Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Announces $30,000 Grant to WEST for Expansion of Workforce Development Programs

Organization will expand programming for women in science and technology to
Route 128/495 regions

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center announced today that a $30,000 grant has been awarded to WEST, a non-profit group promoting the advancement of Women in the business of Science and Technology, to expand the geographic reach of the organization’s workforce development programming.  The grant will allow for WEST programs to be made available in the Route 128 and Route 495/Worcester regions.

Launched in 2000, the WEST organization provides a forum for women in science, engineering and technology to develop their full career and leadership potential through networking and information sharing.  Based in Cambridge, the organization provides a supportive environment for early, mid and senior career women in these vital sectors to acquire the skills necessary to become business leaders in their fields.  The organization offers a broad array of workshops, skills series and discussion panels that include advice regarding career advancement, alternative career options, professional skill building and exposure to entrepreneurial thinking.

The Center has identified workforce development as an important strategic priority for investment, in order to strengthen and maintain Massachusetts’ pool of world-class talent in the life sciences.  Both of the regions targeted by the grant have a strong life sciences industry presence, making them ideal for enhanced workforce development programming.  The Route 128 region alone is home to over five million square feet of lab space and more than 170 biotech companies, while the Route 495/Worcester region hosts at least 60 life sciences companies and eighteen colleges.

“A dynamic, innovation-based economy is driven by a talented workforce,” said Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.  “Here in Massachusetts, we are investing to ensure that our state is drawing upon the full breadth and depth of our talent pool.  Women are under-represented in all aspects of the life sciences, including the management of life sciences companies.  By expanding the availability of WEST’s excellent programs we are helping to ensure that women entering the life sciences fields in Massachusetts will be able to contribute to the continued growth of our life sciences supercluster.”

Ilene Fischer, Executive Director at WEST said “WEST’s mission is to develop women in Science and Technology to become leaders in their organization and to realize their full potential as leaders.  The Massachusetts Life Science Center Grant affords WEST the opportunity to expand its reach to the women that work in the towns and communities in the 128 and 495 belt, It is our first step in expanding our presence statewide and to develop women; the under represented segment of the life sciences community.”

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About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center is a quasi-public agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts tasked with implementing the Massachusetts Life Sciences Act, a ten-year, $1 billion initiative that was signed into law in June of 2008. The Center’s mission is to create jobs in the life sciences and support vital scientific research that will improve the human condition. This work includes making financial investments in public and private institutions that are advancing life sciences research, development and commercialization as well as building ties between sectors of the Massachusetts life sciences community. For more information, visit www.masslifesciences.com.                  

About WEST

WEST is a Cambridge-based nonprofit organization that provides a powerful and challenging forum for women to engage with peers and learn from leaders who drive innovation in science and technology.  WEST programs are designed to enhance skills, develop professional relationships, and provide inspiration, empowering women to achieve their full leadership potential.  WEST offers a rich and thriving community that provides support, guidance, and professional development for professionals in science, engineering and technology industries.  Members can engage in a broad array of workshops, skills series and discussion panels that include advice regarding career advancement, alternate careers options, professional skill building and exposure to entrepreneurial thinking.  Calibrated to arm our members with the skills they need in today’s competitive, fast-paced work environment, the WEST organization works tirelessly to bring the most up-to-date information to the group.  Through education, mentorship, and engaged networking, we strive to serve our diverse community so our members can achieve their full career potential.  For more information visit www.westorg.org.