Advice from the Field – Executive Women Share Networking Advice
To support and inspire graduate women in science and engineering as they prepare to enter the workforce, BTEC (Bioengineering Technology & Entrepreneurship Center) hosted an expert panel discussion and networking event. BTEC partnered with GWISE (Graduate Women in Science and Engineering) at BU, and NEWISE (New England Women in Science Executives) to create a panel of successful industry executives.
BME Professor of the Practice Diane Joseph-McCarthy was one of the organizers of this BTEC Entrepreneurship Seminar Series Event. “The goal for the event was to bring together women leaders in the life sciences with science and engineering graduate students at BU to discuss networking. It was fantastic to then see successful networking in action at the reception.”
The NEWISE panelists shared multiple insights on networking, each offering a unique perspective on how to approach it and grow in professional spaces. Together, their insights reminded us that networking is not a single skill to master, but an evolving practice rooted in curiosity, courage, and connection.
Ria Rao, Chair of the Professional Development Committee of GWISE, moderated the panel that included:
• Jodie Morrison, CEO and Board Member of Q32 Bio Inc.
• Tara DiMilia, CEO, Managing Director of TellMed Strategies
• Shantal Feltham, President & CEO of Stiris Research Inc
• Michelle Soriano, Executive Vice President of Respiratory Franchise at Chiesi Group
Executive advice from the field
Morrison spoke about navigating situations as the only woman in the room and stepping into trailblazing roles. She emphasized the importance of being assertive in male-dominated spaces and not letting the fear of “being the only one” become a barrier to networking. Her message encouraged us to reflect on how we show up in unfamiliar professional settings, where it’s common to not know anyone.
When discussing where to begin, Morrison grounded the conversation in the present: “You’re here today. You decided to come to this event and that’s a big step.” She challenged attendees to take that momentum further and reach out to people they find interesting and ask for a meeting. She highlighted the value of in-person meetings, noting that “human connection makes you memorable,” and encouraged students to “put yourself out there, even if it’s just for a coffee.”
Feltham built on this by emphasizing curiosity as the foundation of meaningful networking. She reminded us that “it’s not about you,” encouraging attendees to ask thoughtful questions and genuinely engage with others’ stories. Reflecting on her own experience as an introvert, she highlighted the importance of self-advocacy, adding with humor that the networking events that she least wanted to attend often turned out to be the most exciting. You never know who you may connect with.
To that point, DiMilia offered a broader perspective, noting that many of us are building networks long before we consciously realize it. From college friends who become colleagues to connections through family and community, she reminded us that “everyone knows somebody” and networking often begins a lot closer to home than expected.
Wagner added a nuanced perspective on how networking evolves over the course of a career. She echoed the idea that early-career networking often starts with curiosity, but gradually shifts toward being more assertive, self-advocating, and intentional about opening doors for others as someone progresses into leadership roles. She highlighted that, while it can be uncomfortable, courage or “putting yourself out there” is the unifying thread for networking at any stage.
Graduate students in Engineering and other STEM fields were also able to put their networking skills into practice by connecting with 20 additional executives at the event.