Join us for a dynamic conversation exploring the rapidly evolving field of life sciences and the innovations shaping the future of human health. This program will feature women at the forefront of the industry who are driving breakthroughs across startups, investment, and global organizations.

Hosted at Portal Innovations, a premier venture development incubator dedicated to advancing science-driven companies, this event will also include an optional tour of their state-of-the-art facilities following the discussion.

The panel will explore key topics including:

• A “Life Sciences 101” overview and how it differs from biosciences
• The critical health challenges the field is addressing across populations and life stages
• Current opportunities and barriers facing the industry
• The role of women leaders in advancing innovation in Chicago and around the world
• The growing impact of artificial intelligence in life sciences, including both its promise and associated risks

Bringing together perspectives from a startup founder, an investor, and a leader from a large organization, this conversation will offer valuable insights into one of today’s most important and fast-growing sectors.

Guests are warmly welcome to attend.

Speakers:

Azurii Collier, Ph.D., Director, Innovation, AbbVie

Dr. Collier has nearly 20 years of research and consulting experience exclusively in the life sciences industry including, discovery, technology transfer, proof of concept, startup, R&D, product management, supply chain and patient services. She has experience leading global large-scale R&D transformation programs and enterprise critical asset accelerations with her corporate expertise in numerous Fortune 500 and 100 companies. She maintains an interest in startups having advised ten early-stage biotechnology startup companies with a deep and growing network in the ecosystem and partners spanning the US and Canada. She currently works at AbbVie leading R&D innovation, managing a large AI portfolio.

Evonne Sepsis, Founder of ESC Advisors 

Evonne Sepsis has spent her career in the healthcare sector. She founded ESC Advisors, an advisory firm specializing in life sciences companies, advising clients on both mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and financings. Prior to founding ESC Advisors, Evonne was head of healthcare banking at Susquehanna Financial Group and was a Managing Director at C.E Unterberg, Towbin.  Evonne started her investment banking career at Salomon Brothers. Prior to business school, she worked at APM, a healthcare consulting firm. Evonne received her MBA from Yale and her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern.

Ritu Shah, CEO of ClostraBio

Ritu is a seasoned biotech executive with over 25 years of experience in drug development and strategic portfolio management. Currently, Ritu serves as the CEO of ClostraBio, and she specializes in scaling early-stage life science startups toward successful funding and acquisitions. Her track record includes leadership roles at Pyxis Oncology, Avexis, and Shire (now Takeda), where she led operations, M&A, and Portfolio Mgmt, including billion-dollar immunology portfolios. At ClostraBio, she is overseeing the commercial launch of their unique probiotic called CLB101™ as a dietary supplement for various applications related to maintaining and promoting gut health.

Marianne Sutcliffe, Board Member & Consultant, Science for Life

Marianne is a strategic executive with deep experience across the healthcare industry. Over her 25+ year career at Abbott and AbbVie, she launched new businesses and revitalized major portfolios. She is known for leading transformation and growth, building high-performing organizations, and guiding complex mergers and acquisitions. Today, she serves on boards and advisory committees including the IWF Board as a Board Member at Large.