Innovation that changes the playing field, splinters the glass ceiling and grows talent requires hard work. And evolution, flexibility and scalability.

On June 11, Oregon Bio Women will be in force to connect with each other and four of the brilliant minds of 6453 Forward, the Nike alumni-founded think tank and talent powerhouse.

Whether the sports or the life sciences industry, emerging leaders and established pros must both navigate and make change, pivot with purpose in uncertainty, and create internal influence with vision and resilience. It’s time to test assumptions and  hone our ever-changing, go-forward strategies.

Oregon Life Sciences Interim President & CEO Dr. Ndeye Makalou is scheduled to attend – come say hello!

At CONNECT 2026, we’ll spend focused time with leader legends. Our presenters/panelists/pod leaders serve as the core team of 6453 Forward – a Portland-based consulting firm and talent marketplace founded by Nike alums, specializing in brand strategy, marketing, and operational optimization. Operating in the “space between traditional consultancies and creative brand studios,” each brings the expertise and connections of former Nike leaders to deliver innovative, fast-paced business and coaching solutions born from pivot-quick experience.

The topline of CONNECT 2026 discussion topics:

• The Squeeze: Leading up and down through change – how to build influence upward and trust downward when everything around is shifting.
• Changemaking and evolving immediately – creating the roadmap when strategy is unclear/still unfolding.
• Driving momentum through the art and science of innovation.
• Leaders and their impact in times of change and uncertainty – practical, actionable strategies/tactics to implement in times of change.
• Teaming up and down – adjusting course in real time, and keeping momentum when the playbook runs out.

Let’s be clear; there’s a lot of juice to squeeze. This landmark – and fun – Oregon Bio Women (OBW) gathering offers a workshop-style format with targeted networking time, industry leader presentations and panel discussions, followed by facilitated small-group interactions with topical pods. This annual event is one of several OBW pro dev sessions providing professional and personal development opportunities for emerging-leader women in the life science and STEM careers stratum, as well as key linkages to mentoring opportunities and industry-specific support.

Register HERE