Womenâs Science and Engineering group engages biotech leader Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. for inspiration Ventana hosts first networking event for The University of Arizonaâs Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) interns
TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 2, 2013 – On September 27, Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (Ventana), a member of the Roche Group, in conjunction with the University of Arizona, hosted its first-ever networking event with interns from UofA’s Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), a program established in 1976 that has evolved to include academic and career preparation programs for women college students in science, engineering, mathematics and technology. Deep Dalvi, a mechanical engineer and project management professional at Ventana partnered with WISE director, November Papaleo to plan the event that included 35 interns.
“Ventana has become increasingly involved with WISE over the past three years, participating in workshops and career panels for middle and high school students at WISE-run conferences, and Ventana employees have been valuable mentors to WISE participants. Students can look to Ventana mentors for a vision of what is possible for women in the fields of science and engineering,” says November Papaleo.
The U of A program provides hands-on training for women that goes beyond building strong technical skills, offering lessons in creating and maintaining a strong work ethic, building solid professional relationships as well as understanding the merits of a true mentor/mentee affiliation “This new event is a great way to provide growth opportunities for these women. Many who knew little about Ventana when they arrived left with fresh ideas on how their careers might take shape. It’s likely that at least one of these students will pursue an internship with Ventana before they graduate,” says Deepa Dalvi.
Speaking with students directly, it’s clear that WISE has true merit. Jennifer Mae Lee, a senior in physiology, hopes to work in a research lab before going to medical school for dermatology. She commented that “the WISE event at Ventana provided a wonderful experience that I will never forget. I had heard of Ventana Medical Systems, but was not aware of exactly what the company consisted of. The main thing I took away from the event was how many areas of work there are in my field and how everyone is capable of finding something they love within their career choice, even if they do not yet know it exists. Everything from product development, technology, and research are encompassed at Ventana.”
The event began with meet and greets and continued with career learnings shared by Ventana Lifecycle Leaders Susan Zienowicz and Jim Godsey as well as Ventana President Mara G. Aspinall. Mara shared her insights with participants and took the lead from a Henry Ford quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” She expanded on this mantra by emphasizing to the students to “never let anyone dictate who you can or cannot be. Have a clear voice, and set your own goals for the future.” The evening concluded with a tour of the campus and an outdoor dinner on the Ventana breezeway.
The WISE networking event was the first of what Ventana hopes will become an annual occurrence. To learn more about available internships at Ventana, review the current jobs website on www.ventana.com. For information on WISE programs, contact November Papaleo, Ph.D. at (520) 626-9152 or visit the website http://wise.arizona.edu.