MichBio Heads to Grand Rapids for Pair of Bio-industry Events Promoting Innovation and Diversity in the Life Sciences

Tuesday, June 18^th the organization will host a “BioMixer” at the Brewery Vivant, 925 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The event will feature light food and craft brews and provide an opportunity to bio-industry professionals and enthusiasts to meet and mingle.

“We know that some of the best innovations come from conversations that occur over a beer in a casual setting,” says Stephen Rapundalo, PhD, President and CEO of MichBio. “That’s why we, at MichBio, make sure to create opportunities for those conversations to happen – you never know if the next cancer treatment or medical device might be borne from the connections made at an event like this BioMixer.”

The following morning, Wednesday, June 19^th, MichBio will host a “Women of MichBio” breakfast and discussion in partnership with Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing (GRAM) at Grand Valley State University – Seidman College of Business, 50 Front Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The event will feature a panel discussion with four senior employees at GRAM, all women, and will be moderated by Sok Kean Khoo, PhD of Grand Valley.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with GRAM on this event,” continued Rapundalo. “Their dedication as an organization to hiring and promoting women and minorities is exactly what we need in the bio-industry to ensure a multitude of perspectives as we develop life-saving technologies.”

The panelists will discuss their differing paths to leadership at GRAM, the business implications of a culture committed to diversity and inclusion, and tips for other women and minorities looking to advance their career in an industry historical dominated by Caucasian males.

Both events are open to all bio-industry participants including working professionals, students, faculty, and service providers in the medical device, pharmaceutical, agbio, and research sectors of the industry. They are free for MichBio members and $19 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required, at michbio.org/events.

For more information on MichBio visit michbio.org

For more information on Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing visit www.grandriverasepticmfg.com

MichBio is the trade association committed to driving growth in Michigan’s biosciences industry and its many sectors, including agri-biotech, food and nutrition, bio-based technologies and renewable chemicals, industrial and environmental biotech, medical devices and technologies, pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare, diagnostics and research products, testing and research services, and clinical research. MichBio members include bioscience companies, academic and research institutions, bioscience service providers, and related organizations. For more information, visit www.michbio.org or follow us on Twitter @MichBio.

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