During the two-day summit, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with leading biopharma companies to discover potential internships and career opportunities, and learn about pathways to the industry including:


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Research

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Technology

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Accounting

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Marketing

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Legal

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And more!

Here's what to expect at the Grad Summit

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Agenda

Agenda

September 27, 2023 11:00 am

Lori Reilly Keynote Fireside Chat with Julie Kim

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Lori Reilly

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Julie Kim

September 27, 2023 11:30 am

Industry 101: Policies, Politics & Health Equity​

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Liz Mahar

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Zach Sentementes

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Tammy Boyd

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Amanda Pratter

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Dr. Audrey Escobedo-Escotto

September 27, 2023 01:00 pm

Cultivating the Industry’s Next Generation of Talent​

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Renuka Iyer

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Andrew Powaleny

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Kristin Williams

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Dr. Lolita Smith

The Biopharmaceutical Industry “en Espanol”

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Magdia De Jesus

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Reid Porter

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Michelle Abtahi Febres

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Dr. Fabian Sandoval

Speakers

Lori Reilly headshot

Lori Reilly

Chief Operating Officer at PhRMA
Ms. Reilly has nearly two decades of experience at PhRMA. Currently Ms. Reilly oversees PhRMA’s advocacy activities, including its federal, state, and international government affairs and alliance development work. Prior to this, Ms. Reilly was the executive vice president of policy, research and membership at PhRMA, leading the development and implementation of legislative, regulatory and political strategies to advance policies that encourage patient access and medical innovation. She has also served as counsel at the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Commerce and was Counsel to a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. She currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband and their four children.
LinkedIn: Lori Reilly
Julie Kim headshot

Julie Kim

President of the U.S. Business Unit, U.S. Country Head, and member of Takeda’s Executive Team
Julie Kim is President of the U.S. Business Unit, U.S. Country Head and member of Takeda’s Executive Team. The U.S. Business Unit portfolio encompasses gastroenterology, neuroscience, plasma-derived therapies and rare diseases.

She joined Takeda in 2019 through the acquisition of Shire, where she held several diverse roles with increasing responsibility. As part of Takeda, she became the President of the Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit, the position she occupied until April of 2022, when she became President of the U.S. Business Unit and U.S. Country Head.

Julie has 30 years of experience in health care, with leadership positions at global, regional, country and functional levels. In the biopharmaceutical industry, her experiences have spanned a variety of therapeutic areas, international market access, country and regional general management, marketing and emerging market development.

Julie is known for strong, collaborative and inclusive leadership that enables Takeda to meet the needs of the people the company serves while driving innovations that will improve patients’ lives. Her global outlook, a result of having lived and worked in the U.K., Switzerland and the U.S., have helped her create teams that are diverse in multiple dimensions to enable inclusive decision-making that keeps the patient at the center.

Julie serves on the boards of directors for PhRMA, an organization which represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, and Croda International, a company which leverages smart science to create high-performance ingredients and technologies that improve lives. She was named one of Boston’s 50 Most Influential Asian American Pacific Islanders in 2023, to The 2022 PharmaVoice 100 list and to Fierce Pharma’s list of 2020’s Fiercest Women in Life Sciences. She earned an M.B.A. from the J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a B.A. in economics from Dartmouth College. She resides with her family in the Boston area.
LinkedIn: Julie Kim
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Liz Mahar

Director of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances at PhRMA

Liz’s portfolio includes health equity and Medicaid, along with stakeholder outreach to multicultural organizations and the disability and caregiving communities. Prior to joining PhRMA, Liz was the Director of Family and Sibling Initiatives at The Arc, where she oversaw The Arc’s health and Center for Future Planning initiatives. She also spent time at Fleishman-Hillard and on Capitol Hill working for Representatives John Larson (CT) and Hilda Solis (CA).
LinkedIn: Liz Mahar

Tammy Boyd headshot

Tammy Boyd

Vice President of Federal Advocacy and Strategic Alliances at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Tammy Boyd is Vice President for Federal Advocacy and Strategic Alliances for ACS CAN. She comes from the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Black women and girls where she has served as Chief Policy Officer and Senior Counsel. In this role she has overseen the implementation of BWHI’s national advocacy program and has led federal government affairs. Boyd also launched the Sickle Cell Disease Diversity Alliance and Rare Disease Diversity Coalition, a multicultural coalition to identify solutions to alleviate the burden of rare diseases in communities of color. Prior to joining the BWHI, Boyd held government affairs leadership roles at TKB Global Strategies, DaVita, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson. She was also Legislative Director for the late Congressman John Lewis, handling Ways and Means Committee issues with a strong health care focus. While in that position, Boyd served an essential leader in legislative efforts to establish the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
LinkedIn: Tammy Boyd
Nora Connors headshot

Zach Sentementes

Director of Federal Advocacy at PhRMA
Zach Sentementes is an experienced government relations and public affairs professional specializing in issue advocacy, strategic communications, and bipartisan coalition management. Zach joined PhRMA’s Federal team in August 2022, where he advocates on behalf of the biopharmaceutical industry for pro-innovation policies in the areas of health equity, trade, and intellectual property.

