The BioForward EHS Working Group is for BioForward members that have an interest in discussing, connecting, and collaborating over the topics surrounding Environment, Health, and Safety. Over time, we plan to cover many topics like building a safety culture, waste minimization, and sustainability. The second meeting will be led by Jay Smith from Exact Sciences and the topic will be Safety Culture. Here are some questions Jay plans to discuss:How would/do you define your safety culture?Do you incorporate safety culture into your EHS process?How would/do you measure the effectiveness of your safety culture?What tools/approach have you used to enhance your safety culture?We hope to have another great discussion. Please join us!Register Below!

Electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) have evolved in the past decade from digital collections of lab notes to platforms that will automate data management tasks and enhance cross-team collaboration. Unlike unstructured paper or digital notebooks not designed for lab use, many ELNs now provide tools for inventory, compliance, and team management that will streamline processes within labs, save time, improve efficiency, and reduce R&D costs.In this webinar, SciNote‘s Manager of the Americas Wade Opperman and Content Specialist Theresa Liao will discuss how ELNs can help you effectively manage data within the lab, accelerate discoveries, and create a collaborative research environment. We will also share use cases and lessons learned in the industry, that can help jump start your selection and implementation. The webinar will end with a short demo of SciNote‘s main features and functionalities.You will leave the webinar knowing you are ready to start exploring ELN options and taking the next step in lab digitalization.Register Below! Meet the HostsWade Opperman, Manager of the Americas, SciNoteWade Opperman has over 20 years of experience providing software solutions to customers in the Healthcare and Science sectors. He has been immersed in the ELN industry with SciNote for 6 years, consulting with large and small biohealth, biotech, and life sciences companies to provide laboratory production and quality assurance services; he is proud to list the FDA as one of the customers fully using SciNote.Theresa Liao, Content Specialist, SciNoteTheresa Liao has a research background in Experimental Medicine, and more than 15 years of experience in leading digital projects and developing resources to support researchers in adopting digital solutions. She oversees content development at SciNote, creating webinars, blog posts, and other materials that share insights into data management and lab digitalization.

Women in Biohealth (WiB) is hosting an information session for our WiB Mentoring Program. The mentorship program is designed to create connections among women within the biohealth field. Mentees benefit from the experience of their mentors to guide them in achieving their professional goals. Mentors can give back to the biohealth community by sharing their knowledge.Mentors and mentees convene for regular one-on-one meetings in person or online from March 4th, 2024, to May 20th, 2024. Both parties agree to meet six times within three months as their schedule allows, with a recommendation to meet biweekly. Support is provided by program administrators in the form of kick-off and wrap-up events, check-in emails, mentor-mentee tip sheets, and guiding worksheets.WiB Mentoring is appropriate for professionals at all experience levels looking to make connections within the biohealth community.View or share the event flyer | View or share the informational flyer | Sign up to be a mentor or a menteeplease register to attend the info session below

Uncover the Secrets of Career Success at our HR Panel SessionEver felt lost in the crowd of job applicants? Wondered about the magic behind acing interviews and smoothly transitioning between roles? Your answers await at our WiB event!Join us for a dynamic 45-minute panel discussion featuring seasoned HR professionals ready to unveil career success secrets. Discover the art of standing out in a competitive job market, from crafting standout resumes and changing roles to mastering the delicate dance of interviews.Following the panel discussion, immerse yourself in a 30-minute breakout session at targeted discussion tables. Connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and receive personalized advice to fuel your career trajectory. This is your opportunity to dive deeper into the topics that matter most to you and build valuable connections within the biohealth community.Why Attend:Networking Mastery: Connect with professionals who share your passion for biohealth and gain insights that will elevate your networking game.Personalized Advice: Receive tailored advice during the breakout session to address your specific career challenges and aspirations.Career Fuel: Unleash the power of strategic career moves and position yourself for success in the competitive job market. Meet the Panel:Mary Morgan – Owner, Miss Mary DeliveryApril Hughes – Consultant Engagement Manager, InnovennElizabeth Vehige – Human Resources, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, LLCJill Walder – Director, Human Resources, MorgridgePatricia Miller – Customer Success Manager, Wolters Kluwer HealthSponsored by:Share the Event Flyer

