How did VentureWell contribute to your leadership development and your professional trajectory?
In 2019, a VentureWell faculty grant application initiated a collaboration between Dr. Zen Parry, then a business department faculty member at Salish Kootenai College (SKC), and me, then a life sciences faculty member at SKC. Working with Zen, I learned grant writing hands-on and began viewing biomedical research through a new lens: how it solves problems and creates societal impact. We both loved VentureWell’s mission and found ways to become more involved with the organization. We presented at the virtual 2020 OPEN conference, and I later reviewed faculty grants. Those experiences grew my confidence, expanded my network, and led me to my current role; since May 2023, I’ve been a development officer at VentureWell!
What’s a key learning or takeaway from the VentureWell program you participated in, and how did it impact your journey?
I learned to think about research differently: Start with a real community need and build the science with partners, not in silos. At SKC, this meant framing life sciences work in a Tribal context and weaving in entrepreneurship to connect biomedical ideas to problems worth solving in Tribal communities. I also learned to stay involved with organizations whose mission and vision resonate. This mindset guided how I designed projects, taught, and chose my next steps, and it continues to shape my journey every day.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your journey?
I’d tell my early-career self: Step out of the silo from day one. Collaborate beyond the biomedical community. Work with business, social science, and community partners early and aim your research at solving real problems, not just satisfying academic curiosity. I made that shift later, and it transformed my mindset; I just wish I’d done it much sooner.
Read more about Wendy’s innovation journey.