Amplifying Female Voices

Empowering Women in Biohealth

We’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women in the biohealth industry. Our Women in BioHealth initiative is designed to empower, inspire, and connect women across all levels of their careers.

As an inclusive network, no BioForward membership is required to join Women in Biohealth. We invite all women to connect with us online and attend an upcoming event.

two women in lab coats holding a microscope

What We're Working Toward

We envision a future where women are equally represented and influential in the biohealth industry, driving innovation and diversity. By breaking down barriers and promoting gender equality, we aim to create a more inclusive and forward-thinking sector. Through our platform, we provide opportunities for women to connect, uplift one another, and advance their careers. We also offer professional and leadership development programs, as well as cross-industry and cross-country mentoring to foster growth and collaboration.

Founding Partners

Advancing Women in Biohealth Careers

Programs and Initiatives

Our programs are tailored to support women at various stages of their careers. From leadership training and mentorship programs to networking events and career development workshops, we offer a range of initiatives designed to help women succeed.

Networking and Events

We host seminars, workshops, and networking events focused on career development, including résumé tips, leadership, and personal growth. These events connect members with valuable insights and opportunities for career advancement.

Professional Development and Mentoring

Our mentoring program pairs mentors and mentees for regular meetings over three months, facilitating knowledge sharing and professional growth. We also organize seminars and workshops to address key career development areas.

Advocacy and Outreach

We advocate for women in executive and leadership roles, develop resource directories for board candidates, and propose legislation for gender equality. Additionally, we partner with organizations to host educational programs for young students, inspiring the next generation of female scientists.

Find Your Perfect Fit

Get Involved

Be a part of Women in Biohealth and contribute to our mission of supporting and empowering women in the biohealth community. Whether through leadership, “circles,” or mentoring, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.

Professional Development and Networking Leadership Team

Fostering professional growth and connections through seminars, workshops, and networking events focused on career development. Estimated time commitment: 2-4 hours per month.

01
Advocacy Leadership Team

Advocating for women in leadership roles and proposing legislation for gender equality in biohealth and other industries. Estimated time commitment: 3-5 hours per month initially, and 1-2 hours per month once goals are established.

02
Community Outreach and Education Leadership Team

Partnering with companies, universities, and hospitals to host educational programs for young students interested in biohealth, ensuring future generations of female scientists are supported. Estimated time commitment: 2-5 hours per month.

03
Mentorship Leadership Team

Connecting women in biohealth through a mentoring program to foster professional growth and knowledge sharing. Estimated time commitment:  roughly 20 hours per year.

04
Wonder-Ful Women Circle

In this circle, we'll recognize the superhero within us, discussing expertise, professional expectations, and challenges. Reflecting on these, you'll identify your short- and long-term goals. Each session will also set topics for the next meeting.

05
Skill Set Savants Circle

This circle focuses on recognizing and utilizing our skills, abilities, and experiences. We'll support each other in acknowledging our value in both personal and professional lives.

06
Contact Us to Get Involved

WiB Presents- Networking for Success: Connecting with Confidence

Oct 22
Status

📍 University Research Park, 510 Charmany Drive, 53719, Room 050

📅 October 22

🕠 5:30–7:00 p.m.

Hosted by Women in Biohealth — Co-hosted by the Professional Development and Mentoring Groups

Building authentic connections can open doors to new opportunities—but for many professionals, networking can feel intimidating or awkward. Join Women in Biohealth for Networking for Success: Connecting with Confidence, our first collaborative event between the Professional Development and Mentoring groups.

Led by Christine Weisshaar, Senior Medical Writer at Spyre Therapeutics, this interactive session will help you develop practical networking skills you can immediately put into practice. Learn how to start meaningful conversations, build lasting professional relationships, and network with purpose and confidence.

After Christine’s presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned through guided networking with fellow attendees in a supportive, welcoming environment.

✨ Light refreshments will be provided.

Register Now

Sponsored by:

Location

University Research Park, Room 050
510 Charmany Dr, Madison, WI 53719
Register Now

Women in Biohealth Happy Hour

Jul 24
Status

Join us for a Summer Happy Hour Networking Event at Delta Beer Lab on Thursday, July 24th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM! Connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed, casual setting. Food and beverages will be available for purchase—come ready to mingle, sip, and enjoy the summer vibes!

Location

Delta Beer Lab
167 E Badger Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53713
Register Now

Women in Biohealth Presents: Creating Clear Containers

May 7
Status

With Sarah Young, Founder of Zing Collaborative & Author of Expansive Impact
🗓 Wednesday, May 7 | 🕠 5:30 PM (networking at 5:30 p.m., program at 6:00 p.m.) | 📍 Findorff (300 S Bedford Street, Madison, WI 53703)
Presented by Women in Biohealth

Clearer expectations. Better conversations. More impact.

