Join us for a festive and inspiring evening of networking, celebration, and empowerment at our WIB-San Diego Holiday Party! We’ll gather at HomeLab to toast to a year of resilience, growth, and collective success across the life sciences community. Special guest speaker Aleksandra Rizo will share reflections on What Changed, What Stayed, and What’s Next —an inspiring glimpse into Vividion’s journey and her own as a leader —while weaving together the milestones, challenges, and hopes that defined 2025 and illuminate the path ahead in 2026. 

In the spirit of giving, we’re proud to host a toy drive benefiting the 2025 San Diego County Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. Participation is completely optional, but if you’d like to contribute, please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy (valued under $25) to drop in our donation box and help bring joy to a child this holiday season. 

Your ticket includes hors d’oeuvres, chef-inspired small plates, and two drink tickets as we honor the women who continue to shape the future of science. 

Program

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Check-in and Networking
6:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.  WIB/Welcome Remarks
6:15 p.m. – 6:25 p.m.  Sponsor/Opening Remarks
6:25 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.  Speaker Fireside Chat
6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Networking

Speaker Bio

Aleksandra Rizo, MD, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer at Vividion Therapeutics.

A trained hematologist and physician-scientist with a deep commitment to translational research, Dr. Rizo has dedicated her career to advancing novel therapies and delivering impactful medicines to patients. Dr. Rizo joined Vividion in 2022 and was appointed CEO in 2023, the same year she joined the company's Board of Directors. Under her leadership, Vividion advanced into a clinical-stage organization, continuing to lead in chemoproteomics and covalent-first drug screening. Under her leadership, the company has enriched its preclinical pipeline and has progressed four first-in-class, internally developed therapeutic candidates in the clinic. Further to this, driven by industry-leading science, a mission-focused culture, and a passionate team, Vividion has been recognized as one of San Diego’s top places to work for three consecutive years. Before joining Vividion, Dr. Rizo held senior roles in drug development at Johnson & Johnson, Celgene, and Geron Corporation, contributing to the development and launch of multiple medicines across oncology and hematology. She earned her MD from the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius and two PhDs in stem cell biology at the University of Groningen and the University of Tokyo. In addition to her role at Vividion, Dr. Rizo serves on the Board of Directors of Syndax Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded biotech.

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

200

Parking Information

Parking is available in the open lot located in front of HomeLab. All guests are required to display a parking pass in their vehicle. Parking permits will be included in the event reminder emailed to attendees the day before the event to print at home, or they can be picked up at the event registration table upon check-in.

Accessibility Accommodations    

The location is fully accessible to those with physical disabilities. If you need any additional accommodations, please contact us ahead of the event at sandiego@womeninbio.org.