Are you contemplating a career transition or wondering how to take the next step in your professional journey? If you are considering a new role, either by choice or by change, this interactive event is designed to help you confidently take the next step. This morning of connection and career insight features a panel moderated by Marcia O’Connor on job searching, networking, and how the job market is evolving. Then, LinkedIn expert Donna Serdula will show you how to make your profile stand out in today’s AI-driven hiring landscape. Learn what recruiters really see, how AI impacts visibility, and the practical steps you can take right now to position yourself for your next big move. A light breakfast is included.

Program

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.  Check-in and Networking 
9:30 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.  Welcome and Introductions
9:40 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  Panel: Networking/Finding the Job/How the Job Market Has Changed
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.  Navigating LinkedIn in the age of AI (Donna Serdula)
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Networking
 

Speaker Bios

Jackie Bandish, Founder of The Bandish Group

Jackie is a trailblazer in the recruitment space with over three decades of experience in talent acquisition. She is known for her strategic insight, empathetic leadership, and unwavering commitment to both candidates and clients alike. She began her human resources career in 1990 as a corporate recruiter before transitioning to the agency side, where she could make a grander impact on recruitment and share her passion for connecting top-tier talent with dedicated clients seeking the best talent. She has worked across a range of industries, including Telecommunications, Insurance, and most notably, life sciences. In 1996, Ms. Bandish founded her own certified woman-owned recruitment firm, specializing in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics sectors. Her firm, The Bandish Group, has become a trusted partner to life sciences organizations seeking precision in hiring with a personalized approach. Every search she undertakes is treated with care, integrity, and a long-term vision. Jackie is described by peers and clients as enthusiastic, dedicated, honest, and forward-thinking. She is known for her ability to influence stakeholders at every level and drive results through strategic planning and data-driven recruitment practices. Jackie has expertise in applicant tracking systems (ATS), CRM, project management, and performance metrics. Her mission extends beyond filling roles—she focuses on helping individuals discover meaningful careers. An alum of Temple University’s Fox School of Business, she holds both a BBA and an MS in human resources. Jackie is also a Certified Career Coach and is deeply committed to mentorship. She volunteers her time to guide the next generation of professionals, offering career coaching to graduates at no cost.

Karen Kozarsky, PhD, President of Vector BioPartners

Dr. Kozarsky has over 30 years of experience in gene therapy, with a primary focus on the preclinical development of gene therapy utilizing adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. Dr. Kozarsky has deep experience evaluating potential therapeutic opportunities, identifying new areas, and developing products from the earliest preclinical stages through IND. She has been involved in the development of multiple gene therapy products that are currently in clinical trials. Dr. Kozarsky is President of Vector BioPartners, and previously was Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of SwanBio Therapeutics, VP of R&D at REGENXBIO Inc., and Head, Gene Therapy at GlaxoSmithKline. Prior to that, she was a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the Institute for Human Gene Therapy and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Michigan in gene therapy and immunology. Dr. Kozarsky received a PhD in biology from MIT and a BA in biology from Amherst College. Dr. Kozarsky has been active in WIB-Philadelphia Metro as a mentor in the Mentoring Circles program and as an event panelist.  

Donna Serdula, Founder & CEO of Vision Board Media

Not just a business owner, Donna is an in-demand speaker throughout the US, and she has been featured on Business Insider, Time’s Money Section, Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch, LA Times, NBC, SiriusXM Radio’s The Focus Group, and many other news outlets. Donna has presented keynotes and workshops for NBCUniversal, Columbia University, Wharton Business School, Intuit, Texas State Bar Association, GSK, and hundreds more. Donna was born, raised, and lives in Bucks County, just north of Philadelphia, PA. She is the mother of two boys, who are her very favorite first-degree connections. As the author of LinkedIn Profile Optimization FOR DUMMIES, Donna Serdula has proven that a strong and optimized LinkedIn profile is crucial for attracting the right opportunities and building a meaningful career. She's worked with over 8,000 executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals from around the world. Donna is the founder of Vision Board Media, where she leads a team of dedicated coaches, brand strategists, and writers who empower clients to elevate their careers and attract new opportunities. She also hosts the podcast: Dream Big with Big Dreamers and recently launched the Career Accelerator, a dynamic community and training hub designed to help professionals take control of their careers.

Marcia O’Connor, CEO and Founder of The O'Connor Group, Moderator

Marcia founded and leads the O'Connor Group, a King of Prussia-based HR and talent acquisition firm serving professional services, life sciences, IT, and manufacturing companies. Since 2007, the company has grown to over 55 nationwide professionals. Recently recognized among Inc. 5000's fastest-growing businesses and Philadelphia Business Journal's Best Places to Work, The O'Connor Group continues expanding its specialized services for small to mid-sized organizations. The certified Women's Business Enterprise has earned multiple regional awards, including Most Admired CEO and Philadelphia Titan 100 honors, establishing itself as a premier outsourced HR solutions provider.

Peena Patel, JD, Senior Associate General Counsel at AbbVie

Peena is a legal leader specializing in pharmaceutical and regulatory law and has extensive experience in product launches. With over 20 years of experience, she brings a practical and solution-oriented approach to her clients.  She started her career as a corporate finance lawyer at a private law firm in Philadelphia, focused on M&A and business development/licensing, and then moved in-house within the pharmaceutical industry. Throughout her career, she has served in various roles in big pharma and biotech, and recently helped a start-up prepare for its first commercial launch in the US and EU. While she has worked in multiple disease areas, her passion is for oncology and rare diseases. She is currently at AbbVie as Senior Associate General Counsel for the Oncology franchise. Ms. Patel holds a JD from Rutgers University, School of Law, and a BS in finance and management from Lehigh University. Peena lives in south Jersey with her family. In addition to spending time with them, she enjoys nature hikes and traveling. She is an avid yoga practitioner, having completed a 200-hour teacher training program. Ms. Patel has been active in WIB-Philadelphia Metro as a mentor in the Mentoring Circles program and the leader of the Princeton area Peer Group.

Sharon H. Willis, PhD, VP Sales and Customer Relations at Integral Molecular

Dr. Willis is a co-founder of Integral Molecular and has led its growth from a research-based start-up to a trusted biotechnology provider serving top pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide. A dedicated science ambassador and mentor, Sharon drives Integral Molecular's student and community outreach efforts, including partnerships with Wistar's Biomedical Technical Training Program, the Skills Initiative, eClose, and FirstHand. Prior to joining Integral Molecular, she was a post-doc at the University of Pennsylvania. Sharon earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a BA from Gettysburg College. Dr. Willis has been active in WIB-Philadelphia Metro as a panel speaker and as a mentor and now as co-leader of the Mentoring Circles Program.  

Pricing Information

• Members: Free
• Non-Members*: $15

*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

75

Parking Information

Free parking is available on site.

Public Transit Information

Fern Rock Transit Center

Accessibility Accommodations

This location is fully accessible to those with physical disabilities.