Most recently, Zach worked at a boutique public affairs helping clients communicate their policy positions on key legislative issues at the federal and international level. While there, he represented civil rights organizations, major trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies, assuming a lead role in the development and execution of advocacy campaigns as well as mobilizing an extensive network of think tanks, policy experts, and grassroots organizations. He previously worked at the Washington International Trade Association.

Zach is a graduate of Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, where he earned a B.A in Political Science and a Minor in Mandarin studies. He also studied in Beijing at the Communication University of China. While at Concordia, he worked as a teaching assistant and lecturer for international political economics and emerging economies courses as well as a research fellow at the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies.
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Amanda Pratter

Associate Director for Policy Advocacy and Alliances at Gilead Sciences
Amanda Pratter is Associate Director, Policy Advocacy and Alliances at Gilead Sciences. As a member of the Government Affairs and Policy team, Amanda leads engagement with external stakeholders on HIV and cross-cutting industry policy priorities and issues. Amanda has deep experience in advancing and fostering new and trusted relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders with deep experience in health equity. Prior to joining Gilead, Amanda was Director, Advocacy and Strategic Alliances at PhRMA where she managed alliances focused on engaging LGBTQ, progressive and multicultural organizations. At PhRMA, Amanda supported the launch of Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development, a first of its kind initiative to enhance diversity in clinical trials through sustainable, connected community-based trial sites. She also supported alliance development for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization focusing on minority health advocacy organizations. Amanda did her undergraduate work at the University of Maryland, College Park and holds a MS in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences - Pharmacology and Biochemistry from Drexel University. Amanda is also a proud wife and mother of two young children who have very full schedules – outside of work her favorite role is serving as “chief chaos coordinator” for their many activities and adventures.
LinkedIn: Amanda Pratter
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Dr. Audrey Escobedo-Escotto

Vice President at Emerson Clinical Research Institute
Dr. Escobedo-Escotto holds a medical degree and a master’s degree in public health from George Washington University. She has dedicated her last 8 years to the conduct of clinical research in the most underserved communities of the Washington D.C area. Her proficiency in English, French and Spanish has allowed her to gain the trust of the community. She joined ECRI in 2014 and her goal has been to increase diversity in clinical trials. Currently she is the Vice President for Emerson Clinical Research Institute, and makes sure the studies are a benefit to all communities. She has always been focused to improve health access to minorities. As a result, she established and now the COO of Emerson Community Clinic, which provides low-cost care to patients regardless of the financial/legal status. She is co-hosts of the Tv show “Tu Salud Tu Familia” on Telemundo and received her fourth Emmy for Outstanding Health and Science program special. Dr. Escobedo-Escotto was recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health by the National Minority Quality Forum’s for her accomplishments in the Healthcare field and her potential to continue positively impacting minorities.
LinkedIn: Audrey Escobedo-Escotto, MD, MPH
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Renuka Iyer

Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at PhRMA
Ms. Iyer is a certified human resources leader with about three decades of global experience in people practices leading diverse teams and working with 20 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. She has an extensive portfolio, having worked at the World Resource Institute as the Chief Human Resource Officer, at the International Executive Service Corps as the Director for Human Resources, at Population Services International as the Director of People and Global HR Network and Training Manager, and at Levi Strauss & Co. as the Head of Human Resources. Ms. Iyer has global nonprofit and private sector experience, an agile mindset, a keen focus on accessible and relevant professional development, and a creative and data-driven approach to improving diversity and inclusion.
LinkedIn: Renuka Iyer, SPHR
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Andrew Powaleny

Senior Director of Public Affairs at PhRMA
Andrew Powaleny (He/Him/His) is senior director of Public Affairs at PhRMA.

In his multifaceted role, he is responsible for the organization's scientific and innovation public affairs. Andrew also oversees PhRMA’s Voters for Cures program, a grassroots initiative involving thousands of patients and caregivers across the U.S. Additionally, Andrew founded and co-chaired The PRIDE Umbrella, PhRMA’s employee resource group for LGBTQ+ colleagues from fall of 2019-December 2022 and continues to serve as an active member, advocating for LGBTQ+ representation at PhRMA and throughout the biopharmaceutical industry.

Before joining PhRMA in 2015, Andrew worked in public affairs for a boutique consulting firm in Washington, DC and served as deputy press secretary for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Connecticut State University in public policy and government, and he minored in music. Andrew is active as a runner and volunteer with the DC Front Runners; and served on its Board of Directors for three years as co-race director. He is also a member of the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists, singer with The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and mentors students through his alumni association with The Fund for American Studies. Andrew resides in Washington, DC with his partner Jessada of over five years.

