11th Annual Women in Life Sciences Panel - Authenticity in Leadership

Join the PDA West Coast Chapter for the 11th Annual Women in Life Sciences Panel. This landmark event brings together distinguished leaders from across the life sciences industry to examine the role of authenticity in effective, sustainable leadership. Through thoughtful dialogue, panelists will address the professional and personal dimensions of leading with integrity, offering perspectives grounded in experience and shaped by the unique challenges women face in our industry.

We welcome all to join us as our esteemed panelists share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes navigating the life sciences sector. Join us for an evening of inspiration and networking. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and support women in life sciences!

Genentech Visitor and Vendor Policy:

Due to security measures at Genentech, all attendees must be pre-registered on Eventbrite prior to attending. Walk-in registration will not be available. Visitors and vendors will need to bring a government-issued photo ID to check in with Genentech.

Kelly Huggins, Ph.D., is the Strategic Planning & Operations Site Lead for Amgen San Francisco and a member of the ASF Site Leadership Team. She oversees site operations, staff engagement, and external outreach, helping to foster a collaborative and innovative research environment.

Kelly earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2010 from the University of Washington and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University. She began her career at the intersection of science and strategy, holding roles in business development and project management (Coherus Biosciences) before joining Amgen in 2017 as an R&D Operations Manager. During her tenure, she partnered closely with site leadership on academic and biotech engagement, led the Academic Extramural Research Alliances contracting team, and supported strategic planning for Cardiometabolic Research.

In 2021, Kelly joined Gilead Sciences as a Senior Collaboration Manager, overseeing industry and academic partnerships across oncology, inflammation, and virology, and co-leading the company’s inaugural Science Day to elevate cross-functional engagement.

She returned to Amgen in 2022 as Director of Technology & Strategic Alliances, advancing partnerships and in-licensed technologies to accelerate large molecule drug innovation. In her current role, Kelly integrates scientific, operational, and strategic leadership to strengthen site culture and expand Amgen’s external scientific footprint.

India-born, Silicon Valley–operating, globally connected, Nanveet is the Founder and Managing Partner of TechThrive Ventures, a venture and media firm backing the next generation of founders at the intersection of innovation and culture. TechThrive operates across Tech, Capital, Media, and Culture positioned as both a capital partner and a distribution engine for the brands it backs.

Before venture, she built and scaled a full consumer brand portfolio across six Indian states. Her track record since spans 400+ companies, one Unicorn, a UNFPA-backed book, a UNESCO podcast, G20 policy influence, and dual-market reach few fund managers can replicate.

Sandra is a San Francisco Bay Area native and a graduate of the University of California, Davis, where she earned a degree in Biological Sciences. She began her career at Genentech in Assay Services within the Manufacturing organization, before transitioning into clinical research as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) at two Clinical Research Organizations (ICON and Parexel).

In 2004, Sandra returned to Genentech, where she spent 16 years in Clinical Operations, holding roles of increasing responsibility and contributing to the advancement of multiple clinical programs. In 2020, she moved into the biotechnology startup space, assuming leadership roles at Kronos Bio and currently at Electra Therapeutics, where she continues to drive clinical development efforts and build high-performing teams.

Katy leads a global team responsible for quality oversight of Roche Pharma's external manufacturers, GMP suppliers, and pharmaceutical distribution. She has worked at Genentech and Roche for 19 years, in various roles including Safety Health and Environment, Quality, Engineering, and Site Management. Before that, she spent time in the specialty chemicals industry as a process engineer. She holds undergraduate degrees in Chemical Engineering and the Liberal Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Masters in Data Science from UC Berkeley. She is passionate about accelerating employee development and leading high performing teams.

Susan Whitehead is a biopharma leader with over 20 years of experience advancing patient-focused therapies and delivering operational success. As former President & COO at PACT Pharma, she drove key milestones for its pioneering TCR therapies. Now, as Founder of BioSavvy Advisors, she helps life science companies craft development roadmaps and solve complex operational challenges. Recognized as one of the Top 20 LGBTQ+ Biopharma Leaders (Endpoints News, 2023), she is known for driving innovation, improving patient outcomes, and advancing initiatives that create meaningful social impact. She is currently raising $50,000 for cancer research through the 2025 Timmerman Traverse to Everest Base Camp.

Platinum Exhibitors:

more info at https://www.bayer.com/

more info at https://www.biomerieux.com/

more info at https://bionovascientific.com/

more info at https://www.element.com/

more info at https://www.gene.com/

more info at https://www.gilead.com/

more info at https://globalcompliancepartners.com/

more info at https://www.sterile.com/

Directions & Parking Instructions

The event will be held at Building 21 at 401 DNA Way, South San Francisco. The Visitor Parking Lot will be open and available for event attendees.

Please enter Building 21 after parking so that Genentech Security can help check you in as a Genentech visitor before checking in with PDA WCC for the event.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can contact the event organizer by sending an email to [email protected]. Please allow a few days for the response, emails will not be monitored on the day of the event.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferable?

Tickets are not reimbursable, however you can transfer your ticket by 01JUN26 to whomever would like to attend on your behalf.

My company would like to become a WCC PDA Exhibitor, do you have an exhibitor program?

Yes, our offers a unique opportunity for companies that want to strengthen brand image, increase visibility, and gain access to leaders of the San Francisco Bay Life Science Community. Please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested in sponsoring the PDA West Coast Chapter.

Cancellation & Refund Policy:

Tickets are non-refundable. Seating is confirmed and reserved in advance. All sales are final and no refunds will be provided, including but not limited to non-attendance at the event. If a registrant cannot attend, substitutions are welcome no later than 01JUN26. The Chapter reserves the right to cancel an event if the minimum number of attendees is not met by the Monday prior to the event. The Chapter reserves the right to not answer emails or phone calls on the day of the event.

Privacy Policy:

We manage your personal data responsibly and align with PDA Privacy Policy.

REGISTRATION AGREEMENT: By registering to this event, I consent to the WCC PDA recording and/or photographing me and using those recording(s) and/or photograph(s) in the future WCC PDA promotional and marketing material, and to send me promotional information via email.

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