HERstory Gala Empowers Women in Bioscience

Overview of the HERstory Gala

The HERstory Gala has established itself as a premier networking and professional development event for women in the life sciences community. Organized by Women in Bio Capital Region, this annual celebration brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and advocates who are shaping the future of biotechnology and healthcare innovation. The event serves as both a recognition of achievements and a catalyst for meaningful connections that extend far beyond the evening itself.

A Growing Community of Women Leaders

Each year, the Gala attracts an increasingly diverse audience of professionals committed to advancing women’s representation in STEM fields. The event emphasizes the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and creating pathways for the next generation of women scientists and business leaders in the biotechnology sector.

Highlights from the 2025 Gala

The 7th Annual HERstory Gala, held in Bethesda, drew more than 200 attendees for an evening of connection, conversation, and valuable insights into career development within the Maryland life sciences ecosystem. The atmosphere fostered authentic dialogue about the challenges and opportunities facing women in biotechnology today.

Inspiring Keynote Presentations

The 2025 event featured compelling keynote remarks from two distinguished Maryland ecosystem leaders who shared their professional journeys and wisdom gained along the way.

Kathie Callahan Brady, President and CEO of FITCI (Foundation for the Innovation and Technology Commercialization Infrastructure), brought her extensive experience in technology commercialization and entrepreneurship support. Her presentation emphasized the non-linear nature of successful careers and the importance of remaining adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry.

Tammi Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer of TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation), complemented these insights with her perspective on building sustainable organizations and creating opportunities for emerging talent. Together, their presentations covered critical themes including resilience, strategic mentorship, and the collective responsibility to lift others as we climb.

Key Themes: Mentorship and Career Navigation

Both speakers reinforced that successful careers rarely follow straight paths. They encouraged attendees to embrace unexpected opportunities, seek guidance from experienced mentors, and actively mentor others regardless of career stage. This dual emphasis on receiving and providing mentorship created a framework for building stronger professional networks throughout the life sciences community.

Community Reflections and Lasting Connections

The true measure of the HERstory Gala’s success extends beyond the formal programming to the relationships and collaborations it inspires among participants.

Attendee Perspectives

Nhung Hoang, Communications Committee Co-Chair for Women in Bio-Capital Region, reflected on her second Gala experience: “This was my second time attending the Gala, and it once again exceeded my expectations–especially the meaningful friendships and conversations that continued long after the event had officially ended.” Her comments highlight how the Gala creates space for authentic connection that transcends typical networking events.

Nao Gamo, HERstory Gala Committee Advisor for the Capital Region Chapter, emphasized the collaborative spirit defining the event: “The 2025 Gala was an unforgettable evening–beyond the incredible energy of the event itself, what truly stood out was the opportunity to collaborate with such a dedicated, proactive, and supportive group of women. I am amazed every time I work with the women of Women in Bio, and I’m very much looking forward to this year’s HERstory Gala!”

These reflections demonstrate how the HERstory Gala, alongside other Women in Bio Capital Region programming, creates lasting connections and inspires ongoing collaboration throughout the regional life sciences ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Gala Speakers

The 8th Annual HERstory Gala continues the tradition of showcasing women who are driving innovation across multiple dimensions of the life sciences industry.

Liz Powell, Esq., MPH: Policy and Advocacy Leadership

Liz Powell, Founder and CEO of G2G Consulting and Women’s Health Advocates, will share her expertise in shaping healthcare policy and securing critical funding that enables innovation to reach patients. Her distinguished career has helped secure hundreds of millions in government funding while advancing national conversations around women’s health, equitable reimbursement, and healthcare access. Powell’s work demonstrates how effective advocacy and policy expertise can translate scientific discoveries into real-world patient impact.

Ellington West: Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing Innovation

Ellington West, Co-Founder and CEO of Sonavi Labs, brings the perspective of an operator and builder who has transformed academic research into a thriving commercial enterprise. What began as a Johns Hopkins research project has evolved into an FDA-cleared health technology company with international recognition. Through Sonavi Labs and her work in advanced manufacturing, West is ensuring that innovation remains scalable, accessible, and grounded in community needs. Her journey illustrates the entrepreneurial pathway from laboratory concept to market-ready solution.

Complementary Perspectives on Progress

Together, Powell and West represent different but complementary approaches to advancing life sciences. Their combined presentations will show attendees how progress happens across multiple fronts–from policy advocacy to entrepreneurial execution to manufacturing scale-up. This multi-dimensional perspective provides valuable insights for professionals at every career stage.

The Future of Women in Life Sciences

The 8th Annual HERstory Gala will feature networking opportunities, recognition awards, and substantive conversations about the evolving landscape of biotechnology and healthcare innovation. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into how women throughout the region are actively shaping the future of life sciences through leadership, innovation, and collaborative community-building.

What to Expect at the 2026 Event

The upcoming Gala promises to deliver the same high-quality programming and networking opportunities that have made it a cornerstone event for the regional life sciences community. Participants can anticipate meaningful connections, practical career insights, and inspiration to advance both their individual goals and the broader mission of increasing women’s leadership in biotechnology.

The HERstory Gala remains committed to its founding purpose: celebrating achievements, fostering mentorship, and creating pathways for women to thrive in life sciences careers.