WIB-Pittsburgh: Exclusive Networking Reception for Executive Women in Life Sciences

WIB-Pittsburgh hosted the Inaugural Executive Women In Bio (EWIB) Reception on April 17, 2024, to launch the chapter's new EWIB Committee. Hosted at the Wine Library of The PA Market in the heart of Strip District, this invitation-only event had a hugely engaged and enthusiastic group of executive women join for the evening. They brought positive energy, incredible conversations, and a robust network of established leaders within the life sciences regional ecosystem of the Pharma and MedTech industry, consulting organizations, academic interests, and entrepreneurial initiatives. The group reiterated the need for such peer-to-peer umbrella organizations and recognized the need for women-only spaces that intersect with co-ed spaces for networking and professional development.

The goals of this group align with WIB-National's EWIB goals:

• Forge Lasting Connections: Network with fellow executive women from diverse backgrounds in the life sciences industry and build meaningful relationships with like-minded peers.
• Empowerment Through Knowledge: Gain insights and wisdom from successful women leaders who have shattered glass ceilings and blazed trails in their respective fields.
• Celebrate Success: Toast the achievements of executive women in the life sciences and celebrate the strides we've made together toward gender equality and empowerment.

WIB-Pittsburgh’s EWIB Committee Co-Chairs Parul Nisha, PhD, and Julie Cramer, PhD, are intentional about tailoring this committee and its offerings by adapting the WIB-National executive programming to make it meaningful for life sciences professionals, start-up founders, and ecosystem builders within the region.

The need for women-only spaces continues to exist. While they need to be intersectional with co-ed spaces, affirmation and recognition of familiar challenges, access to contextual behaviors and networks encouraging vulnerable conversations, and celebration of accomplishments are still empowering to women. The EWIB Committee at WIB-Pittsburgh intends to offer such a space for the established leaders within the regional life sciences ecosystem.

Based on the feedback provided by the participants at this event, a set of programming and events are in the works for fall 2024. Please continue to spread the word and join us in this initiative!

Submitted by Parul Nisha