Join us for our chapter's signature event and hear from those at the forefront of LA's life sciences sector. We are bringing together a powerful panel of leaders who are actively shaping the landscape for bioinnovators, helping them grow, maximize capital efficiency, and thrive by providing essential space, operational expertise, and a vibrant community. Our panelists will share their professional trajectories, illuminate the unique challenges and exciting opportunities within the Los Angeles biotech scene, and offer strategies for success.

Note: Each ticket includes appetizers and two drink tickets.

Use code LEVELUP2026 to receive $15 off a General One-Year or Student Membership between Sept 4–19, 2025. If you are experiencing financial hardship, we want to help support your WIB membership. Fill out this application to be considered for a one-year WIB membership.
 

Program

6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  Check-in & Networking
6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.  Welcome & Panel Discussion
7:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Networking 

Speaker Bios

Lindsay Bourgeois, Director of BioLabs LA at the Lundquist Institute

Lindsay is the Business Operations & Strategy Director at BioLabs LA at the Lundquist Institute, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting early-stage biotech ventures. Through her leadership, she helps drive the growth of the Los Angeles biotech start-up ecosystem by fostering innovation, streamlining operations, and cultivating strategic partnerships. Lindsay is passionate about building a vibrant life sciences community in LA and positioning the region as a leading hub for biotech innovation.
 

Julia Bradsher, President & CEO of the Huntington Medical Research Institutes

Julia is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience, including 16 years as a CEO guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and complex strategic challenges. She currently serves as President and CEO of Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI) in Pasadena, California, leading pioneering research in neurosciences, cardiovascular health, and aging. With a Ph.D. in medical sociology and an MBA in management, Julia brings a distinctive ability to bridge science, strategy, and operations. She has served on multiple advisory, nonprofit, and corporate boards and is known for building collaborative teams, strengthening governance and financial foundations, and leading with clarity, optimism, and a down-to-earth style.
 

Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity

Kelly is the Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the central economic and workforce development agency of LA County. Appointed in July 2022, Kelly leads the department’s mission to unlock the potential of LA County’s local workers and small businesses, attract competitive investment, and create quality jobs, career pathways, and inclusive talent pipelines. Kelly has over 15 years of public service and nonprofit leadership experience at the federal, state, and local levels. She is a proven change agent in workforce development, social services, and economic revitalization, known for uplifting community voices and delivering measurable, equitable, and lasting impact.
 

Sandra Miller, Executive Director of University Lab Partners

Sandra is a leader in life sciences innovation and has extensive experience helping startups and corporations succeed. As Executive Director of University Lab Partners, she drives the growth of Southern California’s premier nonprofit life science incubator, providing cutting-edge lab facilities, accelerator programs, and workforce development initiatives. Previously, Sandra led Foundry 415 Innovation Group, connecting startups with corporations for transformative growth. She co-founded the Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign, which teaches a methodology for biomedical technology innovation. Sandra launched Singularity University’s accelerator, expanding its portfolio from 5 to 30+ startups in two years, helping startups to raise more than $50 million in funding during her tenure. A mentor to 1,500+ entrepreneurs in AI, robotics, synthetic biology, and quantum computing, Sandra serves on the UC Office of the President's Entrepreneurship Network Council. She is a co-creator and co-host of Before We Die, a podcast on medical innovation. Sandra holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and completed the Women’s Director Development Program at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.
 

Jennifer Strong, AVP of Marketing and Communications at The Lundquist Institute, Moderator

Jennifer is the AVP of Marketing and Communications at The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, where she draws on more than two decades of healthcare leadership to increase awareness of the Institute’s impact and foster deeper community engagement. During nearly 20 years at Pfizer, she led global marketing, patient advocacy, and launch operations for innovative treatments, including gene therapies for rare diseases. A proven strategist and communicator, Jennifer’s expertise spans brand development, stakeholder engagement, and market access. She completed her MBA and MPH at UCLA and has pursued advanced training in clinical genetics and healthcare AI.

Pricing Information

• Members/Guests: $20
• Non-members*: $40

*Interested in joining Women In Bio? Click here to learn more about WIB membership and gain access to our video library, mentorship opportunities, 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

Parking is available at the P2 parking structure (see map). From Vermont Avenue, head west on 220th Street. At the stop sign, turn right on Meyler Street. After the first stop sign, you'll see the entrance to the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center P2 Parking Structure on your right. After you've parked, walk west on Medical Center Drive. You'll see the four-story The Lundquist Institute MRL-1 building on your right, and the event will take place inside