The HERstory Gala premiered in December 2018, evolving into a cherished winter tradition for two consecutive years before transitioning to a virtual event in 2020. Post-pandemic, the HERstory Gala became a springtime celebration for its fourth annual event in April 2022. Gaining in popularity throughout the years, Women in Bio — Capital Region has witnessed an increase in attendance from approximately 100 guests in 2018 to a remarkable 140 attendees in 2023. In anticipation of another stellar turnout, this year's HERstory Gala is hosted in a spacious new venue that can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests.
Join us at the Sixth Annual HERstory Gala
May 9, 2024 | 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road, North Bethesda, Md., 20852
The focus of HERstory Gala is on highlighting leaders in life sciences who have made a significant impact in the region during the year. Attendees will have the privilege of listening to our distinguished keynote speakers, Helen Sabzevari, PhD, president and CEO, Precigen, and Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council, share their life stories and career insights. Following the keynote addresses, there is an interactive segment allowing our guests to ask Sabzevari and Schulz questions. The HERstory Gala will come to a close with an announcement of this year’s Rising Star Award winner. The Rising Star Award is a chapter-specific honor recognizing an early or midcareer Women in Bio member who has made a substantial impact in the local bioscience sector through community service, mentorship, and outstanding professional achievement.
Program
6 p.m.-7 p.m.: Cocktails and Networking
7 p.m.-7:50 p.m.: Welcome, Introduction, and Seated Dinner
7:50 p.m.-8:30 p.m.: Speaker Introductions and Keynote Addresses
8:30 p.m.-8:45 p.m.: Q&A with Audience
8:45 p.m.-9 p.m.: Rising Star Award Presentation
9 p.m.-9:30 p.m.: Continued Networking and Group Pictures
Hear directly from the Keynote Speakers
Helen Sabzevari, PhD, has extensive expertise in research and development of immunotherapy-based therapeutics as well as experience translating novel treatments from preclinical stage into the clinic. At Precigen, her team is dedicated to advancing the next generation of gene and cell therapies using precision technology to target the most urgent and intractable diseases in immuno-oncology, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Sabzevari’s contributions in the field of tumor immunology earned her the National Institutes of Health merit award, the Mass High Tech’s Women to Watch Award, the PharmaVOICE 100 Award (2013 and 2022), and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Team Science Award. Most recently, Sabzevari was recognized on the Forbes 50 over 50: The Visionary List, Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record, and PM360’s Elite 100 in the Strategists category.
Kelly Schulz is a mother, wife, and successful small business owner, and she served seven years in Gov. Larry Hogan’s administration as the secretary of labor and secretary of commerce. Under her leadership, the Department of Commerce served as the largest resource to provide financial assistance to struggling Maryland companies adversely impacted by COVID-19. Schulz helped to grow Maryland’s apprenticeship program to its highest level since 2008, with more than 10,000 apprentices statewide, receiving national recognition as one of the top programs in America. At her current role at the Maryland Tech Council, her vision is to propel Maryland to become the Nov. 1 innovation economy for life sciences and technology in the country, supporting member companies like Fulton Bank, MilliporeSigma, PQE Group, VaLogic, and hundreds of others, who are driving innovation through advocacy, education, workforce development, and connection.
Sponsorship Opportunities
There are three tiered sponsorship options: Gold $5,500, Silver $3,500, and Bronze $2,500. There is also an option to sponsor a Table of 8 for $990. The HERstory Gala is currently halfway to its goal of having a fully sponsored event! Join the ranks with the current sponsors by contacting Women in Bio — Capital Region’s Sponsorship Committee at capitalregionsponsorship@womeninbio.org
About Women in Bio - Capital Region
Founded in 2011 and originally the national headquarters of Women in Bio, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for women in the life sciences and encouraging them to translate novel discoveries into products. Our chapter symbolizes the significance of promoting the dynamic women in biotechnology and life sciences industries and is centrally located in the growing BioHealth Capital Region. Our members consist of professionals at leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, device, and diagnostic companies, as well as nonprofits, academic institutions, government agencies, and support service firms such as finance, law, and consulting.
Become a Member of Women in Bio
Register for the Sixth Annual HERstory Gala today!
Pricing Information
Non-WIB Members: $150
WIB Members: $110
Student WIB Members: $55
*WIB membership for students is $50. However, there are options to reduce the fee for students unable to purchase a membership.