
Catalyst Capital Symposia
Galentine’s Day
Join us for Galentine’s Day, a celebration of trailblazing female founders! This event highlights dynamic women entrepreneurs who are making waves in their industries, sharing their inspiring journeys, and showcasing their innovative businesses.
Celebrate and support these incredible leaders while connecting with a community of innovators and changemakers. Come for the stories, stay for the connections, and leave inspired by the power of women-led innovation!
Pitch application deadline: January 20, 2025
Pitch Deck Help?
Are you a California startup developing a device, therapy, or diagnostic?
You may be eligible for 16 hours of complimentary Pitch Deck Consulting.
Agenda
1:30 PM
Check-in / networking
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Fueling the Future: Investing in Women-Led Innovation
- Moderator: Livia Han - Co-Founder at Compass, Community Builder, Author of LIVTOSHARE, Women’s Health x AI Newsletter
- Panelists:
- Leah Villegas - Managing Partner, Aquillius Ventures
- Nonna Titulauri - VP of Deal Sourcing at Simon School Venture Fund at the University of Rochester, NY
- Su Chuen Foo - Associate, Investments at Avivar Capital
- Athena Shea - Healthcare Investor, B Capital
- Renee T. Williams, PhD MBA - Managing Partner, Williams Biotech Consulting
- Melissa Montan - SVP, HSBC Innovation Banking
- Libia F. Scheller, PhD, MBA - Founder & CEO, M.I.A.M.I. AI Ventures
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Her Vision, Her Venture: Women Founders on Innovation
- Moderator: MyPhuong Le - Founder and President of Aquillius
- Panelists:
- Olivia Rutman - Founder and CEO, Kids Care Finder
- Kate Lynch - Co-Founder & CEO of NeoLaunch
- Cheryl K. Goodman - Co-Founder, AskTuring.ai
- Beth J. Hoffman, Ph.D. - Founder and CEO, Origami Therapeutics, Inc.
- Meg Ferrigno, PhD - CEO, MoonPads
- Jessica Zoraida - Founder CEO, MBA, Enrolled Agent, Company: Big Picture Results Inc.
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Break
4:45 PM - 6:45 PM
Startup Showcase
6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
Networking, Happy Hour, Startup Market
Prizes
- $20k in office/lab space
- Digital Marketing and Branding Services (worth $5,000)
- $25k custom UX design package from the largest femtech incubator in the US
- Exploratory biostatistics package: 3 reports
- Membership to Mayo Clinic Innovation Exchange
- Regulatory kit and Regulatory strategy consulting (Medical Device only)
- $5,000 Legal fees
- Two months campaign on startup program
- 3-day ticket to the upcoming 2025 RESI Conference
- Contingent Permanent Placement ($5,000 off); Retained Search services ($5,000 off)
- $5,000 of tax services
Learn from Subject Matter Experts

Livia Han
Co-Founder at Compass, Community Builder, Author of LIVTOSHARE, Women’s Health x AI Newsletter
As a Founder, GTM leader and community builder, Livia has firsthand experience building and scaling healthcare solutions, including co-founding Compass, a mental health platform focused on personalized care navigation. Her experience expanding into Life Sciences at a Series D scale up, combined with her active role fostering connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and healthcare leaders through her newsletter LIVTOSHARE and organization of over 100+ community events, gives her unique insight into the challenges and opportunities in healthcare innovation and the women's health ecosystem.

Leah Villegas
Managing Partner, Aquillius Ventures
As the Managing Partner at Aquillius Ventures, I oversee the investment strategy, portfolio management, and deal sourcing of a leading VC firm that focuses on early-stage startups in the biotech, medtech and agtech sectors. I also serve as the Vice President at the Aquillius Innovation Hub, where I manage the operations, financial planning, and business development of the firm. Additionally, I am a board member of Microtek, Inc., a microelectronic manufacturing company that provides innovative solutions for the medtech industry. I hold an MBA in Finance from the University of Colorado Denver and a certificate from VC University, where I learned the latest trends and best practices in the VC field. I am proficient in investment analysis, data analysis, and SWOT analysis, and I have a passion for finding and supporting disruptive and scalable businesses that can make a positive impact on the world. I value collaboration, diversity, innovation, and social responsibility, and I seek to work with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and partners.

