Join WIB-RTP and the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) Southeast Chapter for a panel discussion with women from our industry. Learn about their career journey and how investing in their community has shaped both their lives and others.

Note: Each ticket includes appetizers and two drink vouchers.

Program 

5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Registration
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Panel Discussion
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Networking Reception

Speaker Bios

Cherell Harris, Esq., PMP, Associate Counsel at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina 

Cherell is an Associate Counsel at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and a trusted expert in high-value technology and healthcare contracting. With more than 25 years of strategic advisory, operational excellence, and project leadership experience across the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries, she brings a uniquely powerful blend of technical depth and legal insight to her work. Before entering the legal profession, Attorney Harris built a distinguished career in biotechnology and life sciences, contributing to organizations such as the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Merck, Bausch & Lomb, and General Mills. Driven by a long-held dream of becoming an attorney, she returned to law school as a working professional and earned her JD from North Carolina Central University School of Law’s evening program in 2019. She also holds a master’s in chemical engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and a BS in chemistry from Spelman College. A certified Six Sigma Black Belt and Project Management Professional, Attorney Harris brings discipline, equity, and strategic clarity to every initiative she leads. She is an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division, where she serves as the Community Outreach Division Director, Co-Chair of the Minorities in the Profession Committee, and Co-Chair of the Communications Subcommittee for the Intellectual Property Committee. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Attorney Harris has made the Southeast her home for most of her adult life. She is a proud wife and mother of two adult sons. Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys yoga, dance, martial arts, vegan cooking, investing, collecting shot glasses, and spending meaningful time with family and friends. Her greatest passion lies in mentoring emerging professionals—championing reinvention, resilience, and the power of leading by example.

Alma Montemayor, Director of Project Development at Flad Architects

Alma is a business development leader specializing in life sciences and higher education, helping organizations envision and deliver innovative, highly technical environments across the Southeast. As Director of Project Development at Flad Architects, she connects clients with the right expertise to shape research, teaching, clinical, and manufacturing spaces that support discovery, innovation, and long-term institutional impact. Her perspective is strengthened by her leadership in the regional life sciences community, including as Past President of ISPE CaSA and current Outreach Co-Chair, where she helps expand industry connections across the full spectrum of life science and health science markets. At Flad, Alma supports research and facilities focused on agriculture, veterinary, and animal programs, BSL/containment environments, clean rooms, and bio/pharmaceutical manufacturing. Alma thrives on building strong partnerships, collaborating across disciplines, and creating opportunities that move organizations forward.

Casey Bailey Poirier, Account Manager with STERIS Corporation Life Sciences Division, Moderator

Casey is a North Carolina native and has spent the past 7 years as an Account Manager with STERIS Corporation Life Sciences Division. Her current responsibilities include providing contamination control solutions related to disinfection, process cleaning, and sterility assurance for the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Casey leverages over 12 years of experience in QC Chemistry, QC Microbiology, and Validation roles. Prior to joining STERIS, she served as a Lead Validation Engineer for Stallergenes Greer, where she oversaw the site process simulation program, led projects to continuously improve validation and quality system programs, and enhanced equipment performance capabilities. During her tenure as a validation professional, she became well-versed in PDA Technical Reports as a guideline for compliance during these initiatives. Following this work, she expanded her involvement by becoming active in the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA). She has served the PDA Southeast Chapter in multiple leadership roles over the years, including Board Member, Networking Chair, Programs & Events Chair, President-Elect, and now serves as Chapter President. Under her Board’s efforts, the Southeast Chapter was honored as PDA’s 2024 Chapter of the Year. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Wingate University and a Master of Business Administration in Project Management. In addition, she holds Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Romaine Waller, AI Product Owner at Labcorp

Romaine is a Patient Diversity advocate and a seasoned Clinical Research Professional. She’s currently an AI Product Owner with over 20 years in the life sciences industry. Her experience spans a wide range of functional areas, including Data Management, Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS), Interactive Response Technology (IRT), Electronic Trial Master Files (eTMF), Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCT), Digital Client Experience (dCX), Clinical Operations, and Patient Diversity initiatives. Romaine has played a pivotal role in delivering successful clinical trials by blending technological innovation with operational excellence. Guided by a deep commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Romaine believes that information becomes truly transformative when it is accessible and shared. Her work reflects a vision of clinical research that is inclusive, efficient, and patient-centered.

Pricing Information

• Members: $25
• PDA Members: $25
• Non-members*: $35

*Not a Member? Click here to purchase a 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

Free parking is available at the venue.