WEST Wisdom Blog

Sandra Glucksmann, CEO of Cedilla Therapeutics and a founding board member of WEST, sat down with us to share her experience and lessons learned over her 25-year career in biotech. Sandra holds a PhD in molecular genetics and cell biology from the University of Chicago and carried out her post-doctorate work at MIT.

Sandra’s career path spanned both science and business. She attributes her success to being open to new opportunities that were not necessarily in her wheel house and to cultivating a strong network. After working as a bench scientist for eleven years at Millennium, she made a mid-career shift into the business side of biotech. She believes that staying deeply connected with her science background gave her a leg-up when developing her corporate presence in biotech. 

Topics: Leadership, Women, Science, Career, Community, Giving Back, Interview, Success, Network, Inspire, Leader, Women in STEM, Presence, Biotech, Business, Change, Connect, Developing Your Skills, Strengths, Career Development, Influence Without Authority, PhD, New Opportunities, Mentor, Sponsor, Advice, Risk, Ask, Learn

In today’s increasingly competitive workplace and market, it’s no longer sufficient to get by with a strong resume and cover letter. In order to succeed in your field, you must act on your strengths, diligently build connections/community, and seek recognition in order to set yourself apart.

Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Transitions, Career, Communication, Community, Life, Cambridge, Inspire, Women in STEM, Networking, You, Upcoming Events, Professional, Presence, Biotech, Resources, Interactive, Connect, Influence, Developing Your Skills, Engage, Career Development, Own It, Empowerment

We know that gender inequality at senior levels is a real and important limitation for women in most careers, including STEM. But, have we fully acknowledged the self-limitations we women impose on our own careers? As women in science and technology (and probably most fields), we are often our own worst enemies. Rather than hitting our heads on the glass ceiling, we find ourselves sticking to a floor, where we have poured the molasses.

Topics: Events, Leadership, Gender Balance, Women, Cambridge, Success, Inspire

Topics: Events, Leadership, Women, Tech, Community, Success, Network, Inspire

Wishing you could handle the work-life balance with this much finesse?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ojvk-4IcOE

Wearing yourself out with perfect execution of your job and both the second (often simultaneous) shift at home?  Wearing yourself out even trying?  Feeling like you can't succeed in your career and be a "good mom and partner"?  

Come join us at lunch time (you have to take time to eat anyway!) to learn some tips and tricks for your work-life balance and hear and share some good stories while doing it!  You will walk away with at least 1 idea you can implement immediately.

Topics: Events, Women, Career, Work Life Balance, Inspire, Mom

Then mark your calendar for March 20^th when WEST will co-host a combined speed networking and panel event with the Society of Professional Consultants. Six senior panelists who started out in STEM will describe their path to success in STEM or STEM-related careers. Experience a combination of facilitated networking and small breakout sessions with the panelists to hear about alternative career trajectories, learn how to tell your personal story in a compelling way, and gain confidence in your own skills and abilities.

Topics: Events, Tech, Science, Transitions, Career, Network, Inspire

Last week, more than 130 men and women gathered in Cambridge to recognize the honorees in WEST’s Annual “Giving Back Awards” ceremony. EACH YEAR for the past 9 years, WEST has brought the biotech and tech community together to honor incredible women from the science, technology and engineering fields who go above and beyond and selflessly give back to society. This year, in addition to recognizing women, WEST added a new accolade designed to recognize men who have demonstrated commitment to supporting and advancing talented women in STEM careers.

Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Awards, Giving Back, Network, Giving, Inspire

Join WEST for an enchanting evening of celebration in Cambridge on Wednesday January 25^th at our “Giving Back Awards” event where we will be recognizing remarkable individuals who contribute to the greater good.

 

Topics: Events, STEM, Women, Awards, Community, Giving Back, Network, Giving, Inspire

Meet the extraordinary and inspiring women and men being honored and hear the stories of how they have made a profound impact on society. The honorees are role models who balance job and personal responsibilities while making a difference in their community. Join us to congratulate them, be inspired, network, and support the career advancement of women in the enterprise of science and technology! 

Topics: Events, STEM, Awards, Community, Giving Back, Network, Inspire

WEST is accepting nominations through December 15th for our 9th Annual Giving Back Awards. You can nominate a deserving contender for one of the awards listed below. All nominees should be providing direct service to the community, be giving outside of the core responsibilities of his or her job, have a day job in science or technology, and be willing to have his or her story printed in the event program. The nominations should include name, title, company, giving back award category, and 1-3 paragraphs about their giving back. Please send nominations to Jaime Luna, WEST’s Director of Operations, at jluna@westorg.org. 

Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Nominate, Awards, Community, Giving Back, Network, Inspire