Nonna Titulauri
VP of Deal Sourcing at Simon School Venture Fund at the University of Rochester, NY
Nonna Titulauri is a 2nd year MBA student at Simon Business School, University of Rochester and was recently named Rogue Women’s Fund Student Fellow. Prior to her studies at Simon, Nonna delivered marketing performance analytics to J&J Pharmaceutical brands on their cancer treatment info-sites through her work with IPG Mediabrands. Nonna holds B.S in Biochemistry from San Francisco State University and MS in Bioinformatics from NYU where she conducted research on plant genetics and 3-D printed protein. At Simon, Nonna helps Seed to Series B startups across a variety of sectors raise capital and connects their founders with Simon student community to help develop students’ due diligence skills and prepare them for their future roles in finance post Simon. During her free time, Nonna loves to bring her schoolmates together for events focusing on ESG topics and train with her friends for 10K runs in upstate NY

Su Chuen Foo
Associate, Investments at Avivar Capital
Su is an impact investor dedicated to harnessing capital to foster healthier, just, and more inclusive communities. At her current role, she leads/supports evaluation of investment opportunities in private funds, startups, and intermediaries on behalf of mission-focused institutional investors to drive impact in health, education, housing, and climate. In past roles, she has helped organizations execute impact measurement and fund development initiatives. Su is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion both within the workplace and in outdoor spaces. She serves as a Board Member of Changing Tides Foundation, a global nonprofit committed to empowering women to protect the planet. When not at work, Su enjoys surfing, hiking, reading, and spending time with her two dogs.

Athena Shea
Healthcare Investor, B Capital
Athena is a Healthcare Investor based out of B Capital’s San Francisco office, where she focuses on opportunities in Digital Health and Healthcare IT. She has dedicated time to sectors including, but not limited to, women’s health, new models of care delivery, the intersection of healthcare and fintech, revenue cycle management, and real-world evidence. Athena is a New York native that graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Policy Analysis and Management with a concentration in Healthcare Economics.
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Renee T. Williams, PhD MBA
Managing Partner, Williams Biotech Consulting
Renee founded and is Managing Partner of Williams Biotech Consulting, which is a boutique firm offering business development, M&A, and strategy services, and currently serves on the Board of Directors and Advisor Board for three companies. Previously, as Vice President of External Strategy for Genetic Medicines at Eli Lilly and Company, she actively shaped the scientific direction by executing 30+ transactions in under 24 months for 9 modalities in 6 therapeutic areas within the US, EU, and APAC. Renee started her career at Janssen as a chemist where she built from inception the analytical capabilities and standard operating procedures for two discovery laboratories within the RNA Therapeutics function. Upon transitioning into the business unit, she served as Global Lead of Business Strategy and Operations for the Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Area. Early in her career, she taught and created new curriculum for chemistry programs at the high school, university, and adult levels. Renee holds a dual MBA from the SC Johnson School of Management at Cornell University and Smith School of Business at Queen’s University (Kingston, Canada); a PhD and MS in Chemistry with expertise in mass spectrometry and separation sciences from the University of California, Riverside and California State University, Los Angeles, respectively; and a BS in Chemistry with a minor in African-American Studies from University of California, Irvine.

Melissa Montan
SVP, HSBC Innovation BankinG
Melissa is an SVP with HSBC Innovation Banking, HSBC’s startup and VC banking arm. Melissa focuses on SoCal innovation, supporting the local venture ecosystem with banking solutions, debt, connectivity and more. Prior to HSBC, she worked in venture capital, supporting founders in the Clocktower Ventures and M13 portfolios. She is passionate about making a positive impact on the world through supporting incredible entrepreneurs.

Libia F. Scheller, PhD, MBA
Founder & CEO, M.I.A.M.I. AI Ventures
Dr. Libia F. Scheller is a renowned entrepreneur, health futurist, & leader in biotech & pharmaceuticals. She holds a BS in Genetics from Yale University School of Medicine, a PhD in Immunology from the University of Maryland, & an MBA in International Management of Science from Basel, Switzerland. Her postdoctoral work at the Naval Medical Research Institute focused on vaccine development, and she has pursued advanced training in Oncology Nutrition, AI in Healthcare & the impact of Quantum AI in healthcare Dr. Scheller achieved two successful biotech exits early in her career before transitioning to leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry, including positions at Sanofi-Aventis and Bayer Healthcare, as the Global Oncology Head of Strategic Alliances. She also is an advisor & serves on multiple biotech boards & actively invests in innovative technologies. M.I.A.M.I. AI Ventures provides business development and access to capital for startup companies focusing on HealthTech, diagnostics, & longevity medicine. Passionate about innovation, she leverages her expertise in emerging technologies, including cognitive and quantum AI, to shape the future of healthcare.

