WIB-Seattle: Leadership Retreat

On Saturday, September 27, the WIB-Seattle Volunteer Leaders gathered for a full-day off-site strategy session, bringing together over 20 leaders across 10 committees to align on goals and set the stage for an ambitious year ahead. The morning centered on aligning chapter priorities and budgets with WIB National’s 2026 objectives, while also sparking creativity with a “superpowers” icebreaker — teleportation being the top choice for both business and personal travel, followed closely by time travel and universal communication. In the afternoon, each committee shared growth and engagement plans for 2026, highlighting programs that span the full career cycle, from inspiring secondary school students to supporting executive leaders with structured initiatives. With more than 40 events planned across the Puget Sound region next year — and a major announcement on the horizon — the energy and momentum were palpable. The day concluded with a celebratory dinner at 2120 Restaurant, honoring the chapter’s shared mission and future impact. A huge thanks goes to Chapter Chair Yulia Ovechkina and Chapter Vice Chair Sadie Josephs for their thoughtful leadership, and to corporate sponsors BMS, Fred Hutch, JP Morgan, Lundbeck, Pfizer, and Seneca Group for their ongoing support of women in life sciences across the Seattle area.

Submitted by Gayle Bennett