Unlock the path to boardroom success with WiB and TEMPO Madison in an engaging evening designed to empower and guide you towards board leadership. Join us for an insightful exploration where you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the reasons behind your desire to be on a board, identify the skills needed to prepare for this impactful role, and discover the unique strengths that set you apart.Agenda:4:30-5:00PM Registration & Networking5:00-6:00PM Board Readiness Session6:00-6:30PM Networking & Wrap UpWho Should Attend: This event is specifically tailored for dynamic and ambitious women who are poised to take the next step in their professional journey by pursuing board positions. If you find yourself asking questions like “Why do I want to be on a board?” and are eager to identify the skills necessary for boardroom success, this event is crafted for you.This event requires that you complete one page of prework before we meet on March 13th. You can download the prework here.Register:Please Note: There is prework to be completed for this session and we ask that you only register if you are committed to taking this journey with us.About the SpeakersPatti EpsteinPatti serves as Deputy Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and spearheading technology initiatives of the Department. Recognized as a strategic leader who adeptly bridges business and technology to improve organizational performance, her career reflects a track record in leading successful large-scale transformation initiatives, optimizing processes in complex business environments, and executing M&A integrations. Patti is the Executive Board Vice President for Gallant Knight Limousine Service, serves on the Steering Committee for Milwaukee Women Inc., is a board member for Tempo Madison serving as the Membership Chair and Project Reach Co-chair, a member of the Wisconsin Women’s Council and Wisconsin Remote Notary Council.Jean BergmanJean is the Vice President and CFO at Ramaker & Associates, an architecture and engineering firm in Sauk City, WI. She was instrumental in establishing and managing the company’s transition to an employee-owned company. Her background includes financial management of multiple companies, including strategic planning, financial analysis and modeling, budgeting, and mergers and acquisitions. Jean is the treasurer for the Madison Chapter of Financial Executives International, is the Vice President of Advocacy for the Wisconsin Chapter of the ESOP Association and serves on the Project Reach committee for TEMPO Madison.Jane F. (Ginger) ZimmermanGinger Zimmerman is the President and Managing Shareholder at Murphy Desmond S.C. responsible for strategic planning, management, growth, and development of the firm in addition to representing her clients. Ms. Zimmerman has served on numerous boards in her 35+ year career and currently serves as the Chair of the Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Creditor Rights Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin and as the Vice Chair of the United Way of Dane County Board.

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!

What are your sustainability targets? Are they governed by social responsibility, an internal green team, or associated operating costs? Join Focus on Energy as they discuss new incentive programs for the lab space and beyond, designed to instantly reduce the price of energy efficient lab cold storage, as well as brand new programs providing rebates for efficient food service, water heating, and HVAC equipment.Register BelowMeet the Hosts:Phil Pipitone is a Senior Life Sciences Manager fostering thriving partnerships with lab equipment suppliers, life sciences end users, and the sustainable laboratory space to develop and drive new energy-saving opportunities for labs. He leverages his decade-plus expertise in life sciences equipment, particularly cold storage to drive sustainability targets, is a My Green Lab Ambassador, and on the board of the Greater New York chapter of the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories. Phil manages relationships with life sciences suppliers participating in the incentive program on behalf of Focus on Energy.Sophia Showalter is an experienced project manager specializing in the energy efficiency sector. With a focus on inclusive program design, she actively contributes to the development and implementation of energy efficiency initiatives for utility and government clients. Currently, Sophia oversees the Instant Discounts Program on behalf of Focus on Energy, facilitating access to smart energy solutions for the people of Wisconsin. She is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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!

BioSavings member companies are invited to join us for a delightful lunch at the 8th Annual Fisher Customer Appreciation Luncheon on August 14th.

Prepare your taste buds as we welcome local food trucks serving up delectable delights. And what’s a celebration without something sweet? Indulge in mouthwatering Chocolate Shoppe ice cream treats to beat the summer heat.

Explore and network with vendors right in BioForward’s parking lot – discover exciting products and services while mingling with fellow customers and industry experts.

Vendors Attending: Fisherbrand, Fisher Scientific Chemicals, Fisher Scientific Safety, Fisher Scientific Life Science, Thermo Scientific Laboratory Equipment, Thermo Scientific Laboratory Consumables, Thermo Scientific UV-VIS, Thermo Scientific Genetic Analysis, Thermo Scientific Bioproduction, Thermo Scientific Chromotography, Thermo Scientific Biosciences, Thermo Scientific Laboratory Chemicals, Kimberly Clark, Mettler Toledo, Spectrum Chemical, Cytiva, Corning, DWK, Gilson, Sartorius, and Eppendorf

Mark your calendars and join us for a day of fun, food, and appreciation.

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.

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!

The BioForward EHS Working Group is for BioForward members that have an interest in discussing, connecting, and collaborating over the topics surrounding Environment, Health, and Safety.  This meeting will be led by Greg Hansen from Promega on SDS Management.

Please join us!

Meet the Host!

