Join us for an event that brings together four trailblazing women who have transformed their fields by leading with courage, authenticity, and vision. Together, they offer a blueprint for embracing visibility, rewriting limiting narratives, and cultivating leadership that drives meaningful change in science, business, and society. Through 10-12 minute talks, the speakers will bring their vision to life, inspiring attendees to imagine new possibilities in their own paths.

Each ticket includes appetizers and two drink vouchers. 

Important Event Notes

Photography Policy - Attendees are kindly requested to refrain from taking personal photographs during the event. An official Women In Bio photographer will document the program, and selected photographs will be made available to all attendees for professional and social media use.
Non-Disclosure Agreement - All guests need to complete an NDA, print it, and bring it to the event. The NDA will be included in the confirmation email to all registrants.

Program

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Check-in & Networking
6:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.  Opening Remarks
6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.  Speaker Talks
7:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Networking

Speaker Talks/Bios

Dress Bold, Be Bold, and Step Into Visible Leadership: It’s time to step into the outfit that reflects who you truly are – not who you’ve been told to be, and that’s when the recognition, momentum, and freedom begin.

Pamela Gardner, President and CEO of Biotech Vendor Services (BVS)

For 35 years, Pamela has been a global leader, entrepreneur, and transformational coach for women in STEM and a TEDx Speaker. Spending over half of her life conforming to outdated STEM stereotypes, she started the The Art of Women Thriving in STEM Movement to bust through these myths. She is now helping thousands of women rewrite their stories and step into bold leadership to bring their authentic flair and whole selves to the table. Pamela is also the Founder and CEO of Biotech Vendor Services (BVS), which she founded in 2003. BVS's mission is to advance science through innovative products and services, enhance sustainability in the labs, and empower women to rise in STEM. In 2019, she was awarded the esteemed Athena Pinnacle Award for making a significant difference in the lives of women in STEM. In November 2021, she was awarded one of San Diego Business Journal’s Business Women of the Year Awards and was recognized as one of San Diego's 500 most influential people in the Health and Science Category. 
 

Building Together - The Power of Community Leadership: Transforming challenges into possibilities through courage, creativity, and partnership.

Gaby Millán, Executive Director of the Teens Rise Foundation

A South County native, Gaby grew up as the youngest of eight, raised by a single mother in a Spanish-speaking household. As a first-generation Cal Poly Pomona student, she majored in liberal studies with an emphasis in Chicano studies and a minor in Spanish. Gaby began her career working in the non-profit sector during her undergrad days at Cal Poly Pomona, working at the Fullerton YMCA in Orange County for Title 1 schools. After earning her MBA, she served the South Bay YMCA branch as its membership director and as regional director of membership and health and wellness. Gaby is currently the Executive Director for the Teens Rise Foundation, supporting South Bay youth to get to college and beyond with in-class and after-school support through TRF's signature Serves, Scholars, y Salud program that promotes physical wellness, educational opportunities, and mental health. She takes her commitment to youth excellence beyond her work,  volunteering in City Heights for the Y-Strong Girls program at the Copley-Price YMCA to foster confidence and leadership in young women and leading the Education and Career Pathway Committee with the San Ysidro Education Collaborative. A member of the LGBTQ community and a first-gen, she recognizes the importance of community in her own success and has dedicated 15 years of her career to addressing inequalities. 

Go Before You Know. Because courage doesn’t wait for credentials: A call to challenge the myth of readiness and embrace intuition and bold steps — the kind that shape careers and lives, especially for those who hesitate to say yes before they feel qualified.

Chelsea Hewitt, Senior Director of Regional Engagement & Incubation, External Scientific Innovation at Johnson & Johnson 

Chelsea is a life sciences innovation leader with 20+ years of experience supporting startups at the intersection of external innovation, incubation, and partnerships. Her career spans private equity, venture incubation, and global startup ecosystems—giving her a unique perspective on what early-stage companies need to thrive and how they can align with corporate priorities. Currently, Chelsea leads Regional Engagement & Incubation for Johnson & Johnson External Scientific Innovation in San Diego, CA. In this role, she sources and activates opportunities with early-stage companies, building partnerships that accelerate science and create meaningful impact for patients. Previously, Chelsea helped build a tech incubator from the ground up at a London-based private equity firm, advised founders as a management consultant at Prescience International, and served as a founding team member of JLABS, shaping the external innovation ecosystem for Johnson & Johnson. Chelsea is also a Board Member at Connect and an Advisory Board Member at Founders Corner.

Leaping Through Fire: Leadership and greatest personal growth aren’t born from caution; they are forged through challenges and leaps into the unknown, especially when all feels impossible.

Chorom Pak, PhD, CEO and Founder of LynxBio

Dr. Pak is a three-time biotech founder, currently serving as CEO of Lynx Biosciences, which develops multi-omic platforms to drive discovery and development of next-generation immunotherapies in oncology and autoimmune disease, and as co-founder of Alkyon Therapeutics, focused on targeted radiotherapeutics. Dr. Pak earned her PhD in molecular and cellular pharmacology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Prior to establishing LynxBio and Alkyon, Dr. Pak was the clinical and R&D lead at Cellectar Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLRB), where she co-developed a targeted radiotherapeutic against hematological malignancies and successfully advanced it to Phase 2 clinical trials. Dr. Pak was awarded the Biocom Catalyst Award, holds fifteen patents, and has over 15 years of experience in immunotherapeutic development, oncology, and multi-omic platforms.

Pricing Information

• Members/Guests: $25
• 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

100

Parking Information

Parking is available in the Johnson & Johnson lot, located directly across the street from Vertex. Please refer to the map for details.