A Special Event for Community Members in Transition: Gathering Together to Build Connections, Renew Hope, and Share Strategies for Moving Forward

WEST's mission is to support the people in our community through every stage of their careers—including the unplanned pauses between jobs. As part of this commitment, WEST has launched a series of workshops devoted to members of our community who are experiencing the fear, anger, frustration, confusion, and anxiety that emerges from this time of deep uncertainty.

In our opening workshop in December, we explored what it feels like to be out of work for months, by hearing stories of women who lived through this reality and have found their way successfully to the other side. They shared their strategies for landing interviews and how they kept going when it was hard and who they turned to for support.

The discussion was so lively, that everyone cheered for us to schedule a follow-up to focus more on the interviews and how to prepare.

In this new session led by Etta Jacobs, Past President of WEST, we're inviting our four panelists back to continue the conversation. We're also welcoming a new panelist who is still in transition to learn more about what it's like out there in 2026.

The topics we'll be discussing:

How to leverage AI in your job search, resume, and interview prep.
What types of questions should you be asking?
How to present yourself in a compelling way to set yourself apart.
How to practice before your interviews.
The value of contract roles as a stepping stone to full-time positions.

We'll close the discussion with your questions, followed by open time for you to connect with the panelists and other participants.

Ultimately we want all the members of our community to know that they are not alone. 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.

Panelists:

Janet Chung, CMC Project Manager at Tvardi Therapeutics
Elena Longhi, DMPK Scientist, at a Biotech
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

Date and Time:
March 17, 2026
6:00-7:30 PM
Doors will open at 5:30 PM for networking and light dinner

Location:

M&T Bank, 115 Federal Street, Floor 18, Cafe, Boston, 02110

Cost:
Members: $0; Non-Members: $10
Event cost reduced thanks to a grant from M&T Bank.

Given our mission is to promote women's development in STEM we would like to offer a free spot in our workshops to those in transition between jobs or who cannot afford the ticket price. Please contact [email protected] if you qualify.