Last year’s 7th HERstory Gala brought together more than 200 attendees in Bethesda for an evening of connection, conversation, and insight. The 2025 Gala featured inspiring keynote remarks from Maryland ecosystem leaders Kathie Callahan Brady, President and CEO of FITCI, and Tammi Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer of TEDCO. They shared stories about their career paths, resilience, mentorship, and the responsibility to lift others along the way–reminding us that careers are not always linear and encouraging us to both seek mentors and be mentors to others.
The Gala’s impact was clear not just on stage, but among attendees and members of Women in Bio as well. Nhung Hoang, Communications Committee Co-Chair, Women in Bio-Capital Region, reflected on her 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.”
Nao Gamo, HERstory Gala Committee Advisor – Capital Region Chapter, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines 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 illustrate how the HERstory Gala, along with the other programming and events put on by WIB Capital Region, creates lasting connections and inspires ongoing collaboration within the life sciences community.
The 2026 HERstory Gala continues this tradition, offering a sneak peek into the year ahead.
This year, Liz Powell, Esq., MPH, Founder and CEO of G2G Consulting and Women’s Health Advocates, will highlight the work of shaping policy and securing funding that allows innovation to reach patients. Her career has helped secure hundreds of millions in government funding and advance national conversations around women’s health, reimbursement, and equity.
Ellington West, Co-Founder and CEO of Sonavi Labs, brings the perspective of an operator and builder. What started as a Johns Hopkins research project has grown into an FDA-cleared health technology company with global recognition. Through Sonavi Labs and her work in advanced manufacturing, Ellington is helping ensure that innovation is scalable, accessible, and grounded in the community.
Together, their stories show how progress in life sciences happens across multiple fronts–from advocacy to entrepreneurship to manufacturing.
The 8th Annual HERstory Gala will include networking, awards, and conversation, offering attendees a chance to see firsthand how women in the region are shaping the future of life sciences.
Learn more about the 8th Annual HERstory Gala and register to join here.
Nominations are also now open for the 2026 HERstory Gala awards and scholarships:
- MYstory Scholarship: https://lnkd.in/eyUn7aAv
- Rising Star Award: https://lnkd.in/eNHPdUFm
- Catalyst for Change Award: https://lnkd.in/eN3uNCUB
