Upcoming EventsTransformative Conversations. Real Connections. Lasting Impact.
Our programs empower women and allies in STEM to lead with confidence, amplify their voices, and make contributions that transform industries and communities. Scroll to find your next event or two! mar17 A Special Event for Community Members in Transition: Gathering Together to Build Connections, Renew Hope, and Share Strategies for Moving Forward In our opening workshop in December, we explored what it feels like to be out of work for months, by hearing stories of women who lived through this reality and have found their way successfully to the other side. They shared their strategies for landing interviews and how they kept going when it was hard and who they turned to for support. The discussion was so lively, that everyone cheered for us to schedule a follow-up to focus more on the interviews and how to prepare. In this new session led by Etta Jacobs, Past President of WEST, we're inviting our four panelists back to continue the conversation. We're also welcoming a new panelist who is still in transition to learn more about what it's like out there in 2026. The topics we'll be discussing:
We'll close the discussion with your questions, followed by open time for you to connect with the panelists and other participants. Location: M&T Bank, 115 Federal Street, Floor 18, Cafe, Boston, 02110
Cost: Members: $0; Non-Members: $10 mar24 Career Possibilities Panel & Speed Networking - Math & Finance including Analysts, Actuaries, Accountants, & CFOs As the STEM landscape continues to evolve, professionals are increasingly embracing non-linear career paths that reflect their expanding skills, interests, and goals. This series is designed to support STEM professionals navigating career shifts—whether exploring new sectors, pursuing leadership roles, or transitioning into emerging fields. The panel will have an informational interview type feel with panelists sharing their career paths, a look at what their job entails, and transferable skills for those looking to make a change. Location: Zoom
Cost: Free to All mar25 Business-y Career Options for STEM Grads and Early Career Professionals STEM graduates' knowledge and skills are applicable in a wide range of job functions besides research, engineering, or tech. Come and meet Women in STEM across career stages, who are working in business-oriented roles. They support the development and commercialization of new products, including life-saving treatments, bring innovative startups to life, or provide creative solutions to various businesses through consulting. Location: Boston University, 43 Hawes St., Brookline, MA 02446
Cost: Free to All apr8 Giving & Receiving Feedback: Discover How to Make These Conversations Easier for Both of You Feedback is an opportunity to strengthen trust, improve performance, and deepen professional relationships. The goal of this workshop is for participants to understand that giving and receiving feedback is not one-size-fits-all. Participants will learn how to set the stage ahead of delivering corrective advice. They'll reflect on what they need to feel safe and comfortable receiving feedback, and they'll learn how to customize their feedback for anyone on their team, including their manager. Participants will learn the basic steps to giving meaningful feedback in a way that feels safe for both the giver and the receiver. They will explore the importance of positive reinforcement/encouragement as the first step in offering feedback. They will walk away with questions they can use to start any feedback discussion. Location: Siena Construction Corporation, 38 Sidney St., Cambridge, MA 02139
Cost: Members: $15; Non-Members: $30 apr22 Get to Know WEST - Membership/Outreach This is a wonderful opportunity to explore more about WEST – what we’re all about, meet fellow members (including Ad Board and Board members), and learn more about upcoming activities and benefits. Come join us and engage in meaningful conversations, and discover all that we have to offer. Location: Agios Pharmaceuticals, 88 Sidney St., Cambridge, MA 02139
Cost: Free to All apr23 Applied AI in Life Sciences WAAI and WEST are partnering to offer an engaging conversation on how AI is moving into the daily toolkits of women leading in the Life Sciences. Join our panelists as they share the AI applications they use to accelerate drug discovery, optimize clinical workflows, and manage complex industry data, offering a look at how these tools are changing their roles and their companies. Panelist:
