The “Leading Ladies in Biotech and Beyond” panel was a highlight of Arizona Bioscience Week 2024, taking place on Monday, September 16th at the Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC). The event celebrated the contributions of top women leaders in the biotech field, fostering connections through conversations and networking. Moderated by Scarlett Spring, Executive Director of the PBC, the event attracted over 75 attendees from the bioscience, entrepreneurial, and academic sectors across Phoenix, encouraging robust discussions on industry leadership and innovation.
Scarlett Spring opened the discussion by emphasizing the vital role of the PBC, calling it “the connective tissue into our clinical partners, into our investors, and into our entrepreneurial ecosystem.” This framing highlighted the PBC’s role as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
The panel featured distinguished leaders in the biotech industry, including Kristen Oelschlager, Chief Operating Officer at Castle Biosciences; Kristen Swingle, President and COO of Critical Path Institute; and Tracey Dodenhoff, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at ASU Knowledge Enterprise. These accomplished women shared their professional journeys and insights, offering powerful encouragement for women to step into leadership roles.
Kristen Oelschlager offered practical advice on building relationships, saying, “Build a network of trusted people around you and use them often. Ask for help early and often—people are looking for ways to engage with you and pull you forward.” This advice underscored the importance of networking and seeking mentorship, particularly in a rapidly evolving industry like biotech.
Kristen Swingle reinforced the value of personal development by urging attendees to be open to growth. “Be coachable—ask for feedback—we want to invest in those who want to invest in us,” she said, emphasizing the mutual benefit of mentorship, confidence in your abilities, and the value of continuous learning.
On the topic of venture capital, Tracey Dodenhoff encouraged women to push through challenges in traditionally male-dominated spaces. “There is a gift in the rigor,” she explained. “It might be more challenging to get in, but once you’re in, it’s great.” She further encouraged women to embrace discomfort as a sign of growth: “If you’re uncomfortable, that’s awesome because that means you’re growing.”
This panel was one of many exciting events during AZBio Week, which also included fundraising workshops, award ceremonies, and numerous networking opportunities. The conversations and insights shared during the event not only highlighted the current landscape of biotech but also inspired attendees to consider their own paths forward in the industry.