Olivia Rutman
Founder and CEO, Kids Care Finder
Olivia Rutman spent 15 years in the banking industry with Wells Fargo before taking the leap of faith to leave to start her own tech company. In banking, Olivia held a number of different roles across in sales, leadership, and enablement, and is well versed in both Retail and Commercial Banking. Half of her banking career was spent on a sales enablement team, helping solve complex problems, and building tools, trainings, and communications for a large organization. That experience, coupled with her struggles as a working mom to find childcare and other activities for her kids, gave her the skills and passion needed to launch Kids Care Finder, a revolutionary childcare platform helping make life much easier on parents and care providers.

Kate Lynch
Co-Founder & CEO of NeoLaunch
Kate Lynch is a deep tech entrepreneur and futurist with a focus on the convergence of deep tech, the future of on-Earth and off-world infrastructure, negotiation, geopolitics, and finance. Her technical focus has been in aerospace, AI, blockchain, and novel forms of compute. The core of what Lynch does is centered around building positive technology that enhances humanity. She is also co-creator of the Female Investors Club.

Cheryl K. Goodman
Co-Founder, AskTuring.ai
Cheryl K. Goodman is a prominent technology executive and innovator with an impressive career spanning multiple sectors of the tech industry. As co-founder of AskTuring.ai, she has established herself as a key player in AI technology development, creating secure and customized AI solutions for businesses. Her entrepreneurial journey includes founding FindGood. tech, an AI Workforce Training and Consulting firm, where she serves as CEO. Goodman is also the host of the "Mind the Machine" podcast, a platform where she explores technological advancements and their impact on human society. With previous leadership roles at major companies like Qualcomm and Sony Electronics, Goodman has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive innovation. She is the author of "How to Win Friends and Influence Robots," a bestselling book that aims to simplify AI for non-technical professionals. As Vice Chair of Startup San Diego, she actively contributes to fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems. Her unique combination of corporate experience, technological expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit positions her as a thought leader in the rapidly evolving world of technology and artificial intelligence.

Beth J. Hoffman, Ph.D.
Founder and CEO, Origami Therapeutics, Inc.
At Origami Therapeutics, Dr. Hoffman is creating a new approach to discovering curative medicines for neurodegenerative diseases, leveraging her experience from 20 years of CNS drug discovery and from discovering transformational therapies for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Prior to Origami, she was a Research & Development executive at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Amgen and Eli Lilly & Co. She made major contributions to >30 programs that advanced to clinical trials and to four marketed drugs for CF (Kalydeco, Orkambi, Symdeco, Trikafta). Dr. Hoffman received her A.B. in Molecular Biology from Wellesley College and a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from the Johns Hopkins University. She was Chief of the Molecular Pharmacology Unit at the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD and was awarded the Prize of the Anna Monika Foundation for depression research. Dr. Hoffman serves on the Board of Directors for Biofrontera Inc. (NASDAQ: BFRI), the Scientific Advisory Board for the Tau Consortium of the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, the National Board of Trustees for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) and the Scientific Advisory Board of Vigil Neuroscience (NASDAQ: VIGL).
Meg Ferrigno, PhD
CEO, MoonPads
Meg Ferrigno,PhD is the founder of MoonPads, a certified B Corp dedicated to addressing period poverty and promoting environmental sustainability. MoonPads produces compostable, organic cotton pads and tampons designed to provide accessible, people+ planet friendly solutions for menstruators worldwide. Selling on a buy 1, give 1 model aimedat eradicating period poverty, MoonPads has partnered with organizations and institutions to make sustainable menstrual health products more widely available, including initiatives with universities and nonprofits. Committed to both social and environmental impact, MoonPads not only reduces waste but also empowers individuals by fostering awareness about menstrual equity and sustainability.

