A Special Event for People in Our Community Who Are in Transition: Gather Together to Find Inspiration, Hope, and Strategies for Moving Forward

The ongoing disruptions in the Boston BioPharma space are hitting our community hard. Members of our community who've had thriving careers for decades are finding themselves out of work. At every WEST event, we meet women who've never been out of work, and are now facing an uncertain future.

WEST's mission is to support the people in our community through every stage of their careers—including these unplanned pauses between jobs. As part of this commitment, WEST is launching a series of workshops devoted to helping members of our community—who are currently in transition—and are experiencing the fear, anger, frustration, confusion, and anxiety that accompanies them as they navigate a challenge they never imagined they'd be facing.

In the first workshop—in-person on December 8th—we'll explore what it feels like to be out of work for months: you'll hear stories of women who've lived through this reality and have found their way successfully to the other side. You'll hear the strategies they designed to help them land the interviews that opened the door to their new positions. You'll learn how they kept going when it was hard and who they turned to for support.

Ultimately we want all the members of our community to know that they are not alone in this rough time. For this workshop, we are inviting those of you in transition—you'll be joined by a room of professionals facing the same challenges you are. You'll gain new tools to help with your job search and to help you connect with others to buoy your spirit and sense of hope. Bring a notebook and pen: you'll want to capture your thoughts, insights, strategies, and next steps.

The panel discussion and follow-up activities will be led by Career Transition Coach (and Past President of WEST) Etta Jacobs. She has supported many clients through rough times, and has helped her clients find the inner resources they need to stay focused and energized through the journey.

Panelists:

Elena Longhi, in transition
Aruna Ramachandran, 
Alliances Lead, R&D Alliances, Astellas Pharma

Holly Soutter, Principal Scientific Business Analyst, TetraScience
Elena Spencer, Head of Research Governance & Portfolio Management, Biogen

 

Speaker Bio:

Etta is an ICF Certified Executive and Career Transition Coach, who helps her clients navigate turning points in their careers—whether that means stepping into a bigger role, finding a new direction, or regrouping after a job loss. Together, you'll quickly get clear on what you want, uncover your strengths, and move toward opportunities that truly align with who you are and what you value.



 

Date and Time:  
December 8, 2025
6:00-8:00 PM

Location:  
M&T Bank, 115 Federal Street, Floor 18, Café, Boston, 02110

Cost:   
Members: $5; Non-Members: $15; light dinner included

 

Register Here