Gregory L. Hansen is a seasoned Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) professional with over a decade of experience in managing and leading safety programs across various industries. Currently serving as the Environmental, Health and Safety Supervisor at Promega Corporation, Greg overseescritical programs including Industrial Hygiene, Ventilation, and Engineering Controls, while mentoring a team of EHS Specialists. He is a proactive advocate for safety culture, collaborating with site leadership to optimize EHS compliance programs and lead environmental permitting initiatives.

Before joining Promega, Greg worked at Covance Laboratories as a Senior Environmental Health and Safety Specialist. There, he managed multiple safety programs, led cost-reduction projects, and significantly contributed to improving workplace safety through innovative solutions. His efforts led to a substantial reduction in hazardous waste costs and the successful implementation of new safety protocols. Greg holds a Master of Science in Environmental Health and Safety from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, and he is a Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP), certified by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Additionally, Greg has completed various specialized training programs, including Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Green Belt, enhancing his ability to drive continuous improvement in safety and operational processes.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Greg is actively involved in safety committees and is passionate about woodworking. He is currently working towards achieving the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation, aiming to further solidify his expertise in the EHS field.

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.

Welcome back to our quarterly EHS Working Group Meetings! The next discussion session will be a virtual event led by Daniel Rinehardt on EHS standards and how to keep up with global trends and the rapidly changing EHS landscape. Keeping up with global standards in not only a necessity for global companies but are good indicators of future changes in the US. Come join this great conversation and bring your questions about this or any EHS topic.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

Register Now

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!

‍

_{In-person | Limited Capacity}

_{Join fellow EHS professionals for our next in-person Working Group meeting, featuring a special presentation on career-enhancing certifications and a behind-the-scenes site tour.}

_{📍 Location:}

_{Feynman Center
2780 Woods Hollow Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53711}

_{🗓 Agenda}

_{10:00–10:15 AM
Begin the tour (short walk to the Kornberg building)}

_{11:45 AM
Return to the Feynman Center for lunch}

_{12:00–1:00 PM
EHS Working Group Meeting & Speaker Presentation}

_{🎤 Featured Speaker}

_{Daniel Rinehardt, CSP
EHS Site Lead, Illumina}

_{Topic:Certifications for EHS Professionals
(CSP, CIH, CHMM, and more)}

_{Gain insights into the professional certifications within the EHS area. Daniel will share his perspective on the value of certifications, and which might be right for your organization.}

_{🍽 Lunch generously sponsored by:}

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!

Introducing the BioForward Capability Cloud!

The BioForward Capability Cloud is a new resource from BioForward that will provide a deeper look into Wisconsin's biohealth industry and the companies that support it. Everyone can use the Capability Cloud, but we have focused it on helping biohealth companies find services and supplies that they need as well as giving the world an opportunity to find partners in Wisconsin's thriving biohealth sector. The Capability Cloud is a constantly evolving database of BioForward members, where pages are generated and updated using AI technology. Visitors can search using a variety of service- and industry-specific keywords to find the right partner to take them to the next level.

BioForward members can sign up for a free account to take ownership of their company page and customize it as they wish or let the AI do it for them.

Anyone can sign up for a free account that lets them save searches, connect with others, and make and share lists, guides, events, and news.

We look forward to continuously improving this resource that will serve as a gateway to Wisconsin Biohealth.

_______________________

This webinar will provide an overview of the new BioForward Capability Cloud, a constantly evolving, AI-driven database of Wisconsin's biohealth industry. In addition to questions from participants, we will cover the following topics:

o What is the Capability Cloud?

    Navigation, Features, Uses

o Editing Pages to Promote Your Company

    Learn how to take control of your company page and improve searches and visibility

o Adding Content to the Capability Cloud

    Learn how to add News, Events, Guides, and Lists

    Learn how to interact with other users on the platform

Let us help you orient to this powerful new resource and make the most of the BioForward Capability Cloud.

As a valued member of the BioSaving program, we'd like to invite you and your team to join us for lunch on Tuesday, August 19th at 11 am in the BioForward parking lot at 440 Science Drive.

We will have food trucks and ice cream for you to enjoy as you partake in fun carnival games and network with vendors.

Vendors attending include:

Fisher Scientific, Fisher Scientific Safety, Fisher Scientific Life Sciences, Thermo Scientific Laboratory Equipment, Thermo Scientific Laboratory Consumables, Thermo Scientific UV-VIS, Thermo Scientific Genetic Analysis, Thermo Scientific Bioproduction, Thermo Scientific Chromotography, Thermo Scientific Biosciences, Thermo Scientific Laboratory Chemicals, Ansell, Mettler Toledo, Corning, Eppendorf, Dupont, Millipore Sigma, Gilson, Cytiva, Brady, Contec, and Texwipe

‍

Let us know you're coming!

