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Upcoming Events2023-2024 Annual Theme: Empower, Amplify, Advance
In a world where the interpretations of the rights and opportunities of many demographic groups, particularly women, are constantly up for debate and are ever-changing, we can and must work for consistent progress. The only way that women will see consistent progress in their opportunity to excel in previously male dominated professions, like the STEM industries, is if we make the constant effort to amplify the voices of women and their allies. These strong voices push for the empowerment of women to fulfill their full potential in any and all fields of study and work. These voices shout from the rooftops that women deserve a seat at the table, every table. Only when women are given the opportunity to excel in anything they are passionate about, will true advancement be possible. WEST’s 2023-2024 Annual Theme speaks to the necessity of amplifying the voices that will support the empowerment of women and the advancement of women’s STEM careers around the world.
jul30 Career Possibilities Panel & Speed Networking: Drug Discovery In the world of science, careers are no longer linear or predictable. What was once a clearly sign-posted path as you progressed through milestones, a career road map is now circuitous presenting new challenges and opportunities at every bend. Life-long careers in one sector or one company are becoming a rarity as new technologies and shifting social norms disrupt traditional careers. Both employers and employees are seeking more diversity of experience, lifestyle flexibility and alternative paths. This panel is designed to help you think about your career path and the different options that are open to you. The panel will have an informational interview type feel with panelists sharing their career paths, a look at what their job entails, transferrable skills for those looking to make a change, tips for uncovering opportunities, advice for others, and how to make brave leaps. This panel will include subject matter experts in drug discovery teams including experts in: biology/pharmacology, chemistry, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, translational development, and toxicology. The panel discussion will be moderated by Siennah Greenfield, Scientist II- Drug Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics and Modeling at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Location: Zoom
Cost: Free to all
aug1 The Mirrored Door: Break Through the Hidden Barrier That Locks Successful Women in Place- Session 2 In this book club series, we will meet during four (virtual) sessions to navigate and discuss the three sections of Taaffe’s book and conclude the series with a session with the author herself. While it is advisable to read each section of the book prior to the sessions, you will benefit from participating even if you have not read the full section we are discussing. This is a no-judgment book club! Come, learn, and share what you know from your own experience. Session 2 - Break Away: Relearning Success Strategies We will focus on five strategies for success that can, at times, unintentionally sideline us. Our discussion will explore the ways in which we can use these strategies to work for us vs. against us. Ellen Taaffe calls these the five perils of success:
We will examine how these strategies might have served us earlier in our careers, and how they can become limiting behaviors as we advance. Then we will explore different skills and new approaches that can serve our goals to grow as leaders. Location: Zoom
Cost: Members: $5; Non-Members: $15 Aug8 Networking for Introverts: How to Effectively Connect Networking and connecting effectively are pivotal for professional growth. While some find it intuitive, it can be daunting for introverts who feel drained from vs energized by social interactions. Attempting to adopt extroverted strategies often exacerbates discomfort and even causes some people to dread the idea of networking. To support their networking endeavors, WEST is offering this event tailored to introverts with practical tools and strategies, fostering authentic and confident connections. Panelists include
Location: Be Biopharma, Inc., One Kendall Sq, Bldg 200, 3rd Floor, Be Bio Café, Cambridge, MA 02139
Cost: Members: $15; Non-Members: $30 - light dinner provided by WEST Aug22 The Mirrored Door: Break Through the Hidden Barrier That Locks Successful Women in Place- Session 3 In this book club series, we will meet during four (virtual) sessions to navigate and discuss the three sections of Taaffe’s book and conclude the series with a session with the author herself. While it is advisable to read each section of the book prior to the sessions, you will benefit from participating even if you have not read the full section we are discussing. This is a no-judgment book club! Come, learn, and share what you know from your own experience. Session 3 - Break Through: To the Gifts Across the Threshold We will step through the mirrored door into our growth with grit and gravitas. As we develop the awareness of our fears, and challenges, we will step forward to apply the strategies we learned, with greater courage and confidence. Most of all, we will have strengthened our sense of community and common language throughout this series, to support one another as we each take steps to carry ourselves in ways that align with our interests, values, and goals. Location: Zoom