Join us for an insightful and interactive session with Sarah Young, acclaimed leadership coach and author, as we explore how to reduce conflict, improve communication, and strengthen collaboration by creating clear containers for our work and relationships.

Whether it’s a tricky team dynamic, an important meeting, or a project that’s veering off course, this session will equip you with tools to shift outcomes for the better—starting immediately.

What we’ll cover:

  • Spotting and setting aside assumptions that hinder collaboration
  • Proactively designing “containers” to support clarity and accountability
  • Reducing conflict by aligning expectations from the start

Come prepared with a real-life scenario you’d like to improve—a conversation, a meeting, a relationship, or a project. You’ll leave with practical strategies you can use right away.

This event is free and open to the Women in Biohealth community. Light refreshments will be provided.

👉 RSVP now to reserve your spot. Space is limited!

Location

Findorff
300 S. Bedford Street, Madison, WI 53703
Register Now

Women in Biohealth Leadership Teams: Reconnect & Reflect

Apr 9
Status
4/9/2025

Join us for an exclusive Women in Biohealth Leadership Teams event, bringing together our dedicated leaders for an evening of connection, collaboration, and celebration.

What to Expect:

  • Reconnect & Network: Engage with fellow leadership team members in an intimate setting.
  • Share Key Insights: Reflect on recent learnings and discuss current and future initiatives.
  • Celebrate Successes: Recognize the progress and impact we’ve made together.
  • Prepare for the Future: Participate in key Women in Biohealth business discussions.

This event is exclusively for leadership teams and offers a unique opportunity to strengthen connections, share valuable perspectives, and chart the path forward.

Location

University Research Park (Room 50)
510 Charmany Drive Madison, WI, 53719
Register Now

WiB: Headshot Happy Hour | RESCHEDULED

Mar 13
Status
3/13/2025

ALL HEADSHOT SPOTS ARE FILLED BUT YOU CAN STILL ATTEND FOR COFFEE AND NETWORKING!

Start your day with coffee, conversation, and a fresh new headshot! Women in Biohealth invites you to Headshot Happy Hour, a networking event where you can connect with fellow professionals and update your professional image.

💰 Cost: $25 per person (includes 1 final image) | $20 per additional image

How It Works:

📸 Professional Headshots – A skilled photographer will work with you to capture the perfect shot. After the session, you’ll select your favorite image to keep! Need more? Additional images are available for $20 each.
Networking & Coffee – Enjoy a relaxed morning of connecting with like-minded professionals over coffee. Coffee is buy your own.

Prepare for Your Headshot

Not sure what to wear? Want to feel confident in front of the camera? Check out this guide for expert tips on how to look your best.

Location

New Here Coffee
339 W Gorham Street, Madison, WI 53703
Register Now

WiB Women on Boards Series: Understanding Financials

Mar 4
Status
3/4/2025

Hosted by Women in Biohealth | In Partnership with TEMPO Madison

Are you currently serving on a board or considering a board position? Understanding an organization’s financial health is crucial to being an effective board member.

Join us for “Understanding Financials”, an insightful session designed to equip women with the skills to confidently read balance sheets, interpret financial statements, and ask the right questions. Learn how to assess an organization’s financial position and make informed decisions that drive impact. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your expertise and expand your network! Light snacks and beverages will be provided.

About the Speaker: Susan Thomson has deep roots in the manufacturing world.  Each step of the corporate ladder came with a chance to grow and be challenged.  As you can imagine, there were a lot of lessons learned along the way.  Susan candidly shares these from both the successes and the tough stuff so you can short-cut your own journeys to running your businesses in a way that’s vastly simplified and you are more successful.

Susan has also been on both sides of the boardroom –as CEO reporting to the Board, and as a Board Director & Board Chair.  Those roles have given her a unique perspective on how healthy Board/Staff relationships work, and how to prepare Board members to be productive and successful.

As a speaker, Susan has delivered business and educational presentations to over 12,000 entrepreneurs, executives and aspiring leaders through their corporations and trade associations.  She is the author of Make More, Work Less.  Six Keys to Massive Growth & Freedom in YOUR Business, a lively, quick and impactful read for anyone who wants to, well, make more and work less.

17 years ago, Susan founded the globally award-winning business & corporate coaching firm, ActionCOACH, which works with business owners, executives, CEOs, entrepreneurs and teams on how you can simplify your business, make more money, and have business you can sell or transition when the time is right.

