In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, QBI is proud to present a special series of spotlight features celebrating some of the incredible women who help drive our success. This year’s theme, “Redefining Success,” highlights how accomplishments can take many forms. These interviews showcase the perspectives of women who work behind the scenes, shaping QBI’s achievements and pushing the boundaries of science in their own unique ways. Join us as we celebrate their hard work, diverse paths, and inspiring contributions to science!
Gina, what inspired you to pursue your current role at QBI, and what unique challenges or opportunities shaped your journey and perspective on success?
"I originally started my career in the arts, which led to music tech, working as a tech evangelist to acquire more users for a talent app. But over time, I had an existential crisis—pushing another app on humanity didn’t feel like the best use of my energy. At some point, I started questioning whether I was truly contributing to something meaningful. The realization that I wanted to promote ideas that had a lasting, real-world impact forced me to reevaluate my career path. That’s when I decided to pivot into science promotion, where I could help bring attention to innovations that truly impact lives. QBI felt like the perfect environment for that. It’s an organization driven by discovery, problem-solving, and real-world impact.
My transition into this role was shaped by both challenges and opportunities. One of the biggest challenges has been translating highly technical breakthroughs into engaging, accessible events that attract not just scientists, but investors, regulators, and the public. But that’s also where the biggest opportunities lie—creating spaces where the right people connect, ideas gain momentum, and scientific progress turns into real-world solutions. For me, every event is more than just logistics—it’s about storytelling, about creating moments where the future of the biosciences takes shape. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that what I do helps amplify the voices and innovations that will ultimately improve lives.
When I made the shift from music tech to science promotion, making the switch wasn’t easy. I had to rebuild my network, learn an entirely new industry, and prove myself in a space where I didn’t have a traditional background in science. But what I did was bring a deep understanding of engagement and creating experiences that connect people, which are skills that turned out to be just as critical in science as they were in the arts. My perspective on success has evolved a lot over the years. I used to think success was about external validation—numbers, achievements, making sure everyone was happy with my work. But now, I see success as alignment: doing work that feels meaningful, maintaining boundaries that protect my well-being, and making an impact in a way that stays true to my values."
Looking back on your career so far, what is one piece of wisdom you’ve gained that you wish you could share with your younger self?
"If I could share one piece of wisdom with my younger self, it would be this: You are not responsible for making everyone happy. Early in my career, I was a chronic people-pleaser—I said yes to everything, took on more than I should have, and bent over backward to meet expectations that weren’t always my own. I thought being agreeable and accommodating would lead to success, but in reality, it led to burnout and a loss of clarity about what I actually wanted. Over time, I learned that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. The right people will respect them, and the wrong ones will reveal themselves. True success isn’t about being liked by everyone; it’s about being trusted, respected, and staying true to what actually matters to you.
If I could go back, I’d tell myself: 'You don’t need to do it all. Say no when it doesn’t serve you. When you say no to something, you’re saying yes to something you value.'"
How do you balance professional accomplishments with other priorities in your life, and what advice would you give to others seeking that balance?
"Balancing career, motherhood, and a creative passion like music is definitely a juggling act, but I’ve learned that balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about being intentional with my time and energy.
At work, my days are often packed with strategy, logistics, and making sure our events create real impact. At the same time, being a mother to a toddler has given me a new perspective on patience, adaptability, and what truly matters. And music is my creative outlet, it’s a way to stay connected to a part of myself outside of work and parenting.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to set boundaries and be present in whatever I’m doing. When I’m with my team, I give them my full attention; when I’m with my child, I try to unplug and be fully there. And when I’m singing and playing music, I let myself enjoy that creative space without guilt. It’s not always perfect, but I’ve found that giving myself grace and focusing on what really moves the needle—both professionally and personally—makes all the difference.
My advice? Prioritize what fuels you, build a strong support system, and remember that balance looks different for everyone. It’s not about doing everything at once, it’s about making space for the things that truly matter. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Success isn’t about doing everything alone; teamwork makes the dream work!"
What advice would you give to young women and girls interested in achieving their career goals, especially those who might not often see themselves represented in many fields?
"There will be moments when you don’t see yourself represented, and that can be intimidating. But that doesn’t mean you don’t belong, it means you’re part of the change. The more you show up, the more you pave the way for others to follow. Don’t shrink yourself to fit into environments that weren’t designed with you in mind. Also, surround yourself with people who lift you up. Find mentors, allies, and a support system that reminds you of your worth."
