EWIB-Chicago: Leading the Success of Life Sciences in Chicago

March’s Executive Women In Bio (EWIB) event brought together leaders across the life sciences ecosystem for an engaging panel on driving commercial success. Moderated by Rachel Strick (AbbVie), the panel featured a dynamic group of innovators and entrepreneurs shaping the future of healthcare, including Casey Qadir (Hubly Surgical), Mackenzie Hagey (Vanqua Bio), Ritu Shah (ClostraBio), Meesha Dogan (Cardio Diagnostics), and Julia Monfrini Peev (PACE Capital). Panelists reflected on their career journeys and key successes, setting the stage for a candid discussion on the realities of building and scaling in life sciences. A central theme was the challenge of achieving commercial success in a complex, evolving ecosystem. Early fundraising emerged as a significant hurdle, particularly in Chicago, where accessing capital can be more difficult despite a strong healthcare foundation.

Mentorship and community were highlighted as critical to navigating these challenges. Panelists described mentorship as both formal and evolving, spanning trusted advisors and peer networks that offer perspective and support. Reflecting on advice to their younger selves, speakers emphasized focus and intentionality. As Qadir noted, “You can do anything, but not everything,” underscoring the importance of prioritization.

The discussion also explored opportunities within Chicago’s life sciences ecosystem, including the need for stronger networks, greater access to experienced operators, and increased support for early-stage entrepreneurs. Despite challenges, panelists shared a sense of optimism about Chicago’s potential as a growing hub for innovation.

The event concluded with a Q&A and networking session, leaving attendees with actionable insights and a renewed appreciation for the resilience, focus, and collaboration required to bring innovation from concept to commercialization. A special thank you to our chapter sponsors, particularly Crowe, for hosting this event.

Submitted by Anna Di Staulo