Jessica Zoraida
Founder CEO, MBA, Enrolled Agent, Company: Big Picture Results Inc.
Jessica Zoraida is a seasoned Latina entrepreneur who actively empowers marginalized people especially women through employment, mentorship, service to community and regular programming that simplifies financial topics so that fear and confusion are eliminated, making way for empowerment and success. Her story is one of overcoming adversity throughout her life - Bronx born, poor, first to go to college, navigated a11 year career in Corporate Banking, 15 years as entrepreneur and is an active member and volunteer in women centric organizations.
Today, Jessica is CEO of Big Picture Results Inc., an Accounting and Tax company that helps growing companies bring more to the bottom line, is a speaker and subject matter expert, and investor in women/PoCowned companies. An avid traveler, active and living joyfully, she walks the walk and is eager to share strategies and tools that allow us to live our best life as entrepreneurs.
MC/MODERATOR
Priscilla Luckhurst
Investor and Financial Advisor
Priscilla Luckhurst is an Investment Manager, Fiduciary, and Accredited Angel Investor. She's an Investment Associate at Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 firm that provides financial services. She's a Investment Fund Manager at the San Diego Angel Conference Fund VI and is also active with Gaingels and NuFund. Priscilla holds her Masters Degree in Finance and MBA from the University of San Diego. Priscilla is an excited business owner and a former Senior Personal Banker at Wells Fargo.
STARTUP SHOWCASE




















JUDGES

Dr. Julie Ducahrme
CEO, JD Consulting Solutions
Dr. Julie Ducharme is a dynamic leader, keynote speaker, national best-selling author, professor, and serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in empowering others. She is the visionary behind the Lead and Empower Her SHE Talks movement, a nationwide women’s empowerment conference that provides women with platforms to speak, write, and inspire others. As the founder of JD Consulting, she helps businesses scale and increase brand visibility through creative, viral marketing campaigns. Dr. Ducharme is also deeply committed to education, actively shaping future leaders as a professor and championing youth as the future of this world. With her focus on leadership, business strategy, and female empowerment, she is a sought-after speaker, advisor, and thought leader, working to inspire and empower through her ventures and publications.

Daniela Di Iasio
Venture Partner, Maximus
Daniela is dedicated to empowering early-stage startups by providing strategic insights, funding guidance, and hands-on mentorship. With a deep understanding of business development and scaling operations, she helps founders navigate the complexities of growing their businesses in highly competitive markets. Passionate about identifying disruptive startups with high growth potential, she works closely with them to refine their business models, develop scalable strategies, and secure the necessary resources to thrive. Her mission is to bridge the gap between visionary founders and the capital and networks they need to succeed. She is a hard-working, dynamic, and determined person who strongly believes in transparency, clarity, loyalty, and competence, and she has based her professional career on these values.

Kadambari Beelwar
Healthcare Industry Expert
Kadambari Beelwar, CEO, Truss Health has managed digital health technology group at Stanford Children’s Medical Health growing their telehealth program by 4000%. Her efforts earned Stanford Children’s Medical Health, eHealthcare Leadership award for “Best Overall Digital Patient Experience”. Her previous experience includes Kaiser Permanente where she led KP’s biggest technology acquisition with Group Healthcare that included 55+ clinics in Washington state, Maui Memorial and Emory Healthcare partnership with Kaiser Permanente. She has also earned her master’s in electrical engineering and executive master’s in business administration from Wharton, University of Pennsylvania.

Athena Shea
Healthcare Investor, B Capital
Athena is a Healthcare Investor based out of B Capital’s San Francisco office, where she focuses on opportunities in Digital Health and Healthcare IT. She has dedicated time to sectors including, but not limited to, women’s health, new models of care delivery, the intersection of healthcare and fintech, revenue cycle management, and real-world evidence. Athena is a New York native that graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Policy Analysis and Management with a concentration in Healthcare Economics.

