Member Spotlight

Yoshika Sherring

Senior Biotech Marketing Professional
Joined WEST: 2009
Referred by a friend

"WEST has given me access to an invaluable network of women with a diverse range of experiences and expertise that I can rely upon for support and guidance in my career.

"Entrepreneurism has always been near and dear to my heart. I come from an entrepreneurial family, and besides the emphasis on women, science and technology, it is this spirit of adventure and willingness to take on new challenges that most appeals to me about the WEST community.

"In the year since I have been a part of WEST, I have connected with many women and formed friendships that I believe will endure over time. It is great to know I have a strong support network of people I can reach out to.

"Not only are the people open and willing to help, the programs and guest speakers are fabulous. I just attended a resume writing workshop and found it very beneficial. I would recommend WEST to any professional woman seeking to advance her career, who would like to be part of a wonderfully supportive and welcoming community."

Margaret O'Toole

Director, Pervasis Therapeutics
Joined WEST: 2010
Referred by a colleague

"WEST is a dynamic group of women involved in science and technology who are interested in and passionate about what they do. The group gives new meaning to what 'networking' is all about.

"WEST reminds me of my company—a group of highly entrepreneurial people who are curious about the world around them and willing to take risks to make life better. It takes a certain kind of personality to be an entrepreneur and the women of WEST certainly fit this personality.

"I am not a fan of networking in its typical form—you show up at a meeting and exchange a bunch of business cards. WEST is very different in that I find the atmosphere to be very relaxed and that people are having real conversations about real things. Women discuss not only work issues, but also their personal lives. I think this adds dimension and nuance to social interactions and helps people connect on a more meaningful level.

"It is great to see an organization like WEST that fosters and supports the involvement of women in science and technology and helps pave the way for the next generation of up and coming young women. There are so many unique paths to 'success.' WEST plays an important role in helping women discover their own pathway and navigating what can sometimes be an uncertain journey."