NSTC

COMMUNITY EVENTS: Highlights from the NSTC’s Fourth Annual Women in Technology Forum

On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the North Shore Technology Council (NSTC) held its Fourth Annual Women in Technology Forum themed “Navigating Transitions: Resilience Fueled by Passion.” West Hill is proud to support this dynamic event, which brought together some inspiring voices in tech and innovation to share stories of perseverance, growth, and transformation.

An Evening of Inspiration and Insight

The night began with a powerful keynote from Helen Greiner, PH.D., Co-founder of iRobot. From being captivated by R2D2 in Star Wars as a child to developing the iconic Roomba and groundbreaking military robotics, Grenier shared the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey. Her story was a vivid reminder that innovation often emerges from persistence in the face of failure and the courage to reinvent.

Real Stories from Real Trailblazers

Moderated by Tracey Curley, CEO and CFO of iSpecimen and NSTC Board Member, the panel featured a powerhouse of women leaders:

• Cynthia Bamdad, PH.D., CEO of Minerva Biotechnologies
• Liz Reczek, PH.D., Co-Founder & CEO of Sempresto, Inc.
• Michelle Chao, Co-founder & former COO of Phoenix Tailings
• Christine Ortiz, PH.D., Director, MIT Technology & Policy Program

Each panelist shared raw and real accounts of navigating life’s curveballs–from health challenges and personal setbacks to business pivots and team struggles. Despite the varied paths, a common thread ran through their stories: grit and resilience driven by passion.

Whether facing breast cancer of a loved one, divorce, or start-up failures, these leaders leaned into challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and adapt. Their stories highlighted the importance of collaboration, calling on mentors, peers, and partners to forge new paths when traditional routes failed. From formative guidance in early career stages to reciprocal relationships with mentees, the discussion highlighted how meaningful connections can drive personal and professional transformation. The room buzzed with energy as the audience engaged with questions, sparking conversations of shared struggles and triumphs.

A Night for Connection

The Women in Technology Forum remains a platform for celebrating innovation, authenticity, and resilience within the tech community. As West Hill reflects on the evening, we remain inspired by the courage and wisdom shared on stage and are honored to support the NSTC in fostering a more inclusive and empowering future in technology.

“West Hill remains committed to supporting and elevating women in the legal community and in the technology businesses we work with,” said Louise Kennedy. 

About the NSTC

The evening concluded with remarks from NSTC President Gene Wong, the Dean of Science & Technology at Endicott College. For more information on the North Shore Technology Counsel please follow the NSTC on LinkedIn and visit NSTC.org for more info on joining their community and events.

About West Hill Technology Counsel

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm. We offer proactive, practical legal guidance designed to prevent problems before they arise. Our clients are innovative start-ups and growth-stage companies that create or leverage technology as a core part of their business model. The support and empowerment of women is a critical component of the West Hill vision and mission. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS: Better Together–The Power of Partnering and Mentoring in Times of Uncertainty

On Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, the North Shore Technology Council (NSTC), held its Third Annual Women in Technology Forum: Better Together–The Power of Partnerships and Mentoring in Times of Uncertainty. Louise Kennedy, West Hill’s Founding Attorney, moderated the panel of inspiring women who discussed their entrepreneurial journeys while highlighting key mentoring and partnership stories from their careers.

The Speakers and Their Stories

The evening started with an inspiring keynote from Julie Chen, Ph.D., Chancellor at UMass Lowell, focused on partnerships with stories from her personal and professional journeys. She highlighted LINC, the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor, which was the result of more than a decade of developing public and private partnerships. This project is an excellent example of multiple stakeholders sharing a vision of mentoring and inspiring the next generation of STEM students and bringing top innovators to the City of Lowell.

Louise Kennedy introduced the panel and told the story of West Hill and some key mentors, mentees, and partnerships from her professional journey. “The firm remains committed to supporting and elevating women in the legal community and in the technology businesses we work with,” said Louise. Louise concluded the panel discussion with a challenge to the room to write down and connect with a mentor or mentee today who impacted your career.

The room was buzzing as the panel answered questions and told their own stories of mentorship and partnership– both successes and failures. The panel included:  Elise Strobach, Ph.D., CEO & Co-Founder at AeroShield Materials, Elizabeth Graham, J.D., CEO at Ada IQ, Amanda Wagner, President &CEO at Immunitas Therapeutics and Martha Farmer, Ph.D., EVP & Board Member at VirTech Bio.

The NSTC and the Event Sponsors

The evening concluded with remarks from NSTC President, Gene Wong, the Dean of Science & Technology at Endicott College. For more information on the North Shore Technology Counsel please follow the NSTC on LinkedIn and visit NSTC.org for more info on joining their community and events.

West Hill Technology Counsel is a proud supporter of NSTC along with the following sponsors of this event: Endicott College, Cohn Reznick, Applied Materials, Cummings Properties, Integrative Leadership Strategies, Ci Software Staffing, Bond Building, Cross Insurance and Green Path Strategies.

Pushing Edges. Innovative Women on a Mission: Technology for the Greater Good

On Thursday, October 19th, at the Ferncroft Country Club in Middleton, the North Shore Technology Council (NSTC), held its Second Annual Women in Technology Forum: Women on a Mission –Technology for the Greater Good. Louise Kennedy, West Hill’s Founding Attorney, moderated the panel of inspiring women who discussed their entrepreneurial journeys and mission-driven technology businesses.

The Speakers and Their Missions

The evening started with an inspiring keynote from Erika Ebbel Angle, CEO of Ixcela focused on “Pushing Edges” with stories from her personal and professional journeys. “The combined energies that you spend pushing your edges will help you gain the confidence that it takes to do other things. You set your standards and push your limits, and those will end up defining your edges.” By pushing her edges, Ms. Angle founded Science from Scientists, became Miss Massachusetts, and started Ixcela, a biotech company that creates personalized wellness programs focused on gut microbiome health.

Louise Kennedy introduced the panel and told the story of the West Hill Mission. Part of the West Hill Mission is disrupting the status quo by challenging the traditional hallmarks and metrics of law firm and attorney success. “The firm remains committed to supporting and elevating women in the legal community and the technology businesses we work with,” said Louise. 

The packed room was buzzing as the panel answered questions and told their own stories of disrupting the status quo and pushing their edges. The panel included: Kathleen Connors, Founder and President of Voltrek, Ioana Knopf, CEO and Founder at Arrakis Materials, Kerry Love, CEO/President of Sunflower Therapeutics, and Donna Brezinski, CEO of Little Sparrow Technologies.

The NSTC and the Event Sponsors

The evening concluded with the NSTC President, Gene Wong, recognizing and paying tribute to, past NSTC President, Tracey Curley, who is currently CEO at iSpecimen. For more information on the North Shore Technology Counsel please follow the NSTC on LinkedIn and visit NSTC.org.

West Hill Technology Counsel is a proud supporter of the NSTC along with the following sponsors of this event: Endicott College School of Science & Technology, Colin & Erika Angle Center for Entrepreneurship, Cohn Reznick, Applied Materials, Bond Building, and Green Path Strategies.