📍 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:

‍

WiB is excited to present a special conversation with Senator Dianne Hesselbein, focused on advocacy, leadership, and the future of Wisconsin’s biohealth industry. As part of WiB’s mission to empower, inspire, and connect women across all stages of their careers, this event offers an opportunity to learn how to effectively engage in advocacy and make an impact at both the state and community levels. Senator Hesselbein will share her insights on public service, her commitment to Wisconsin’s growing biohealth sector, and her perspective on the state’s evolving policy landscape. The session will include a 20-minute discussion followed by an open Q&A, giving attendees the chance to connect directly and ask questions in an approachable, conversational setting. Doors will open for networking at 5PM with Senator Hesselbein to begin at 5:30PM.

RSVP REQUIRED

🎉The year isn’t over until we celebrate you!

Join us for BioForward’s End of Year Celebration—a high-energy night of music, connection, and well-deserved fun as we close out a milestone year for Wisconsin’s biohealth community.

We’re turning up the volume with live music from Tonight Only, an incredible venue, and a few surprises along the way. This FREE event is our way of saying thank you for making 2025 unforgettable.

This year we’re celebrating more than achievements—we’re celebrating momentum. From our first-ever two-day Summit to the launch of the Investor Portfolio Report and so many other “firsts,” 2025 has set the stage for what’s next. Plus, it’s Lisa Johnson’s 10-year anniversary leading BioForward—an extra reason to raise a glass!

✨ Don’t miss the party of the year. ✨
Come ready to dance, connect, and toast to the people driving our industry forward. The future of Wisconsin biohealth is bright—and it’s only getting louder.

Event Details:
📍 The Sylvee, Madison, WI
📅 December 17, 2025
🎶 Featuring Tonight Only
💫 Free for all BioForward members!

Parking Information
Street and ramp parking are available near The Sylvee. Please note that BioForward is not responsible for any parking fees or tickets.

Thank you to our sponsors!

🎤CELEBRATION🎤

🎉RAFFLE🎉

🎁GIVE AWAY🎁

🎶GENERAL EVENT🎶

‍

⚪PLATINUM MEDALLION⚪

🟡GOLD MEDALLION🟡

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

Interested in mentoring—or being mentored—but want to learn more first?
Join Women in Biohealth for an in-person Ask Me Anything session about the WiB Mentoring Program.

This informal session is designed to help you:

Learn what to expect from the program

Understand the mentor and mentee experience

Decide whether participation is right for you

No commitment is required to attend. The session will be recorded and shared for those unable to join in person.

📍 University Research Park
🕠 January 7 | 5:30–6:30 PM

Register Now

The Women in Biohealth Mentoring Program officially kicks off with an in-person gathering to celebrate the start of new mentoring connections.

This event brings mentors and mentees together to:

Meet fellow participants

Set the tone for the program

Begin building meaningful professional relationships

📍 University Research Park
🕠 February 2 | 5:30–6:30 PM

‍

Sometimes the best connections happen after the workday ends.

Join Women in Biohealth for a casual networking happy hour at Delta Beer Lab, where the vibe is relaxed, the conversations are real, and the pressure is officially off.

This is not a panel.
Not a pitch.
Not a formal program.

It’s simply a chance for women across Wisconsin’s biohealth ecosystem to:

• Let their hair down after work
• Meet new faces (or reconnect with familiar ones)
• Share stories, advice, laughs, and encouragement
• Build community—one conversation at a time

Whether you’re early in your career, deep into leadership, exploring a transition, or just looking to expand your circle, you’re welcome here. Come solo or bring a friend. Grab a drink, find a seat, and jump into conversation at your own pace.

📍 Location: Delta Beer Lab
⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

No agenda. No expectations. Just good people, good vibes, and great conversation.

We can’t wait to see you there 💙

Buy your own beer.

Finance Choices That Shape Biotech

In today’s volatile biohealth landscape, financial decisions don’t just impact balance sheets—they shape teams, technologies, and long-term resilience.

Join us for an evening conversation that pulls back the curtain on how biotech and biohealth companies evaluate risk, secure investment, and make the difficult decisions required to sustain growth. This event brings together perspectives from both the investment side and the operator side of the industry, offering a rare, candid look at how funding and financial strategy influence every stage of a company’s lifecycle.

The evening will feature short, focused presentations followed by a moderated fireside chat and audience discussion.