Kristen Schultz
Founder and CEO, Woodland Strategic Advisors
Kristen Schultz is the founder and CEO of Woodland Strategic Advisors, a boutique strategy consulting firm focused on advancing innovation, growth and financial sustainability in women’s health. With 20 years of experience in healthcare consulting, nonprofit leadership, and operational transformation, Kristen specializes in helping mission-driven organizations achieve operational excellence and lasting success. Previously, Kristen served as Chief Strategy & Operations Officer at Planned Parenthood of Illinois, leading the operations of 18 health centers and telehealth platforms. During her tenure she drove substantial growth in revenue and patient access, leading to the largest patient increase of any state in the U.S. during the loss of federal abortion protection. Kristen spearheaded initiatives to improve health equity, clinical quality, and financial viability. Kristen also has extensive experience in healthcare consulting from her time at Deloitte, where she led complex strategy projects for Fortune 500 companies, focusing on long-term growth strategies, healthcare service expansion, and the development of innovative operating models. In addition to her professional roles, Kristen served on the board of BetterHealth, contributing to governance, strategy and technological advancement for Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide. Kristen earned an MBA and an MPP from the University of Michigan, and a BA in Gender Studies from the University of Southern California. Kristen lives in the Chicago area with her husband and three children. She is driven by a passion for health equity and organizational impact, leveraging her skills to empower mission-driven organizations to navigate challenges, innovate effectively, and thrive in the ever-evolving healthcare ecosystem.

Jessica Zoraida
Founder CEO, MBA, Enrolled Agent, Company: Big Picture Results Inc.
Jessica Zoraida is a seasoned Latina entrepreneur who actively empowers marginalized people especially women through employment, mentorship, service to community and regular programming that simplifies financial topics so that fear and confusion are eliminated, making way for empowerment and success. Her story is one of overcoming adversity throughout her life - Bronx born, poor, first to go to college, navigated a11 year career in Corporate Banking, 15 years as entrepreneur and is an active member and volunteer in women centric organizations.
Today, Jessica is CEO of Big Picture Results Inc., an Accounting and Tax company that helps growing companies bring more to the bottom line, is a speaker and subject matter expert, and investor in women/PoCowned companies. An avid traveler, active and living joyfully, she walks the walk and is eager to share strategies and tools that allow us to live our best life as entrepreneurs.

Melissa Montan
SVP, HSBC Innovation Banking
Melissa is an SVP with HSBC Innovation Banking, HSBC’s startup and VC banking arm. Melissa focuses on SoCal innovation, supporting the local venture ecosystem with banking solutions, debt, connectivity and more. Prior to HSBC, she worked in venture capital, supporting founders in the Clocktower Ventures and M13 portfolios. She is passionate about making a positive impact on the world through supporting incredible entrepreneurs.

Sonja Nakasian
CEO & Co-founder, Epiveris
Over a decade of experience in the sciences including epidemiology, data science, statistical programming, pharmacovigilance and drug safety, medical device research, infectious disease surveillance, immunology laboratory research, as well as direct patient care. Epidemiology experience in academia (University of Utah, University of Pittsburgh, Harvard School of Public Health), Allegheny County health department, multiple start-up companies, pharma/biotechnology companies (Amgen, Sanofi, Regeneron, Roche), healthtech (lunit.io), medical devices (Johnson & Johnson), and consulting. Spent many years working and studying in Europe (Bamberg, Halle, Leipzig, Madrid, and Munich). Currently a co-founder of two AI-driven products in the life sciences: a predictive analytics SaaS platform designed for pharma and biotech companies in market access, and a collaborative (open science) research tool aimed at enhancing the quality and rigor of observational research studies.

Beata Mierzwa
Postdoctoral Researcher at UC San Diego & Founder of Beata Science Art LLC
Dr. Beata Mierzwa is a cancer researcher and founder of Beata Science Art, which aims to share the beauty of science through art, fashion, and interactive media. After having worked on cytokinetic abscission during her PhD, Beata's current research at the University of California San Diego focuses on understanding mechanisms of cell division and the p53 pathway to improve cancer therapy. Beyond her academic career, Beata explores various approaches to visual science communication, using hand-drawn illustration, science-themed clothing, and a cell biology video game titled Microscopya to communicate science inside and outside the scientific community. Through her AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadorship she aims to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM and empower our next generation of creative scientists. For more information, please visit www.beatascienceart.com or follow @beatascienceart on social media.

