and EU market approval of Yescarta®, the first CAR T cell therapy approved for patients with large B-cell lymphoma. Previously, Meg worked in various clinical operations roles at Amgen, Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline. Initially, Meg started her career in clinical nursing and practiced for 10 years before joining the industry. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cedar Crest College.

Leen Kawas, Managing General Partner of Propel Bio Partners

Leen is a biotechnology executive, investor, and scientist focused on advancing therapies that help people live healthier, longer lives. She is the co-founder and Managing General Partner of Propel Bio Partners, where she is building a biotech-focused fund to support life science innovation and provide both capital and strategic guidance to companies developing technologies with meaningful impact on human health, with an emphasis on diverse and underrepresented founders. Alongside her work at Propel Bio Partners, Kawas serves as Chief Executive Officer of EIT Pharma, where she leads the development of treatments for infectious diseases with significant unmet need, including hepatitis D and acute respiratory infections. Across her roles, her focus extends beyond providing capital to supporting impactful research and next-generation innovators working to help people live better, healthier lives. Kawas began her biotechnology career after immigrating to the United States from Jordan in 2008. She earned a PhD in pharmacology from Washington State University and went on to co-found what is now LeonaBio, where she served as CEO and co-invented multiple drug candidates. In that role, she led the advancement of multiple late-stage clinical programs and guided the company through its 2020 IPO, raising over $400 million. She was the first woman in more than 20 years in Washington State, and one of only a small number of female founders in the United States, to lead a company through an IPO. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Life Science Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, French American Foundation Leader, and GeekWire Startup CEO of the Year. Kawas currently serves on the boards of Inherent Biosciences and Persephone Biosciences and is an active member of the Springboard Network. She is a passionate supporter of scientist entrepreneurs, particularly women, and a strong advocate for increasing diversity in both clinical research and biotech leadership. In addition to her PhD, she holds a pharmacy degree from the University of Jordan and has completed executive education programs at the Wharton School and the University of Washington Foster School of Business. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three young children, where she enjoys music, good food, learning, and engaging conversations. 

Amy Kinsey, Sr. Vice President of Clinical Operations & Project Management at Neurona Therapeutics

Amy Kinsey has over 32 years of experience working in biotech and is currently SVP of Clinical Operations & Program Management at Neurona Therapeutics.  Most of her career has been centered around clinical trial execution, starting at Amgen, Inc and progressing her career though opportunities in mid-and early-stage organizations. A Southern California local and mother of two sons now in graduate school, Amy brings a deeply personal perspective to her work, mentoring working mothers throughout her organizations by offering insights and strategies for navigating career growth and advancement without sacrificing family priorities.

Bethany Mancilla, Chief Business Officer at Capsida Biotherapeutics

Bethany is the Chief Business Officer at Capsida Biotherapeutics, where she leads business development, strategy, corporate communications, and intellectual property management. She brings more than 25 years of biotechnology leadership. Bethany began her career commercializing innovations at Baylor College of Medicine, where she formed and secured seed financing for four spin-off companies. She then moved into the genomics sector at Gene Logic, leading the company’s largest business unit and driving major partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies. Bethany later served as Vice President of Business Development at Micromet, forging the strategic partnership with Amgen that culminated in Micromet’s acquisition, and subsequently advanced to Vice President of Business Development at Amgen, overseeing a global team across all therapeutic areas. Since joining Capsida in 2020, she has established key partnerships with AbbVie, Lilly, and CRISPR Therapeutics, generating more than $250 million in non-dilutive funding.

Alessandra Wall, PhD, Former Childhood Psychologist and now Executive Coach, Moderator

Alessandra works with leaders on the other side of success who are now operating in environments where the cost of poor decisions, misalignment, or depletion is high. Her work focuses on helping impact- and excellence-driven leaders make better decisions across their careers and lives so their success remains sustainable, meaningful, and fully resourced. She partners with C-suite executives, founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who carry real responsibility and influence. These leaders are not looking for motivation or surface-level tactics; they are navigating complexity, power, and long-term consequence. Alessandra brings deep care and uncommon insight that helps them see more clearly, choose more deliberately, and lead with greater coherence. Trained as a clinical psychologist, Alessandra brings more than twenty years of experience working with elite leaders at the highest levels of performance. That foundation, which is rooted in how people actually think, decide, and change, is what sets her work apart. Her practice spans industries and sectors, from start-ups to the Fortune 100.

Pricing Information

• Members: $25
• Non-Members*: $50

*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

60

Parking Information

Free parking is available on-site at the Visitor Parking Garage (see map).

Accessibility Accommodations    

Location is fully accessible