WIB-Greater Boston: Women in AI Luncheon at the AIDDD Summit

The Women in AI luncheon at AIDDD on November 20, 2025, held at the Thomas M. Menino Convention Center in Boston, marked a significant first: AIDDD had never hosted an event focused on women in AI. Thanks to the determination of WIB-Greater Boston’s Christie Qu, who championed the idea and recruited both the moderator and speakers, the event sold out with more than 60 attendees. The turnout made it clear that this kind of space is not just welcome—it’s needed.

Moderated by Jamila Siamwala from Biontellome, the panel featured Marria-Dorothea Nastke from BPGbio and Kristine Diebler from Novo Nordisk. Together, they dug into topics such as bias, mentorship, and the future for women in AI. Key themes rose quickly: many women had never worked for another woman in AI; change is starting to happen, even if slowly; mentorship—both finding it and offering it—is essential; and surrounding yourself with people who push you matters. They also emphasized that improving patient centricity in AI-driven drug development starts with building diverse teams, which means bringing more women and broader representation into the fold. Today’s women in AI are actively solving problems for the next generation, and allyship and support will shape what comes next. Ultimately, everyone was encouraged to be a change agent for themselves and others.

Audience members were eager to jump in with questions and share their own stories, and many said the best part of the luncheon was simply having a space to connect. It felt like the beginning of something that’s been missing—and something that’s ready to grow.

Submitted by Terri Clevenger