LinkedIn: Andrew Powaleny
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Kristin Williams

Manager of Policy and Research at PhRMA
Kristin Williams is a Manager of Policy and Research at PhRMA, supporting public policy analysis and research on issues related to health equity and prescription drug coverage. She joined the PhRMA community as an intern three years ago and worked herself up to her current position as a full-time manager. Recently, she received her Master of Public Health in Health Policy from George Washington University. She is committed to helping develop equitable solutions to address disparities in health outcomes and access to care among marginalized populations.
LinkedIn: Kristin Williams
Dr. Lolita Smith headshot

Dr. Lolita Smith

Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Director at Vertex
Dr. Smith has a healthcare professional career spanning over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, clinical and retail pharmacy. She possesses a variety of experience in both Medical and Commercial Affairs.

Dr. Smith specializes is building teams, creating a culture of inclusivity, and mentoring. It is her responsibility to provide clinical information to healthcare providers to influence them to provide the best treatment for their patients. As a national team lead, individual development and the success of each direct report are her top priority. Prior to working at Vertex, she spent 14 years at GSX as the Senior Medical Liaison and a District Sales Manager.
LinkedIn: Lolita Smith
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Dr. Fabian Sandoval

CEO & Research Director at Emerson Clinical Research Institute
Dr. Fabian Sandoval, CEO & Research Director, has over 25 years of bench to bedside research experience. His diversified research career has been in academia, healthcare systems and the public sector. Before opening the doors to Emerson Clinical Research Institute (ECRI) Dr. Sandoval’s research activities have included bench research at the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) where he focused his work on Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cretzfelt-Jakob Disease and at the NIHs’ Clinical Center conducting research in the outpatient Oncology unit, followed by his successful support of an NIH RO1 grant on preventing epilepsy in post-traumatic brain injury patients in adults and children, simultaneously run at the Washington Hospital Center, and Children’s National Medical Center. Dr. Sandoval served as the Supervisory Research Integrity & Compliance Officer in the Army Human Research Protections Office in the Office of the Army Surgeon General. He has since started the Emerson Community Clinic, in order to support un-insured patients across the DC metro area, as well as starting the Emerson Diversity Health Foundation, whose mission is to educate patients and providers in the importance of participating in clinical research and accesses to care.
LinkedIn: Dr. Fabian Sandoval, MD
Magdia De Jesus headshot

Magdia De Jesus

Director of Scientific Strategy and Portfolio Lead for Worldwide Medical and Safety at Pfizer
As the Director of Scientific Strategy and Portfolio Lead for Worldwide Medical and Safety, Dr. De Jesus works with research units and external partners to develop strategies that engage and support the scientific work of Pfizer’s Worldwide Research, Development, and Medical group. Ms. De Jesus has an extensive career in immunology and strategy, having worked as an infection diseases fellow and life sciences research fellow for the New York Department of Health. While previously working as a senior principal scientist at Pfizer she was also a public policy fellow at the American Association for Immunologists.
LinkedIn: Magdia De Jesus M.S., Ph. D.
Reid Porter headshot

Reid Porter

Senior Director of State Public Affairs at PhRMA
Reid Porter is Senior Director of State Public Affairs at the Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Reid leads the State Public Affairs team, focusing on supporting biopharmaceutical companies across America and their commitment to combatting the coronavirus health crisis while advancing research and development to meet patients' needs and ensuring that patients can access the medicines they need. He enjoys traveling, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, playing, and watching soccer, practicing violin, rereading Hemingway novels, and spending time with family.
LinkedIn: Reid Porter

PhRMA Members

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Frequently Asked Questions


Anyone - past attendees have included graduate students, post-doctoral students, undergraduate students, and more.

If you’re wondering about the opportunities in the biopharmaceutical industry – this is for you! From marketing to medicine development, our lineup of speakers will share what the biopharmaceutical industry landscape looks like, where it’s going and how you can plug in.

Registration is completely free.

Yes! Like any physical fair, you will have a virtual Swagbag! You can add all the documents available to the Swagbag in your account and then email them to yourself or share the contents of your Swagbag to anyone by simply entering their email addresses.

You can interact with them by simply clicking CHAT on their respective virtual booths. You will be redirected to a new chat and you can start interacting with them in the particular booth’s public chat room. Alternatively, you can click on the CHAT button on the website menu and you will be redirected to the dedicated chat page where you can select the chat rooms that you are interested in. This allows you to interact with the chat rooms of ALL the participating organizations at the same time! There will also be a roundtable networking session where you’ll have the opportunity to speak to top recruiters at PhRMA’s member companies.

Yes, you can. Simply ask for a video or audio call with the booth representative and they will send a call request to you.

Yes! To interact directly, you can click the name of the organization's representative in the Chat feature to begin a private chat.

All panels will be recorded and available for viewing after the date of the event. However, please feel free to join at your convenience – if you are unable to make the entire session, you are welcome to log in and join anytime during the scheduled event hours.