WIB-RTP: Summer Bash 2026 – Member Appreciation & Networking Event

Women In Bio RTP brought together more than 150 members of the Research Triangle life sciences community for its 2026 Summer Bash, celebrating the people, partnerships, and volunteer leadership that have strengthened the chapter over 16 years.

A highlight of the evening was recognizing three outstanding WIB-RTP leaders with the chapter’s 2026 awards:

• Hannah Cole – Behind the Scenes Rockstar Award, recognizing her invaluable contributions and the work she does behind the scenes to support the chapter and its success.
• Katie Luterek – Secret Sauce Award, celebrating the unique energy, dedication, and contributions she brings to WIB-RTP.
• Shannon Speer – Powerhouse Award, recognizing her leadership, initiative, and commitment to driving programming and engagement across the RTP community.

The Summer Bash also gave WIB-RTP an opportunity to give back to the local community by highlighting the Me Fine Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support to families with children facing medical crises. Attendees could also shop a pop-up from Meetings to Martinis, a female-owned clothing company, bringing another element of women supporting women to the celebration. WIB-RTP is grateful to ARP and Solvias for sponsoring the event and supporting the chapter’s continued efforts to connect, recognize, and advance women across the life sciences. 

Submitted by Shannon Speer