WIB-Seattle @ Life Science Innovation Northwest 2025

What an incredible experience at Life Science Innovation Northwest with Women In Bio Seattle! Yulia Ovechkina, Sarah Chan, Elena Sinclair, and Kristi Heim represented WIB-Seattle at the chapter booth. Many stopped by to learn more about our mission of building a stronger and more inclusive Seattle life science community. Our team was energized by the tremendous interest shown in our chapter, meeting with familiar faces and new members. The sense of sisterhood was palpable, repeatedly mentioned as a core part of what makes our community unique. Plus, the conference offered tons of new educational opportunities and connections — a testament to the growing strength of the life science ecosystem in Seattle.

The conference itself was packed with standout moments:

• David Baker, Nobel laureate and leader of UW’s Institute for Protein Design, delivered a powerhouse fireside chat on how AI is reshaping protein design and revolutionizing therapeutics. His vision for Seattle as the protein design capital of the world is already becoming a reality.
•  Teresa Foy, former SVP at Bristol Myers Squibb, led a dynamic panel on the future of cell and gene therapies, tackling the financial, regulatory, and scientific hurdles ahead, while emphasizing Washington State’s leadership in advancing these transformative treatments.
• And the IPD spinout panel moderated by Simone Fishburn showcased just how far innovation can go: with over $1B raised across startups, IPD’s legacy is not just academic — it’s entrepreneurial, creating the next wave of biotech breakthroughs.
• Dr. Joanna Bendell's keynote LSINW message deeply resonated with us. She spoke about the importance of collaborations for advancing new technologies and treatments

We left with renewed energy, deeper connections, and even bigger ambitions. Thanks to all who stopped by to chat, connect, and collaborate. Let’s keep building this incredible community together! Thank you to the Life Science Washington team for bringing the community together to discuss economic impact, communication strategies, and what's ahead for the industry.