Vidya Venkatesh
Chief Product Officer/Co-Founder of stealth mode Longevity company
Vidya is a health/biotech product and commercial strategy executive with 15+ years of experience building,launching and scaling products across GRAIL, Exact Sciences, Genomic Health and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Her mission and passion has been centered around leading the development of innovative products and their go-to-market strategies to improve patient outcomes on a global scale.
She is currently the chief product and strategy officer for a stealth mode longevity startup, with a mission to democratize HealthSpan testing and services with personalized care pathways, for all. Vidya is deeply passionate about supporting female founders and in addition to being an active mentor to several female founders, she is an LP in the Portfolia FemTech fund and the Neythri Futures Fund.

Joe Gatto
Managing Partner, SeedFolio.vc
Joe is the managing partner at SeedFolio, a seed-stage VC focused primarily on life sciences. Prior to SeedFolio, he was the founder and CEO of StarMine which he grew until a successful exit.

Olga Grygoryan, MBA
CEO & Founder, Sybil Health
Olga Grygoryan is the Founder & CEO of Sybil Health, bringing over 18 years of leadership and technical expertise in IT, AI, and data science, with hands-on experience at leading biopharma and medical device companies like Medtronic, Amgen, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Committed to innovation in women’s health, she harnesses data-driven personalization and empathetic design to transform hormonal healthcare. Her mission is to deliver impactful solutions that address mid-life hormonal shifts, bridging critical gaps and ultimately redefining women’s health through technology.

Libia F. Scheller, PhD, MBA
Founder & CEO, M.I.A.M.I. AI Ventures
Dr. Libia F. Scheller is a renowned entrepreneur, health futurist, & leader in biotech & pharmaceuticals. She holds a BS in Genetics from Yale University School of Medicine, a PhD in Immunology from the University of Maryland, & an MBA in International Management of Science from Basel, Switzerland. Her postdoctoral work at the Naval Medical Research Institute focused on vaccine development, and she has pursued advanced training in Oncology Nutrition, AI in Healthcare & the impact of Quantum AI in healthcare Dr. Scheller achieved two successful biotech exits early in her career before transitioning to leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry, including positions at Sanofi-Aventis and Bayer Healthcare, as the Global Oncology Head of Strategic Alliances. She also is an advisor & serves on multiple biotech boards & actively invests in innovative technologies. M.I.A.M.I. AI Ventures provides business development and access to capital for startup companies focusing on HealthTech, diagnostics, & longevity medicine. Passionate about innovation, she leverages her expertise in emerging technologies, including cognitive and quantum AI, to shape the future of healthcare.Dr. Libia F. Scheller is a renowned entrepreneur, health futurist, & leader in biotech & pharmaceuticals. She holds a BS in Genetics from Yale University School of Medicine, a PhD in Immunology from the University of Maryland, & an MBA in International Management of Science from Basel, Switzerland. Her postdoctoral work at the Naval Medical Research Institute focused on vaccine development, and she has pursued advanced training in Oncology Nutrition, AI in Healthcare & the impact of Quantum AI in healthcare Dr. Scheller achieved two successful biotech exits early in her career before transitioning to leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry, including positions at Sanofi-Aventis and Bayer Healthcare, as the Global Oncology Head of Strategic Alliances. She also is an advisor & serves on multiple biotech boards & actively invests in innovative technologies. M.I.A.M.I. AI Ventures provides business development and access to capital for startup companies focusing on HealthTech, diagnostics, & longevity medicine. Passionate about innovation, she leverages her expertise in emerging technologies, including cognitive and quantum AI, to shape the future of healthcare.

Lindsay Anh Hoang
CEO, Jana Care Inc
Dr. Anh Hoang-Lindsay is the CEO of Jana Care Inc, a pioneering developer of at-home, self-administered blood testing technologies for heart disease and chronic kidney disease management. The platform enables patients to self-administer blood tests at-home and allows clinicians to review the test results remotely as needed. Outside of Jana Care, Anh is a part time faculty at Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT)’s Catalyst Program, a member of the board of directors of MassMedic, and serves as an advisor/board member to several early stage companies, research institutions, and venture capital funds. Anh completed her doctorate degree (Ph.D) in material science engineering from Vanderbilt University and her postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Mass General Hospital as an Executive Committee on Research fellow.