What You’ll Learn

• How venture capital firms evaluate biohealth companies and investment readiness
• What investors look for in early-stage vs. scaling companies
• How companies decide when to grow, pause, pivot, or right-size
• Financial decision-making during periods of uncertainty, including layoffs or product exits
• Leadership insights from the C-suite, including navigating these decisions as a woman leader in biohealth

Featured Speakers

• Jenni Le
  Venture Associate, Venture Investors
  Jenni will share the investor perspective—how venture capital firms assess companies, manage risk, and decide where to deploy capital in the biohealth space, from startups through later-stage growth.
  Bio- Jenni joined Venture Investors as an Associate in January 2022. Prior to joining Venture Investors, Jenni served as the Managing Director for gener8tor Madison, a nationally ranked startup accelerator. She was also the Director for gBETA Madison, a pre-seed accelerator that focused on growing startups with ties to Madison, Wisconsin. She is also a former fellow for Bascom Ventures. Before her pivot into venture capital, Jenni began as a policy and research analyst for the Illinois and Wisconsin state governments, where she did extensive research on policy issues and translated scientific research related for policy makers. She also worked as a science writer for a conservation non-profit dedicated to supporting voluntary conservation on private working land through ethics, science, and incentives.

• Alison Hess
  Vice President of Finance, NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes
  Alison will provide an inside look at how companies make real-world financial decisions, including hiring and workforce changes, exiting product lines, and balancing financial discipline with long-term strategy—drawing from her experience as a senior finance leader in biohealth.
  Bio- Alison Hess is the Vice President of Finance at NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, where she combines rigorous financial leadership with a commitment to advancing patient care. She oversees the company’s financial reporting, budgeting, capital allocation, investor relations, and risk management, ensuring NorthStar is positioned for long term, sustainable growth. Alison brings more than 20 years of broad cross functional experience from the automotive manufacturing and distribution sectors, where she held leadership roles spanning finance, product management, corporate tax, operations, IT, and capital management.

Event Format

• 5:30–6:00 p.m. | Networking & Arrival
• 6:00–6:30 p.m. | Speaker Presentations
  • 15 minutes per speaker
• 6:30 p.m. | Fireside Chat & Audience Discussion

Who Should Attend

This event is ideal for:

• Biohealth and biotech founders
• Startup and growth-stage executives
• Finance, operations, and strategy leaders
• Investors and ecosystem partners
• Anyone navigating funding, growth, or difficult financial decisions in biohealth

Sponsored by:

Sometimes the best connections happen after the workday ends.

Join Women in Biohealth for a casual networking happy hour at Delta Beer Lab, where the vibe is relaxed, the conversations are real, and the pressure is officially off.

This is not a panel.
Not a pitch.
Not a formal program.

It’s simply a chance for women across Wisconsin’s biohealth ecosystem to:

• Let their hair down after work
• Meet new faces (or reconnect with familiar ones)
• Share stories, advice, laughs, and encouragement
• Build community—one conversation at a time

Whether you’re early in your career, deep into leadership, exploring a transition, or just looking to expand your circle, you’re welcome here. Come solo or bring a friend. Grab a drink, find a seat, and jump into conversation at your own pace.

📍 Location: Delta Beer Lab
⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

No agenda. No expectations. Just good people, good vibes, and great conversation.

We can’t wait to see you there 💙

Buy your own beer.

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Board service can be a powerful way to expand your influence, build new skills, and contribute your expertise beyond your day-to-day role.

This session, put together by TEMPO Madison & WiB, will demystify board service by exploring what it really takes to serve on a board, from core responsibilities and expectations to the skills, experience, and time commitment required. Attendees will gain insight into how board service supports professional growth, strengthens strategic thinking, and opens doors to new networks and opportunities.

Whether you’re curious about serving on a nonprofit, advisory, or corporate board, or actively preparing for your first role, this discussion will provide practical guidance, real-world perspectives, and clear next steps to help you determine if board service is right for you and how to pursue it with confidence.

This session is for women at any career stage. If you've served on a board, join us and share your expertise through networking.

Register Now

‍

Topic: AI & Technology

Speaker: Greg Hansen, Promega Corporation

RSVP HERE

Sometimes the best connections happen after the workday ends.

Join Women in Biohealth for a casual networking happy hour at Delta Beer Lab, where the vibe is relaxed, the conversations are real, and the pressure is officially off.

This is not a panel.
Not a pitch.
Not a formal program.

It’s simply a chance for women across Wisconsin’s biohealth ecosystem to:

• Let their hair down after work
• Meet new faces (or reconnect with familiar ones)
• Share stories, advice, laughs, and encouragement
• Build community—one conversation at a time

Whether you’re early in your career, deep into leadership, exploring a transition, or just looking to expand your circle, you’re welcome here. Come solo or bring a friend. Grab a drink, find a seat, and jump into conversation at your own pace.

📍 Location: Delta Beer Lab
⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

No agenda. No expectations. Just good people, good vibes, and great conversation.

We can’t wait to see you there 💙

Buy your own beer.