Location: Lab Central, 700 Main St., North, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Members: $15; Non-Members: $30 apr27 Effective Transition from Academia to Industry Join us for a dynamic conversation focused on navigating the shift from academia to industry. Our panel will share real-world lessons learned, practical guidance, and the critical skills needed for a smooth and successful transition. Hear from professionals who have made the leap themselves, as well as an experienced recruiter who has supported countless candidates through this process. Hear tips for making connections and effectively networking. Whether you're actively exploring industry roles or simply curious about what the transition entails, this session will offer valuable insights and actionable advice. Location: Tufts, Medford Campus, Room 160, Joyce Cummings Center, 177 College Ave., Medford, MA
Cost: Members: $0; Non-Members: $10 apr29 Master the Moment: Bridging the Gap Between Instinctive Reaction & Intentional Leadership In today’s climate of relentless change, rising complexity and increasing pressure, even the most experienced leaders can struggle to show up as the leader they aspire to be. Under stress, we default to reactive patterns, including overthinking, over-functioning or overcompensating. These instinctive reactions quietly erode trust, undermine innovation and weaken the bottom line. The real opportunity for leaders isn’t learning how to manage the onslaught of external forces driving pressure, which will only continue to accelerate and evolve over time. It’s learning to manage yourself in the face of that pressure. What leaders need are strategies to close the gap between their aspirational leadership selves and the version of themselves that shows up under stress. In this timely and practical keynote, leadership coach and former high-tech leader Kim Meninger introduces the LEADS framework—a science-backed, actionable system to help leaders quickly shift from reaction to intentionality under pressure. Through compelling stories and real-world strategies, Kim empowers leaders to step more consistently and seamlessly into their aspirational selves, especially in the moments that matter most. Location: Foley Hoag, 155 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA 02210
Cost: Members: $15; Non-Members: $30 may4 Being Bold - How to Find Your Voice & Speak Up Being Bold: How to Find Your Voice and Speak Up equips participants with practical tools to articulate their ideas, contribute confidently in meetings, prepare for difficult conversations, and reframe mistakes with resilience. Grounded in positive psychology, leadership development, and real-world leadership experience, this session blends evidence-based frameworks with hands-on practice. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
This highly interactive workshop is designed for women in STEM at several career stages, including early and mid-career scientists and emerging leaders. It can be delivered as a 60-minute session in virtual format that includes reflection exercises, discussion, role-play, and practical communication tools. There is polling to encourage engagement, without breakout sessions. Location: Zoom
Cost: Members: $5; Non-Members: $15 may6 WoW - WEST on Wednesdays Networking Location: Beam Therapeutics, 238 Main St., 6th Floor, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Members: $0; Non-Members: $10 may11 Career Possibilities Panel & Speed Networking - Lab and Facilities Operations, IT, & EHS As the STEM landscape continues to evolve, professionals are increasingly embracing non-linear career paths that reflect their expanding skills, interests, and goals. This series is designed to support STEM professionals navigating career shifts—whether exploring new sectors, pursuing leadership roles, or transitioning into emerging fields. The panel will have an informational interview type feel with panelists sharing their career paths, a look at what their job entails, and transferable skills for those looking to make a change. Location: Zoom
Cost: Free to All may27 Building Personal & Professional Connections: The Science of Making Friends This engaging, research-based talk by Linda Lin explores the science of how friendships form and how these principles can be applied to professional networking and community building, offering data-supported strategies for professional women to strengthen connections across their personal and professional lives. Location: Lab Central, 700 Main St., North, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Members: $15; Non-Members: $30 july22 Career Possibilities Panel & Speed Networking - Strategic Growth & Alliances including Portfolio Strategy, Business Development, and Partnerships As the STEM landscape continues to evolve, professionals are increasingly embracing non-linear career paths that reflect their expanding skills, interests, and goals. This series is designed to support STEM professionals navigating career shifts—whether exploring new sectors, pursuing leadership roles, or transitioning into emerging fields. The panel will have an informational interview type feel with panelists sharing their career paths, a look at what their job entails, and transferable skills for those looking to make a change. Location: Zoom
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