At Women Leading Science: Voices & Visions, leaders from across biotech and law gathered in Philadelphia to share their stories of navigating careers, building networks, and creating opportunities for the next generation of scientists. Hosted in partnership with uCity Square and Women in Bio, the roundtable emphasized that the conversation was not just for women, but for anyone seeking to grow in science and leadership.
The event was organized by BioBuzz Ambassador, Kelly Zaccheo, PhD and moderated by Sharon Hilgen Willis, PhD, co-founder of Integral Molecular, who brought both scientific expertise and entrepreneurial credibility to moderation of the discussion. With a career that spans research, company building, and customer-facing leadership, Willis set the tone for a conversation that blended candid personal stories with practical lessons.
The panelists included:
Ashley Cush, Vice President, Rockland Immunochemicals
Sima Singadia Kulkarni, Attorney at Duane Morris and Former head of WIB
Julia Sable, Director Viral Vector Process Design, Kite Pharma
4 Key Takeaways from the Panel
1. Careers Are Built on Bold Pivots
Julia Sable, now Director of Viral Vector Process Design at Kite Pharma, shared her winding path from academia to industry, marked by unexpected turns and a leap into process development at Merck. That pivot into CMC was what Sable called “the best mistake I’ve made in my career” since she knew nothing about the CMC space until she jumped into the on-the-job crash course.
Her story underscored that resilience in science often means embracing uncertainty. The courage to pivot—to walk away from the familiar lab bench or academic career track—can open doors to transformative opportunities. As Sable explained:
“All of those things, to me, are always just gut luck and being ready to make a jump.”
Sable’s story illustrated a broader truth: bold pivots are not missteps, but milestones that often lead to the most impactful chapters of a career.
2. Mentorship Is About Asking—and Listening
Mentorship was a recurring theme, and Sable emphasized that it begins with initiative:
“If you don’t ask, you don’t get. And really, that time is dedicated. It should be dedicated for you and what you need.”
It was further reinforced that mentorship should not be confused with technical guidance or management. True mentors, she reflected, are those who invest in an individual’s growth and help them articulate what they want next.
3. Say Yes to Opportunities That Don’t Fit the Script
Ashley Cush, reflected on being redirected into HR during the pandemic—an area she initially resisted.
“That was one of my first big lessons—just kind of be open to opportunities that you don’t necessarily think are going to fit into what you think you should be doing or could be doing.”
Her experience highlighted how leadership can emerge from unexpected assignments that stretch one’s skills and perspective. Several of the panelists reinforced this as a theme: that career growth often happens when leaders say “yes” to the roles that they initially feel they are unprepared for.
4. Networks Are Built Through Generosity
For attorney Sima Singadia Kulkarni, a pivotal moment came in law school when a classmate introduced her to intellectual property law.
“He made all these connections for me. He was so kind and so generous. Through those connections, I got my first summer internship, which resulted in my first job, which really made the foundation for my entire career.”
Her story highlighted the lasting impact of generosity in networking—and the responsibility of leaders to extend opportunities to others. Willis noted that this kind of generosity is exactly what strengthens an ecosystem, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond one career.
Why Women in Bio Matters
The discussion also spotlighted Women in Bio (WIB), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing the careers of women in life sciences. The Philadelphia chapter’s chair, Amanda Purdy, Associate Chief Academic Officer at Fox Chase Cancer Center, explained how the organization provides not just professional programming, but also a community of peers who understand the challenges of navigating scientific careers.
For her, joining WIB was initially about helping postdocs and graduate students discover opportunities outside of academia. What she found, however, was that volunteering and taking on leadership roles within the organization also accelerated her own professional growth. WIB became a place where she could “find her tribe,” experiment with new skills, and bring fresh ideas back to her role at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
This underscored the panel’s larger theme: that building community is not ancillary to science, but essential to sustaining its progress.
That spirit is at the heart of BioBuzz. These conversations—rooted in community, grounded in trust, and focused on lifting the life sciences ecosystem—are exactly why BioBuzz exists. By convening leaders, amplifying diverse voices, and creating spaces where mentorship and opportunity intersect, BioBuzz strengthens the regional biotech community in ways that ripple outward.
It’s also why sponsors like uCity Square, Minaris Advanced Therapies, QIAGEN, Biocair, Conner, Strong & Buckelew along with all of our great sponsors who have stepped forward to support the BioInnovation thought leadership series. Their backing is more than financial—it’s a recognition that building a stronger, more connected life sciences community benefits everyone, from students to seasoned executives.At Women Leading Science: Voices & Visions, that community was on full display: leaders sharing candid stories, attendees forging new connections, and a room united by the belief that when we build together, we lead together.