Cost: Members: $5; Non-Members: $15 sept12 WEST Mentoring Program Kick start your development with a 1:1 goal setting session, training, and mentor stories. Then, each of the following two-hour virtual sessions features core pods, flex pods, and networking. WEST Mentors are from all areas of the biopharma and tech industry, with a wealth of experience and expertise across academia, start-ups, biotech, and multi-national pharmaceutical companies including CEOs, heads of functions, leaders, and coaches. They have the lived experience and diverse perspectives to help you with your goals. During the application process, mentees will rate their interest in key career and personal development topics that will be used for matching their core pod. Mentees will also have the opportunity to explore the other topics offered and/or mentors for their flex pod time each session. The dates of the program are 9/12, 9/26, 10/17, 11/7, 11/21, and 12/12. All session will be via Zoom 6-8pm ET. There will be an optional networking gathering on 9/19. The cost of participation for mentees for the program is $100, currently open to WEST members only. If you need a scholarship to cover the majority of the cost of a spot in this mentoring program and/or a membership, please email [email protected] to apply. Location: Zoom
Cost: $100; Open to WEST Members Only sept25 Career Possibilities Panel & Speed Networking: AI & Computational Science In the world of science, careers are no longer linear or predictable. What was once a clearly sign-posted path as you progressed through milestones, a career road map is now circuitous presenting new challenges and opportunities at every bend. Life-long careers in one sector or one company are becoming a rarity as new technologies and shifting social norms disrupt traditional careers. Both employers and employees are seeking more diversity of experience, lifestyle flexibility and alternative paths. This panel is designed to help you think about your career path and the different options that are open to you. The panel will have an informational interview type feel with panelists sharing their career paths, a look at what their job entails, transferrable skills for those looking to make a change, tips for uncovering opportunities, advice for others, and how to make brave leaps. Location: Zoom
Cost: Free to all
oct9 WoW - WEST on Wednesdays Networking The WoW - WEST on Wednesdays Networking series has become one of our most popular! These events are great opportunities to network with other STEM professionals while enjoying drinks and appetizers. Location: Foley & Lardner LLP, 111 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02199
Cost: Members: $0; Non-Members: $10 Oct16 Building Relationship Capital Building a professional network is more than just asking people to connect on LinkedIn or trading business cards at an event. It is about building relationships over time that lead to mutual benefit. Learn how to build your “relationship capital” through a variety of active and passive strategies that ensure your name stays top of mind so opportunities flow your way. This workshop will be lead by Ingrid Goldbloom Bloch.
Location: Zoom
Cost: Members: $5; Non-Members: $15 Oct24 Rockstar Breakfast If you would love to learn about industry achievements and experiences first-hand from some of the most respected leaders in their fields, you won't want to miss this event WEST's Rockstar Breakfast. Join us for an intimate event where the panel of leading women in venture capital will share their roles, career journey, professional achievements, lessons learned, inspirations, advice, and more. The panel will feature Sarah Gheuens, Chief Medical Officer & Head of R&D at Agios Pharmaceuticals. Registration for this event is limited to maintain an intimate, engaging environment. Location: Agios Pharmaceuticals, 64 Sidney St., Heliopolis Conference Room, Cambridge, MA 02139
Cost: Members: $5; This event is open to members only. nov4 LinkedIn For Personal Branding: How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market In today's technology-driven age, your LinkedIn presence holds immense power as the primary digital impression you make on potential clients, hiring managers, partners, and colleagues. LinkedIn offers the opportunity to craft a powerful profile, foster meaningful engagement within your network, and harness the potential of an amazing content platform to enhance your visibility and credibility. Discover how to navigate the impact of artificial intelligence while staying true to your personal authenticity. Learn and be inspired to: Location: Lab Central, 700 Main St., Lobby, Cambridge, MA 02139
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