Vrinda Agarwal
VC Investor
Vrinda Agarwal is a VC investor based in San Francisco, focused on early stage B2B investing. With a background spanning venture capital, technology product strategy, and investment banking, she brings expertise in helping startups navigate growth and scale. Prior to her career in venture capital investing, Vrinda worked in Product Strategy & Finance at Google, and in investment banking at Goldman Sachs.
Vrinda received her MBA from Harvard Business School. She holds dual degrees in Political Science and Development Economics from UC Berkeley, where she graduated as departmental valedictorian. Passionate about mentorship and building inclusive ecosystems, she actively supports emerging entrepreneurs and women in business.

Jami DeBrango-Palumbo
CEO of SIH Consulting LLC
Jami DeBrango-Palumbo, CEO of SIH Consulting LLC, is a visionary healthcare executive, author, industry strategist, and expert in operationalizing strategy, with over 25 years of global leadership in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and molecular diagnostics. She has held progressively senior roles at Idec Pharmaceuticals, Biogen, Genentech, Roche, and Foundation Medicine, and is currently serving as EVP at Harbinger Health, where she is driving strategic workforce planning and ensuring scalable organizational and operational frameworks to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and drive operational impact.
Jami has played a pivotal role in the global launch of industry-defining therapies, including Rituximab®, Avastin®, Herceptin®, and Tamiflu®. Her expertise in precision medicine, next-generation sequencing, and strategic workforce planning has consistently driven the advancement of cutting-edge treatments and reshaped the landscape of personalized healthcare.
Her leadership is rooted in a commitment to people and processes, mentoring emerging leaders, nurturing organizational cultures, and fostering innovation within high-performing teams. Known for turning strategy into execution and operational excellence Jami thrives in guiding teams through complex challenges and scaling transformative ideas into industry-defining solutions.
Jami has recently been recognized as a finalist for Women of Influence in Science by the San Diego Business Journal and has received several leadership awards throughout her career, further highlighting her dedication and contributions to the healthcare and science industries. She is also the founder of "Strength in Heels®", a trademarked movement and author designed to inspire resilience and empower leadership. Additionally, she co-founded Kristin’s Fund, a 501c(3) nonprofit dedicated to combating domestic violence, turning personal adversity into a global force for positive change.
She also serves as Advisory Board Member at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), since 2011, and is passionate about expanding healthcare access and advancing global health equity.
Jami is a highly sought-after industry expert, mentor, and advocate, her career is a testament to bold, courageous leadership, transformative execution, and an unwavering commitment to advancing science for the benefit of patients worldwide.

Livia Han
Co-Founder at Compass, Community Builder, Author of LIVTOSHARE, Women’s Health x AI Newsletter
As a Founder, GTM leader and community builder, Livia has firsthand experience building and scaling healthcare solutions, including co-founding Compass, a mental health platform focused on personalized care navigation. Her experience expanding into Life Sciences at a Series D scale up, combined with her active role fostering connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and healthcare leaders through her newsletter LIVTOSHARE and organization of over 100+ community events, gives her unique insight into the challenges and opportunities in healthcare innovation and the women's health ecosystem.
Judges

















Sponsors


Startup Market
Catalyst Capital Symposia
Activating Startups
This monthly forum provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain valuable insights into emerging sectors and disruptive technologies that have the potential to revolutionize human health, the environment, and society.
Through engaging discussions, informative panels, and interactive workshops, aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs and investors can learn about essential concepts, strategies, and best practices directly from industry experts.
By engaging the venture and startup ecosystem, the symposia encourages investors to be activists and empower startups with cutting-edge technology.
Investing in Startups
Join the ranks of investor-activists who not only provide financial backing but also lend their expertise, networks, and influence to nurture startups, catalyzing a collective effort towards a brighter, more innovative future.
Startups: Apply to Pitch
Pitch your startup to an audience of industry experts, colleagues, and seasoned investors to gain valuable insights and feedback, forge strategic partnerships and connections, secure vital funding for your pioneering project, and elevate your startup to the next level!
Apply to pitch at one of the upcoming symposiums.
Connecting with Potential Customers
Sponsorship at Catalyst Capital Symposia provides a range of advantages, such as heightened brand visibility, lead generation, networking opportunities, thought leadership, and early access to emerging technologies.
To explore the ways in which your company can benefit from sponsoring our event, reach out to us for more information.