WIB-Seattle Winter Holiday Celebration & End-of-the-Year Networking Social

On November 30, 2023, we hosted our annual Winter Holiday Celebration and End-of-the-Year Networking Social at The Collective Seattle to provide a festive atmosphere for networking in the ever-evolving biotech scene in Seattle. This event allowed those new to Seattle, looking for a new job, and seeking a professional network in the area to connect and find like-minded women in the life sciences. In addition, the more than 90 attendees could get a free headshot and play a bingo game to be entered into a raffle to win fun prizes.

The event started with some socializing and delicious food provided by The Collective Seattle. Then, Margaret Kenrick, the WIB-Seattle Programs Chair, spoke about what Women In Bio has to offer and introduced Meredith Thompson, Director of Operations at Bristol Meyers Squibb (BMS), the event's sponsor. Meredith spoke about how BMS has supported her as she has grown professionally, and she highlighted the BMS Network of Women (B-NOW) group, which helps underserved women in the community. From youth outreach to sponsoring a single mother, the B-NOW initiatives not only generate awareness of gender diversity in the workplace but also directly empower women in the community. After those inspiring words, the socializing continued, and attendees had the opportunity to get a new professional headshot. In addition, a fun bingo sheet was provided to encourage attendees to speak to a variety of people at the event. Once the bingo squares were filled out and submitted to the raffle, Margaret Kenrick and Lauren Stavig, the WIB-Seattle Membership Chair, drew three names and gave the lucky winners their gift packages, including wine and fresh flowers.

What resonated the most with attendee Jessalyn Baljon was the friendly atmosphere. As someone new to Seattle and looking for a job, she said, "Everyone has been really welcoming, and so nice when you talk to them." She said that attending this event is helping her to achieve her goal of getting to know people in her new town. Another attendee, Bineeta Boney, noted that what resonated with her the most was the fact that it was an all-women event. "Seeing so many women in one space, all with a similar background in science, is amazing." Bineeta said that she's looking forward to becoming a regular attendee at Women In Bio events to help her achieve her goal of building a network and community in the next year.

Submitted by Mariana Huben