Women in Bio programs support the professional and personal growth of women involved in all aspects of the life sciences. They offer valuable networking opportunities. WIB programs are educational, experiential, social, and business enhancing. Below are the WIB National Committees.
1. Communications Committee
The mission of the WIB Communications Committee is to promote the overarching strategic plan of the WIB organization by developing and delivering timely, predictable, and professional communications in support of WIB committees and activities. Communications Committee products include bi-weekly emails, the WIB website and brochure, public service announcements, press releases, event materials, and more.
Chair: Jamie Lacey-Moreira, PressComm Public Relations
Vice-Chair: Maura O. Kahn, Noxilizer, Inc.
2. The Mentors/Advisors/Peers Committee (MAPs)
WIB’s MAPs program is open to WIB members who are entrepreneurs, executives, or women who are considering launching a company. It is mainly a group peer-mentoring program consisting of like-minded women and experts who meet—typically over breakfast, lunch, drinks, or dinner—to discuss relevant issues. Discussions tend to focus on building skills and knowledge. Past themes have included working with the FDA on new drug and device approvals, legal issues for the life science entrepreneur, and in-licensing as a business model. Discussions are frank and open. MAPs is developing forums and remote learning opportunites in order to reach more WIB members.
Chair: Linda Arterburn, PhD, International Partenershp for Microbicides
Vice-Chair: Shirley Tsang
3. Funding Committee
The role of the Funding Committee is to connect with potential sponsors and identify grant opportunities. WIB is a growing organization with many opportunities for sponsors. The Scholarship Subcommittee is part of the Funding Committee.
Chair: Kate Liebelt
4. Program (Events) Committee
The Program (Events) Committee is composed of several subcommittees, each chaired by a different WIB member. They plan local and national events and also step up when an international opportunity arises. The subcommittees are Young Women In Bio (YWIB), Special Events Committee and the Annual Dinner Committee.
Chair: Rosel Halle, M.A., Strategic Direction Advisors
5. Chapter Development Committee
The Chapter Development committeee is responsible for identifying and supporting the formation of chapters worldwide.
Chair: Valerie Fremont, Ph.D.
6. Membership and Member Benefits Committee
The Member Benefits committee is tasked with ensuring maximum benefits for the organization's member-base.
Chair: Aprel Buonpane, TMP Meeting Services, Inc.
7. Young Women In Bio (YWIB)
The Young Women In Bio committee creates programs and events geared towards encouraging middle school aged girls to consider the life sciences as a career choice. The events ignite girls’ curiosity in biotechnology while nurturing a business and entrepreneurial spirit. These events include exposure to many different female science professionals, their careers and experiences; an in-depth look at a bioscience organization; and a tour of a bioscience facility. The events are open to girls in grades 6-8.
8. Special Events
The Special Events committee handles unique events outside of the Program Committee, such as the BIO conference that is held every year and other like conferences.
Chair: Renata DeFries, M.D., Chevy Chase Biopartners
Vice-Chair: Pearl D'Cruz, B.D.S., M.S., Pearl Consulting LLC
9. Annual Dinner
The Annual Dinner is WIB's premier event that draws hundreds of professionals in the life science industry and highlights the accomplishments of women in the industry.
Chair: Rosel Halle, Strategic Direction Advisors
Vice-Chair: Vizma Carver, M.S., INTEGRITYOne Partners
* If you are interested in serving on any of the above committees, please email
info@womeninbio.org.
