Entrepreneurship in the life sciences industry is facing a pivotal moment. Federal funding cuts and regulatory changes present challenges and opportunities for bold entrepreneurs ready to chart their course. We're bringing together leaders, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs to share insights and expertise on strategies to secure the capital, partnerships, and momentum needed to drive the next wave of scientific breakthroughs.

Note: Each ticket includes appetizers and two drink tickets.

Program

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Check In, Welcome, Networking
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Panel
8:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Networking

Speaker Bios

Kelly Kaihara, Founding Partner at Blueward Ventures, Moderator

Kelly is an investor in early-stage biotech companies, recently founding Blueward Ventures, a fund to support UCLA entrepreneurs. Prior to Blueward Ventures, Kelly was at General Inception, where they invested at the pre-seed stage across therapeutics, life science tools, diagnostics, and medical devices. Prior to her role at General Inception, she spent 10 years as an operator, working at Mission Bio, a single-cell DNA sequencing company, and at Bio-Rad, where she supported the Life Science Tools portfolio. She obtained her BA from Carleton College, has a PhD in biomedical sciences from the University of Chicago, and did her postdoc in diabetes research at UCSF. Kelly is passionate about bringing her expertise and experience in life science to help entrepreneurs advance their companies to the next level. 

Aparna Pande, CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles

Aparna is a dynamic executive, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader with over two decades of experience building and scaling purpose-driven ventures. She currently serves as CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, where she leads strategy, partnerships, and innovation to deliver transformative experiences for children with critical illnesses. Aparna’s career spans leadership roles at Disney and Mattel, where she managed multi-million-dollar P&Ls and led brand growth, innovation, and high-performing teams. As founder of Kidstir, a nationally distributed edtech subscription company, she grew the startup from concept to acquisition, partnering with major consumer brands and reaching thousands of families across the US. She also founded Family Forward Ventures, a consulting and advisory practice supporting youth and family-focused companies. Her portfolio includes co-founding Ollie (AI-powered memory preservation, $6M+ raised), advising HelloFresh on family-targeted growth strategies, and leading growth marketing for Techless, a digital wellness brand for kids and parents. Aparna actively mentors early-stage founders through Techstars and serves as an Expert-in-Residence at USC’s Marshall School of Business, guiding students on startup development and purpose-aligned leadership.  She also serves on the advisory board of TeenTix LA and volunteers with organizations like LACMA and OurHouse, reflecting her lifelong commitment to youth, families, and the arts. With a rare blend of corporate acumen, entrepreneurial vision, and social impact leadership, Aparna brings a powerful voice to conversations around innovation, family-focused technology, and mission-driven growth.

Naseem Sayani, Operating Advisor, How Women Invest & Director, Innovator’s Circle, WHAM (Women’s Health Access Matters)

Naseem is an Operating Advisor with How Women Invest, where she invests across healthcare, climate, and the future of work at Series A/B. Naseem is also one of the original co-founders of Emmeline Ventures. Naseem invests in ambitious female founders who are transforming systems, access, and equity to help women live stronger, healthier, and wealthier lives. Her portfolio spans healthtech, fintech, climate/sustainability, CPG, and enterprise SaaS. Expanding the 2% is North Star. Naseem also leads the Innovator’s Circle within WHAM, Women’s Health Access Matters, and serves as the Circle’s Director. The Circle’s focus is to organize the earlier segment of the investment ecosystem, put a spotlight on innovations at the earliest stages of women's health, and ensure there are strong companies ready for later-stage investment. Naseem’s goal for the Innovator’s Circle, which includes funds from Seed through Series A, is to strengthen collaboration among early-stage investors who are often the first to identify emerging innovations and game-changing start-up teams. Naseem comes from 20+ years in executive leadership roles across venture capital, management consulting, agency services, venture incubators, and a corporate venture capital firm, and is an active angel investor. Naseem is a thought leader in the start-up ecosystem and a go-to contact for most founders when making business, talent, and fundraising decisions as they grow and scale their businesses. Naseem has an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business, where she was awarded the Dean’s Leadership Award two years running, and a BA from UCLA in business economics, where she graduated cum laude.
 

Sonia Setayesh, MS, PhD, Partner at Civilization Ventures

Sonia is an Investment Partner at Civilization Ventures, leading scientific diligence on early-stage biotech companies. She earned her PhD at USC, where she developed liquid-biopsy assays—including an early breast-cancer test in collaboration with clinical sites—and previously helped advance two targeted immunotherapies into clinical trials. Sonia also brings hands-on oncology BD experience and has served as VP of Nucleate HQ and Biotech Connection Los Angeles.

Pricing Information

• Members: Free
• Non-Members*: $20

*Not a Member? Click here to learn about the benefits of a WIB Membership — access to our video library, mentorship groups, and more. 

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

Maximum Capacity

80

Parking Information

Visitors may park at Parking Lot A without a permit. It is just across Watson Dr. from Bldg 517, where our event will be held (see map).