WIB-Capital Region: Fall 2024 Coffee Chats

In September and October 2024, volunteer leaders of the Women In Bio-Capital Region chapter organized a series of “Coffee Chat” meetups throughout the region. The events were well-attended and facilitated meaningful connections between current and aspiring members. The in-person networking series was held in Washington, DC, Frederick (MD), Columbia (MD), Gaithersburg (MD), and Ashburn (VA).

Networking is probably among the most given career advice, but it can be intimidating and difficult to start. The Coffee Chat series provided a welcoming environment for people who want to expand their network, polish their interpersonal skills, and know more about Women In Bio. The Coffee Chat attendees included students, professionals, and executives. During the Coffee Chat, attendees shared their career development stories and exchanged LinkedIn information. Many attendees used the occasion to perfect their personal or company’s elevator pitches. The welcoming environment also sparked vibrant discussions that were near and dear to Women In Bio’s mission, such as women’s boardroom participation, tips to expand influence circles, and how women contribute to the life science fields.

Some members utilized the Coffee Chat to promote their companies. “It was fantastic to learn about their (attendee’s) companies and platform in more detail. Admire these founders’ motivation to take the leap forward and create their companies to help others and benefit the community,” posted on LinkedIn by one of the Coffee Chat hosts, Teri Ngo (Chair of the Capital Region Membership Committee).

With Women In Bio’s broad reach, attendees often meet new people and learn different perspectives. “I love events like this where we get an opportunity to build relationships over informal conversations that really enhance our social capital,” posted on LinkedIn by one of the Coffee Chat hosts, Fehmida Kapadia (Co-Vice Chair of the WIB-Capital Region Membership Committee).

Coffee Chat events have become an occasion that many people look forward to, and the Capital Region will continue hosting events to connect our members. Stay tuned and follow our social media channels to stay up-to-date on future events!

Submitted by Yun-Ting Kao