ISPE Women in Pharma® Update: Q1–Q2 2025 Activities
A Message from the Chair of the Women in Pharma® International Steering Committee, Vivien Santillan
As Chair of ISPE’s Women in Pharma® International Steering Committee, I am proud to share a dynamic midyear update on the incredible momentum we have built together throughout 2025. This year has been marked by transformative progress, reinforcing our role as a driving force on leadership connection, and innovation across the global pharmaceutical community.
From thought-provoking sessions at ISPE’s global conferences to inspiring local events and impactful mentorship initiatives, Women in Pharma® continues to provide opportunities that empower professionals at all stages in their career. Our collective efforts have fostered a more inclusive and supportive community where women and allies alike can grow, lead and shape the future of our industry.
As we move forward, we remain deeply committed to creating spaces, meaningful conversations that can initiate change, mentorship that fuels professional growth, and collaboration that drives excellence. Whether you are new to ISPE or a long-time member, I encourage you to explore the initiatives ahead and consider how you can contribute to our shared mission. Your engagement is vital in driving progress, strengthening networks, and advancing a more diverse and dynamic pharmaceutical landscape.
Together, we are building a future where leadership is inclusive, connections are transformative, and innovation thrives through collective empowerment. I look forward to continuing this journey with you and celebrating the milestone yet to come.
ISPE Women in Pharma® Update: Q1–Q2 2025 Activities
As ISPE moves into the second half of 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what ISPE Women in Pharma® has accomplished and look ahead to what’s next.
This year has already been filled with momentum. From the launch of Mentor ISPE 2025 to impactful global events and high-engagement sessions at ISPE’s international conferences, the community continues to grow, connect, and lead.
Highlights from Q1–Q2 2025
ISPE Affiliate and Chapter Level
ISPE Pacific Northwest Chapter
In celebration of International Women’s Day in March, the ISPE Pacific Northwest Chapter hosted a women’s leadership panel and networking event. The panel featured three accomplished women leaders and a skilled facilitator who shared their professional journeys, leadership philosophies, and strategies for navigating diverse and dynamic work environments. The event drew strong attendance and enthusiastic participation.
ISPE Chesapeake Bay Chapter
The ISPE Chesapeake Bay Chapter brought together its community for an engaging event at X-GOLF, co-hosted by the ISPE Women in Pharma and Emerging Leaders Committees. Attendees received tips and guidance from three professional golf instructors from the PB Dye Golf Academy in Maryland, USA. The event also featured networking games like Bingo, and many attendees stayed for trivia, extending the sense of connection and fun.
ISPE Canada Affiliate
The Women in Pharma Book Club continues to inspire meaningful dialogue, with a recent discussion of Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg that took place in May. The Canada Affiliate also recently launched a webinar series. The first session, “Silencing Self-Doubt,” was held in April and received strong reviews. The team welcomes ideas for future programming and collaboration.
ISPE Malaysia Affiliate
The Women in Pharma Malaysia Mentorship Programme continues its impactful journey with its June webinar, “Module 9 – Headstart to Financial Peace.” Designed to equip students and young professionals with practical financial knowledge, the session aims to empower participants with essential tools for both personal and professional success.
International Conferences
2025 ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference
San Francisco, California, USA | 27–28 January 2025
In-person and virtual
The Women in Pharma community had a strong presence at the 2025 ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference with the panel, “Secrets in Digital Transformation,” thanks to the leadership of Tracy Gu from the Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter, who served as the Women in Pharma liaison. A standout panel—featuring Sarah Braet, Daniela Andrade, and Mitra Cruze, and moderated by Alice Rystov—offered valuable insights into leadership and innovation within the life sciences industry. This impactful session spotlighted the depth of experience and vision that women leaders bring to shaping the facilities of tomorrow. ISPE would like to thank the event speakers, moderator, and supporting organizations including Takeda, Amgen, and Kite Pharma.
2025 ISPE Aseptic Conference
Washington, DC, USA | 17–18 March 2025
In-person and virtual
Women in Pharma® also supported a featured session on the workforce of the future at this year’s 2025 ISPE Aseptic Conference. Designed for professionals at every stage of their career journey, the session explored how developing core skills can help navigate innovation, strengthen teams, and drive lasting success. Attendees left with actionable insights, including key takeaways from live poll results on how workforce skills can be developed and adapted for the modern pharmaceutical landscape.
2025 ISPE Europe Annual Conference
London, United Kingdom | 12–14 May 2025
In-person and virtual
Women in Pharma provided a featured session at the 2025 ISPE Europe Annual Conference, titled “Workforce of the Future – Challenges and Opportunities.” Read the following blog post recapping the event.
2025 ISPE Biotechnology Conference
Boston, Massachusetts| 2–3 June 2025
In-person and virtual
This interactive “Never Have I Ever, Presented by ISPE Women in Pharma®” session invited participants to explore personal and professional growth through shared experiences. Attendees connected in small groups to reflect on “Never Have I Ever…” prompts and learn from one another’s challenges, lessons, and triumphs.
Featured Speakers:
Participants left with new insights, strengthened connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.
2025 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo
26—29 October 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
In-person and virtual
Women in Pharma Monday Night Networking Event
A Walk in Their Shoes: Legends, Leadership, and the Ones Who Paved the Way
After a year of anticipation, Women in Pharma’s signature Monday Night Networking Event returns with renewed purpose and bold storytelling.
Set in an elegant, off-site jazz club, this immersive evening will combine the charm of Old Hollywood with powerful narratives that celebrate the pioneers—women and allies—who helped shape the pharmaceutical industry. Through guided activities, storytelling prompts, and collaborative conversations, participants will walk in the footsteps of the legends who paved the way.
Cost: $75 for Industry Professionals | $50 for Emerging Economies, Recent Graduates, and Students
Capacity: Limited to 150 attendees
Coming Soon: 2026 Mentor ISPE Applications
Get ready to join the next cohort of Mentor ISPE—a transformative virtual mentorship program designed to connect and empower members across the globe.
Mentor ISPE groups are composed of professionals at all levels, including a senior industry Mentor and a Moderator, working together to explore career development, share expertise, and shape the future of pharma. This model encourages relationship-building across generations and geographies, offering students and early-career professionals the opportunity to bring fresh perspectives while learning from seasoned leaders.
Stay tuned for more details on how to apply and get involved.
Women in Pharma® remains a driving force for leadership, connection, and innovation across ISPE’s global network. As we build on this momentum, we invite all professionals—regardless of gender—to get involved. Our initiative unites women and allies to share ideas, exchange perspectives, and collaboratively shape a stronger pharmaceutical industry in service of patients worldwide.
About the Authors