Join us as we celebrate the conclusion of the WiB Mentoring Program and the connections built along the way.

This in-person event is an opportunity to:

Reflect on shared experiences

Celebrate mentorship relationships

Recognize the impact of community and connection

📍 University Research Park
🕠 April 30 | 5:30–6:30 PM

‍

Employee benefits captives are rapidly reshaping how innovative organizations manage healthcare costs, improve flexibility, and gain long term financial stability. This foundational webinar is designed specifically for BioForward members exploring whether a captive strategy could be the right next step.

You’ll learn how captives work, why more growth minded companies are making the transition, and what it takes to evaluate readiness. We’ll also explore the potential for captive models tailored to Wisconsin’s biohealth community, including structural advantages, risk alignment, and group purchasing power. Real world case studies and transition roadmaps will provide a clear understanding of both opportunities and considerations.

RSVP NOW

Sometimes the best connections happen after the workday ends.

Join Women in Biohealth for a casual networking happy hour at Delta Beer Lab, where the vibe is relaxed, the conversations are real, and the pressure is officially off.

This is not a panel.
Not a pitch.
Not a formal program.

It’s simply a chance for women across Wisconsin’s biohealth ecosystem to:

• Let their hair down after work
• Meet new faces (or reconnect with familiar ones)
• Share stories, advice, laughs, and encouragement
• Build community—one conversation at a time

Whether you’re early in your career, deep into leadership, exploring a transition, or just looking to expand your circle, you’re welcome here. Come solo or bring a friend. Grab a drink, find a seat, and jump into conversation at your own pace.

📍 Location: Delta Beer Lab
⏰ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

No agenda. No expectations. Just good people, good vibes, and great conversation.

We can’t wait to see you there 💙

Buy your own beer.

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the workplace, both academia and industry face the same pressing question: What, exactly, should we be teaching and learning?

Join us for a highly interactive, one-hour Zoom discussion exploring how organizations can define and develop meaningful AI literacy across roles — without assuming everyone needs to be a data scientist.

Featuring insights from Milwaukee School of Engineering’s (MSOE) cross-campus initiative to integrate AI into every major, this session will explore:

• How MSOE approached AI curriculum design when industry itself wasn’t sure what to ask for

• How to define “AI-literate” by job role — from entry-level hires to mid-career professionals

• Push vs. pull learning models: Should organizations direct AI upskilling or let employees explore?

• What problems are actually worth applying AI to — and where it may not belong

• Risk, ethics, trust, and decision-making in regulated environments

Participants will be invited into the conversation to share how their organizations are assessing AI tools, structuring training, incentivizing adoption, and navigating risk.

This is not a lecture — it’s a working discussion for leaders thinking seriously about AI workforce readiness.

Ideal for workforce leaders, academic partners, innovation teams, and executives navigating AI integration in complex, regulated industries.

Register Now

‍

Connect. Discover. Get Involved.

Ready to meet the women driving Wisconsin’s biohealth community forward—and find your place in it? Join us for an energizing evening designed to connect, inspire, and grow the Women in Biohealth (WiB) network.

Whether you’re a long-time member or just getting started, this is your chance to learn more about WiB, explore subcommittees, and jump into the action. Plus—networking bingo, great conversations, and prizes? Yes, please.

What to Expect

✨ A high-energy WiB overview
Get a snapshot of how Women in Biohealth is building connections, creating opportunities, and making an impact across the state.

✨ Subcommittee spotlights
Hear directly from committee leaders about what they’re working on—and how you can get involved.

✨ Networking bingo (with prizes!)
Break the ice, meet new people, and have some fun along the way. Complete your card for a chance to win!

✨ Meaningful connections
Spend the evening building relationships with peers, mentors, and leaders across Wisconsin’s biohealth ecosystem.

Agenda

BWBR | 1 Pinckney St, Unit 500, Madison

5:00 – 5:30 PM
Registration, refreshments, and networking bingo kickoff (on the BWBR patio)

5:30 – 6:00 PM
Women in Biohealth overview + subcommittee speakers

6:00 – 7:00 PM
Networking bingo continues, connect with committee members, refreshments

6:45 PM
🎉 Bingo prize drawings

‍

Join BioForward’s EHS Working Group for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience at Illumina. This session features a guided facility tour followed by a working lunch and discussion on regulatory compliance, led by Illumina’s Daniel Rinehardt.

Summer calendars fill up fast.

Between vacations, conferences, kids' activities, lake weekends, and everything else life throws at us, it can be surprisingly hard to find time to connect with colleagues and friends across Wisconsin's biohealth community.

That's why we're making time for a summer evening together.