Location

Promega
Register Now

WiBxTEMPO Boardroom 101

Sep 25
Status
9/25/2024

Join us for an insightful evening at Boardroom 101, part of the WiBxTEMPO Women on Boards Series, where we delve into the essentials of corporate and non-profit board service. This event is perfect for those interested in board positions, preparing to take on a board role, or actively seeking board positions.Date & Time:Wednesday, September 25th5:00 PM – 7:00 PMLocation:Catalent, Madison, WI (726 Heartland Trail, Madison, WI 53717)Featured Speakers:Lisa Smith, CEO of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin & BadgerlandDeAnne Boegli, VP, Corporate Communications, WPS InsuranceTopics to be Covered:Positions & Market Research: Learn how to conduct industry and company research, including a glossary of common terms, to prepare for your board role.Best Practices for Board Position Onboarding: Discover effective onboarding techniques, what to discuss and avoid during meetings, and how to integrate into a board team.How to Present & Prepare Yourself: Gain insights into preparing materials, dressing appropriately, and presenting yourself confidently.Building Relationships with Board Members: Explore strategies for setting up informal meetings, such as lunch or coffee, to deepen connections without a strict agenda.Handling Conflicts of Interest: Understand how to navigate potential conflicts in a boardroom setting.Actionable Steps for Success: Learn actionable steps to set yourself up for success before, during, and after a board meeting, including making meaningful connections after the event.Who Should Attend:This event is targeted at individuals interested in board positions, those preparing for a board role, or actively seeking board positions. Individuals with board experience are also encouraged to attend to expand their networks, share expertise, and assist others on their board journey. Enjoy beverages, light appetizers, and meaningful conversations.Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and prepare yourself for a successful boardroom experience!

Location

Catalent
726 Heartland Trail, Madison, WI 53717
Register Now

WiB: Networking & Trivia

Sep 10
Status
9/10/2024

Join Us for a Women in Biohealth Networking & Trivia Night!Are you ready for an evening of fun, networking, and friendly competition? Women in Biohealth (WiB) invites you to our Networking & Trivia Night! This is your chance to connect with fellow professionals in the biohealth industry, expand your network, and test your trivia skills.Event Highlights:Networking Opportunities: Meet and mingle with women from various sectors within biohealth.Trivia Competition: Compete in a lively trivia contest. Prizes await the winners!Beautiful Venue: Enjoy the event on the scenic 4th Floor Outdoor Terrace at the US Bank Plaza Building. Rain or shine! We’ll move indoors if necessary.Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this event is designed to foster connections, share knowledge, and have a great time. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided.RSVP by September 3, 2024, to secure your spot!View nearby parking options.

Location

US Bank Plaza Building
1 S. Pinckney Street, Madison, WI 53703
Register Now

Women in Biohealth: Coffee Networking Event

Jun 25
Status
6/25/2024

Join us for a delightful morning of networking exclusively for women in the biohealth industry. This is the perfect opportunity to connect, share experiences, and build professional relationships in a relaxed and welcoming environment.Event Details:Pure Networking: Mingle with fellow biohealth professionals before the workday begins.Coffee: Available at everyone’s own expense.Venue: Enjoy the cozy ambiance of Colectivo On the Square, located in the heart of Madison. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your network and connect with like-minded women in the biohealth field!RSVP: Please register so we know how much space to try to save.We look forward to seeing you there and fostering new connections within our vibrant community!

Location

Colectivo on the Square
25 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703
Register Now

Women in Biohealth: Leadership Teams Celebration

May 14
Status
5/14/2024

We invite Leadership Team Members to attend our Women in Biohealth Leadership Teams Celebration!Date: May 14thTime: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm (Program begins at 5:30 pm)Location: Elements LabsLet’s come together to reflect on our achievements, share insights from the past year, and chart a course for the future. This event is an opportunity to connect with fellow leaders and enthusiasts in the biohealth community.Agenda:Hear from our steering committee.Learn about their events, successes, challenges, and improvement ideas from each leadership team.Discuss and brainstorm future event ideas involving all leadership teams.Get introduced to our new Event Submission Form.Food and drinks will be served to fuel our conversations and celebrations.Join us as we reflect on our journey and innovate for what lies ahead in biohealth!RSVP today to secure your spot at this inspiring gathering.We look forward to seeing you there!

Location

Element Labs
5510 Element Way, Madison, WI 53719
Register Now
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Join Our Mentoring Program

Women in Biohealth Mentoring connects women in the biohealth field. Mentees gain guidance to achieve their professional goals, while mentors share their knowledge to give back to the community. Mentors and mentees meet regularly, either in person or online, six times over three months, typically biweekly. Program administrators provide support through kick-off and wrap-up meetings, check-in emails, and guiding worksheets. This program suits professionals at all experience levels seeking connections in the biohealth community.

a group of women standing around each other in a room
Where Passion Fuels Progress

Meet the Steering Committee

Engage with our special interest groups to connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network.

Alexa HeatonAlexa Heaton

Assistant Scientist

Grace MaassGrace Maass

Executive Administrative Assistant

Hasmik MkrtchyanHasmik Mkrtchyan

Senior Manager, IT Global Lab Automation

Maci HewittMaci Hewitt

Director of Member Engagement and Eau Claire Office

Marwa BassiouniMarwa Bassiouni

Director, Partnerships & Operations

Michele SmithMichele Smith

Program Manager, MS-Biotechnology Program

Shaping the Future of Women in Biohealth