Building and Sustaining Successful Employee Resource Groups

OLS is Ohio’s life science industry trade association, representing an industry that includes more than 4,200 businesses statewide. Ohio Life Sciences convenes and advocates on behalf of biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, labs, digital health, gene and cell therapy, agricultural biotechnology, and research and academic institutions throughout Ohio. OLS is the voice representing and advocating for the common interests of our life sciences community.

Ohio Life Sciences

A Diversity in Bioscience Event presented by BioOhio, Cardinal Health, and Forge Biologics

Cardinal Health

BioOhio proudly supports diversity and inclusion within the bioscience and healthcare industries. Join <a href="https://www.bioohio.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">BioOhio</a>, <a href="https://www.cardinalhealth.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Cardinal Health</a>, and <a href="https://www.forgebiologics.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Forge Biologics</a> to learn what makes an Employee Resource Group successful, and connect with the community to build a vision for the future of biotech and healthcare.We invite you to join us for this opportunity to convene with people and companies who have created ERGs, and those thinking of starting them. ** In-Person ticket sales end Friday, 8/12 at 10 am. Virtual tickets are available until 12 noon on 8/16 **

Speakers• Laura Carfagna, B.S., Director of Sales and Client Development, Forge Biologics• Mike Cvengros, Vice President, Digital Transformation, Cardinal Health• Erandi De Silva, Ph.D., Co-Founder, Senior Vice President of Product Development, Forge Biologics• Kendra Strother, MBA, Director, Product Strategy &amp; Execution, Cardinal Health• Moderator: Eli Phillips, Vice President/General Manager, Digital Health at Cardinal Health and a BioOhio Board Member.• Opening remarks: Devray Kirkland, Chief Diversity Officer at Cardinal Health, and Eddie Pauline, President &amp; CEO at BioOhio.

This event will conclude with a networking reception. Event RSVP details: This is a hybrid event with In-Person and Online Only options. Online attendees may participate in Q&A. Post-panel networking for in-person tickets only. In-Person• BioOhio Members - $25 each• Non-Members - $35 eachOnline Only• Live Stream Zoom Access - $10 each

Speaker BiographiesLaura Carfagna, B.S. is the Director of Sales and Client Development. Laura joined Forge Biologics in November 2020 as employee number thirty-five. Laura has 11 years of sales and management experience in the Life Science Industry. Prior to joining Forge Biologics, Laura held sales and management roles with Corning Life Sciences, VWR, and Life Technologies. She received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in microbiology from Bowling Green State University. Mike Cvengros has been with Cardinal Health for over 20 years in a variety of roles and functions, currently holding the role of Vice President, Digital Transformation. He first got involved with ERGs at Cardinal Health when he joined a Women’s Impact Network (WIN) book club discussion group. That led Mike to become a more active member in WIN and eventually to take the role of Chair for the WIN Committee focused on increasing Director and above participation in the ERG. The positive experiences Mike had with WIN led him to join several other ERGs at Cardinal Health over the years where he has participated in events, mentoring relationships, and discussion groups. In November of 2021, Mike stepped into the role of Co-Chair of Cardinal Health’s Veteran’s &amp; Military Advocates (VMA) ERG where he and his Co-Chair have focused on increasing membership, establishing a committee structure, and advocating for veterans at Cardinal Health. His involvement in ERGs has truly helped Mike to learn new things and shaped his perspectives in a variety of ways.Erandi De Silva, Ph.D., Co-Founder, Senior Vice President of Product Development, Forge Biologics. She is an experienced scientist and entrepreneur, with 10+ years of experience in discovery research, therapeutic development, and partnering across oncology, infectious disease, and gene therapy. Prior to founding Forge, Dr. De Silva held leadership roles in both academic and industry settings, including at Myonexus Therapeutics. She earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Princeton University, where she was awarded the Procter Fellowship in recognition of exceptional research, and her B.S., with honors, from Stanford University. Dr. De Silva was also a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Genentech.Kendra Strother, MBA, serves as Director of the U.S. Regional Product Marketing team for surgical gloves, drapes, and gowns. She has 11 years’ experience with Cardinal Health, serving primarily in Marketing, Product Strategy, Solutions Development, and Relationship Management roles. She has a track record for complex problem solving and challenging the status-quo to create strong customer value strategies and tangible results. Kendra proudly serves as Dublin chapter co-chair of Cardinal Health’s Black and African American Network (BOLD). Kendra’s aim is to magnify BOLD’s forward presence to build and showcase the black and African American culture of excellence. Biased towards intentional networking and mentorship, Kendra believes greater engagement, allyship, and sponsorship surely follow, leading to promotion and retention of energized leaders within BOLD and Cardinal Health. Kendra is a passionate mentor and champion of talent, freely sharing her time with peers, summer interns, EMERGE participants, and Talent Acquisition for recruiting efforts. Kendra was recently recognized as a Rising Star at Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) Woman of the Year event.ModeratorEli Phillips, Jr., PharmD, JD is a licensed Pharmacist and Attorney who joined Cardinal Health in June 2014. He serves as Vice President/General Manager, Digital Health, responsible for the strategy, sales, and operations of digital health solutions that maximize positive outcomes for patients. Previously Dr. Phillips was VP for Regulatory Sciences and Insights &amp; Engagement within Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions, responsible for leading all aspects of sales and operations across two business units which provide lifecycle management solutions for the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device industries. These businesses serve over 200 manufacturing clients on their products’ pre-approval and post-commercialization journey by providing expertise in navigating the complex global regulatory approval process and delivering timely insights through commercial provider engagement and HEOR-based research.Opening remarksDevray Kirkland is Chief Diversity Officer at Cardinal Health, where he has led the development and implementation of a comprehensive, enterprise-wide diversity strategy through related programs, initiatives, and projects. He also provides direction to business segments on tactical programs and systems related to attracting, retaining, and promoting a diverse workforce. In partnership with the Cardinal Health Executive Committee and Diversity &amp; Inclusion Council, Devray fosters critical dialogue and strategic counsel across the business to progress and sustain an inclusive work culture. He was integral in the formation of both the D&I Council and employee resource groups at Cardinal Health. Devray joined Cardinal Health in 2012 as Director, Talent Management, for the company’s Medical segment. He also held the same position supporting the Pharmaceutical segment during his tenure. Prior to joining Cardinal Health, Devray held numerous HR management and development roles with The Scotts Miracle-Gro company, L Brands (formerly Limited Brands), and Retail Ventures, Inc.Eddie Pauline, MBA, OhioCED joined BioOhio as President and CEO in August 2021. Eddie previously served as the Director for Economic Development for The Ohio State University within its Enterprise for Research, Innovation, and Knowledge. In this role, Eddie led the economic development and economic impact functions to attract new companies to Ohio and retain and expand Ohio businesses. Working closely with tech transfer and commercialization partners, corporate partnerships, the innovation district, medical center, government affairs, and startup portfolio, he initiated and guided campus-wide and industry-specific workforce, innovation, and placemaking programs to drive economic growth. Prior to coming to Ohio State in 2010, Eddie worked in the digital media industry for startups and large corporations, primarily in Seattle and New York, where he was part of the team that led the successful acquisition of Scout.com by Fox Interactive Media. Eddie holds a BA and a BS from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Franklin University. He is an Ohio Certified Economic Developer. Eddie, his wife Lindsey, and their three children live in Worthington, Ohio.