Join Women in Biohealth for our Summer Networking Happy Hour at Capital Brewery—a casual gathering designed to help women across Wisconsin's biohealth ecosystem reconnect, recharge, and enjoy great conversation before the season gets away from us.

This is not a panel.

Not a pitch.

Not a formal program.

Just an opportunity to:

• Catch up with colleagues and friends
• Meet new women working across Wisconsin's biohealth industry
• Share ideas, experiences, and advice
• Build meaningful connections in a relaxed setting
• Enjoy a summer evening with an incredible community

Whether you're early in your career, leading a team, exploring new opportunities, or simply looking to expand your network, you're welcome here.

Come solo. Bring a colleague. Stay for a quick hello or linger awhile.

📍 Location: Capital Brewery
⏰ Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m.

No agenda. No expectations. Just good people, summer vibes, and great conversation.

Please note: Beverages are available for purchase individually.

‍

Catalent’s Madison site is hiring!

As Catalent continues to grow its Madison operations, the team is expanding its capabilities to support the missions that matter most: delivering life-changing therapies to patients around the world.

This is an exciting time to explore opportunities with Catalent Madison, where team members contribute to a patient-first culture grounded in quality, innovation, and accountability — all within a state-of-the-art facility making a real impact every day.

Interested in learning more? Join Catalent for an upcoming Teams event covering:

• Catalent overview

• Catalent Madison

• Why now is a great time to join the company

Learn more and join the conversation: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/351220067129314?p=Kj1lPT2eWpoZDpfDPL

If you want a reminder with the link- sign up below.

Madison-area and Wisconsin companies are being asked to do more - with tighter labor markets, rising costs, and faster innovation cycles.

That’s exactly why we’re bringing manufacturers, biotech, and healthcare leaders into the room together for our Quarterly Tech Hub Talk — an in-person conversation focused on practical workforce and innovation solutions tied directly to Wisconsin’s Biohealth Tech Hub.

What’s working locally

What resources companies aren’t always aware of

How manufacturers and suppliers fit into the biohealth ecosystem

‍

📍 In person | Madison, WI

🗓   July 30 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM

🤝 Connect with other company leaders and partners after the talk!

‍

Connect with peers tackling the same challenges, and hear directly from Xiogenix – a company already seeing results from Tech Hub resources!

‍

Space is limited - Register here:

https://businessentrepreneurship.zohobackstage.com/QuarterlyTechHubTalkMadisonAreaQ22026

‍

Co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, and the Universities of Wisconsin.

‍

Sign up now

Tour the Dane County Landfill & Trash Lab Trailer

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026

Location: Dane County Landfill – Hop Park

Address: 3656 County Hwy AB, McFarland, WI

Arrival: Please arrive by 10:45 AM

Tour Bus: Departs promptly at 11:00 AM

Maximum Participants: 30

Important Requirements

Please review these requirements before arriving:

• 🦺 Safety vests are required throughout the tour and will be provided on-site.

• 👟 Footwear: No sandals or open-toed shoes. Close-toed shoes and long pants are required.

• 🚫 No food: Food is not permitted in the Trash Lab or on the tour bus.

What You’ll See

The tour will include stops at:

• Trash Lab – Interactive waste education

• Clean Sweep Facility – Household hazardous waste drop-off

• C&D Recycling Facility – Construction and demolition processing

• Renewable Natural Gas Plant – Landfill gas-to-energy conversion

• Active Landfill – Working face and environmental controls

We’re excited to have you join us for this unique look at landfill operations and environmental practices!

Questions? Contact Greg Hansen, CSP at greg.hansen@promega.com.

See you September 17!

Register here.

Good conversation. New connections. No agenda required.

Join Women in Biohealth for a relaxed evening at Grape Water Wine Bar designed simply to bring women across Wisconsin’s biohealth community together.

Whether you’re hoping to meet someone new, catch up with familiar faces, expand your professional circle, or just enjoy a drink after work, this is an easygoing space to connect with others who understand the opportunities, challenges, and experiences of working in biohealth.

No presentations. No formal networking. No pressure.

Come on your own or bring a colleague. Stay for a quick drink or spend the whole evening with us. Whether you’re just beginning your career, leading a team, navigating what comes next, or somewhere in between, you’re welcome here.

Come raise a glass and grow your Women in Biohealth community.

Wisconsin Biohealth: From Molecule to Medicine - Delivering Successful Patient Outcomes

Join us at the 2026 Wisconsin Biohealth Summit as we bring together the full ecosystem—scientists, clinicians, innovators, investors, and industry leaders—to explore how breakthroughs move beyond the lab and into real-world patient impact.

