Dear WIB Community,
As we reach the midpoint of 2024, I’m thrilled to deliver this message from San Diego amidst our participation in the BIO International Convention, one of the year’s largest and most influential industry trade shows. WIB has curated five impactful events to showcase our mission, connect with industry leaders, and expand our reach. These events include panel discussions, networking sessions, and presentations highlighting women’s achievements and the importance of diversity in our industry. Our presence at BIO has provided many opportunities for us to spotlight the launch of our new Los Angeles chapter and recognize our San Diego chapter for their valuable support as we expand WIB’s influence in the Southern California life science community.
This year, we have focused heavily on securing grants to support our programs, and I’m pleased to report that we are making important progress, particularly in securing new funding for our Young Women In Bio programs. These funds are not just financial support; they are the seeds of inspiration and development for the next generation of women leaders in life sciences.
The first year of our new strategic plan has been marked by exciting progress, particularly toward refreshing our EWIB offerings, which support development opportunities for executive-level women. WIB President Sarah Odeh has hosted two focus groups to gather insights and feedback, which will be instrumental in launching a pilot program soon.
The spirit of OneWIB has been a driving force behind our achievements this year. The participation and enthusiasm we have seen at our All Leaders Meetings and Quarterly Strategy Meetings have been inspiring and pivotal in fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among our leaders. The collaborative energy at these sessions underscores the strength and unity of our organization and ensures we are aligned and working toward common goals.
As we continue to navigate this transformative year, we are deeply grateful for the dedication and passion of our members, volunteers, and supporters. Your unwavering support and commitment are the driving force behind our significant strides towards our mission. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges and to sharing our continued progress with you.
Gina Ford
WIB Executive Director
