Glow Up Your Future is designed for young women interested in pursuing careers in science and biotechnology and confidently navigating life beyond the classroom. Through real conversations, real stories, and useful tools shared by those already in a variety of STEM roles, participants will learn how to prepare for their next steps, build resilience, prioritize their well-being, and confidently create a future that reflects who they are and who they want to become. Topics to be explored by our panelists include:

• Effective Personal Branding for College Applications and the Workforce
• How to Find Yourself in College (and Beyond)!
• Navigating Through Unknowns and Unexpected Hurdles
• Navigating Stress and Maintaining a Healthy Mind

Join us for guidance on college and career readiness, applications, personal branding, mental wellness, and overcoming life’s challenges.

Note: Parents are welcome to attend.

Program

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  Check-In and Networking
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.  Welcome remarks
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Speaker Presentations
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Audience Q&A/Open Discussion with Panelists
12:30 p.m. – 12:35 p.m.  Closing Remarks
12:35 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Mingling and Networking

Speaker Bios

Judy Hsia

Judy is an engineering and life sciences professional with a background in designing and developing innovative technical solutions. She currently works at Tecan, a global leader in laboratory automation and life sciences technologies, where she brings her engineering expertise to the biotechnology industry. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Judy is also involved with Young Women In Bio, helping young women explore opportunities in engineering, science, and STEM careers. 

Julie Huang, PhD

Julie is a scientist and biotech leader who currently serves as Associate Scientific Director of Translational Medicine at Neurocrine Biosciences, where she helps advance innovative therapies through biomarker strategy, clinical development, and translational science. She earned her BS in Geobiology from Caltech and her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Stanford University and is also a former Fulbright Fellow. Beyond her scientific career, Julie is deeply committed to mentorship and developing the next generation of STEM leaders. She has held leadership and mentoring roles with Women In Bio and Young Women In Bio, mentoring young women through the YWIB Ambassador Program and helping create STEM education and career-development opportunities. Her broader mentorship work has also included the Association for Women in Science and ScholarMatch.
 

Caiyan Li, PhD

Caiyan is an accomplished biotech leader and biostatistician who currently serves as Head of Clinical Development & Data Science at Alector, where she leads at the intersection of clinical development, biometrics, data science, and AI. Her career spans leadership roles across biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as experience as a statistical reviewer with the FDA. Caiyan earned her bachelor’s degree from Peking University and her PhD in Biostatistics from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Beyond her industry leadership, she is an active member of Women In Bio and is passionate about advancing STEM leadership, mentorship, and opportunities for women and the next generation of scientists and data leaders.

Sungita Patel

Sungita is an accomplished biotechnology and pharmaceutical leader with more than 20 years of experience in clinical development and operations across startup, mid-size, and large life sciences organizations. She is the Founder of Agile Clinical Consulting, where she provides strategic leadership and expertise in clinical development programs. Sungita earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology from the University of Southern California and was a first-generation college graduate.
Beyond her biotech career, Sungita is passionate about mentorship, STEM leadership, and empowering women in the life sciences. She mentors students and professionals pursuing careers in biotech and pharma, participates in Women In Bio’s mentorship community, and serves on the USC Dornsife Alumni Advisory Council, where she helps strengthen mentorship and opportunities for the next generation of life sciences leaders.
 

Dawn Ta

Dawn is a healthcare experience/UX design and research and development leader with nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare. As an Advisor to Scientella, she is passionate about mentoring young women in STEM and helping the next generation build confidence and explore meaningful career paths. 

YWIB Age Group

High School (Grades 9–12)

Pricing Information

• Students: Free
• Parents/Guardians: Free

 Please read our Code of Conduct.

Maximum Capacity

50

Parking Information 

Free parking is available at the rear of the building.