Now a dynamic 1.5-day, content-packed experience, this year’s Summit goes deeper—connecting science, business, and investment in new and meaningful ways. Kick things off with an exclusive pre-Summit workshop in partnership with NVNG, featuring focused discussions on the investment landscape and opportunities shaping the future of biohealth innovation.

Across multiple curated tracks and high-impact sessions, we’ll explore:

• The journey from discovery to patient outcomes across the biohealth ecosystem
• Emerging trends in science, data, and technology transforming care delivery
• The intersection of innovation, investment, and commercialization
• How AI, automation, and advanced technologies are accelerating progress
• Global collaboration and Wisconsin’s growing role on the national stage
• Continued momentum from the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub

This is where ideas turn into action, and innovation turns into impact.

Be part of the conversations, the connections, and the breakthroughs driving biohealth forward!

Real Stories, Real Leadership

‍
Women in Biohealth | November 4, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. | URP Irving Shain Conference Room (050)

Leadership rarely follows a straight line. Careers change direction. Opportunities appear unexpectedly. Setbacks test us. And sometimes the most valuable leadership lessons come from the moments that never make it into a professional bio.

Join Women in Biohealth for an evening of candid conversation, practical insights, and meaningful connection with women across Wisconsin’s biohealth community.

Through a series of short, TED-style talks, accomplished leaders will share real experiences that have shaped how they lead—from major career pivots and professional setbacks to stepping into new roles, finding their voice, balancing competing priorities, and learning to lead in different organizational environments.

Following the presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to engage with the speakers through Q&A and continue the conversation during networking.

Whether you are just beginning to think about leadership, navigating your next career move, or already leading teams and organizations, you’ll leave with new perspectives, practical lessons, and connections that can support the next stage of your journey.

What to Expect

• Networking with women from across Wisconsin’s biohealth community
• Five short, experience-driven leadership talks
• Interactive Q&A with featured speakers
• Practical perspectives you can apply to your own career and leadership journey
• Time to build relationships that extend beyond the event

Speakers

Susan Labelle

Topic: A Tale of Two CEOs

Description: Leadership is defined by actions, not titles. Susan shares her experiences working with two CEOs whose different approaches to leading large companies offer valuable lessons in leadership.

‍

‍

Ann Salm

Topic: Know Your North Star: Leading from Behind in Healthcare, Higher Education, and Beyond

Description: Ann draws on her experience in healthcare, higher education, and medical affairs to explore how women lead with purpose. Learn how knowing your team, your landscape, and your values can create meaningful impact while navigating professional and personal responsibilities.

‍

‍

Melissa Schneider

Topic: Adapting Your Leadership Style: When What Got You Here No Longer Works

Description: What happens when you’re an expert in your field, but your proven techniques no longer work in a new context? Melissa explores how to recognize when familiar approaches need to change and adapt your leadership style to succeed.

‍

‍

Connie Lebakken

Topic: Leading in a Startup or Small Organization

Description: How do you help your team set priorities when everything feels important? Connie explores the challenges of leading in a startup or smaller organization and helping teams focus on what matters most.

‍

‍

‍

Cindy Jisa

Topic: Finding My Voice: Becoming My Own Advocate

Description: After years of advocating for others, Cindy learned to bring that same determination to her own career. She shares how trusting her judgment and challenging limiting perspectives helped her become her own advocate, with leadership lessons other women can apply to their own journeys.

‍

‍

‍

Register Now

🎉 One More Year to Celebrate. One Last Dance for Lisa!

We're not wrapping up 2026 without one more party!

What a year it's been for Wisconsin biohealth! From bringing the Wisconsin Biohealth Summit to Milwaukee for the first time to celebrating our industry's incredible growth and continued momentum, 2026 has given us plenty of reasons to raise a glass.

And this year, we have one more VERY special reason to celebrate...

It's Lisa's Last Dance! 💃🎶

That's right! BioForward's End of Year Celebration will be Lisa Johnson's final BioForward event, and if there's one thing we know about Lisa, it's that she knows how to bring people together—and how to have a little fun along the way!

After more than a decade of passionate leadership, big ideas, bold moves, and unforgettable moments, we're giving Lisa the send-off she deserves. And we can't think of a better way to celebrate her than by bringing together the people who have made this journey so special.

So, let's make this one for the books!

Join us at The Tinsmith for an evening of celebration, connection, laughter, and maybe a few dance moves. Whether you're coming to toast another remarkable year for Wisconsin biohealth, reconnect with your industry friends, or celebrate Lisa, one thing is certain: you won't want to miss this party!

✨ One incredible community. One unforgettable leader. One last dance. ✨

Event Details

📍 The Tinsmith | Madison, WI

📅 Wednesday, December 9, 2026

🕒 Time to be announced

🎉 Come ready to celebrate!