2022 Rare Disease Day

February 28, 2022 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

MassBioHub & Virtual, 700 Technology Sq Fl 5 Cambridge MA 02139

Add to Calendar 2/28/2022 10:00:00 AM 2/28/2022 12:30:00 PM 2022 Rare Disease Day MassBio recognizes Rare Disease Day by highlighting the research to treat and cure rare diseases happening in Massachusetts. The last day of February has been designated as Rare Disease Day worldwide to raise awareness about the public health issues associated with rare diseases, which affect nearly 30 million Americans and countless others around the world.

This year’s program will focus on how we can better address health inequity and racial disparities among the rare disease community. Attendees will hear an inspiring Possible Talk, an insightful panel of industry, physicians, patients/caregivers, and advocates, along with a closing patient keynote. Ample networking time will be provided (virtually, too!).

Alone we are rare, together we are strong.® (This slogan is a registered trademark of the National Organization for Rare Disorders.)

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Laura Rudberg.

Please note that this will be a hybrid event, with a limited number of in-person attendees. In-person attendance is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and all additional registrants will be placed on a waitlist. All in-person attendees are required to be fully vaccinated and masks will be required in all common areas of the event space, except while eating or drinking.  

MassBio makes every effort to accommodate our entire community at each of our events. Please let us know at least 3 days in advance of the event if you require special accommodations, such as captioning. MassBioHub & Virtual, 700 Technology Sq Fl 5 Cambridge MA 02139
CEO & President | MassBio
As CEO and President of MassBio, Kendalle Burlin O’Connell leads the strategic direction for the organization and drives policy advocacy for the industry to ensure that Massachusetts life sciences companies have the best environment possible to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize breakthrough therapies and cures for people around the world. Pursuing innovation and delivering for members are the hallmarks of Kendalle’s more than 16 years at MassBio, including the launch of several multi-year initiatives focused on realizing a diverse and equitable life sciences industry, supporting the continued growth and sustainability of the industry throughout Massachusetts, and providing resources and solutions to companies across the industry value chain. In 2023, she was the driving force behind MassBio’s launch of Bioversity, a non-profit created to develop new training pathways and create employer connections for underrepresented populations and individuals traditionally left out of the life sciences, starting with a workforce training center in Dorchester featuring industry-aligned certification and upskilling programs. Kendalle has earned wide acclaim for her leadership and is active in mentoring and professional organizations. She has earned a spot on the Boston Business Journal’s 2023 Power 50: Movement Makers list, is ranked number 33 on Boston Magazine’s 2023 list of The 150 Most Influential Bostonians, a 2022 recipient of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Inspire Award recognizing outstanding women leaders in the Cambridge community, a 2022 Boston power player as named by Axios, a 2021 executive fellow in the inaugural class of the Civic Action Project Collaborative, and a 2019 Boston Business Journal 40 under 40 honoree which acknowledges a leader’s impact on Massachusetts’ industries. Kendalle received her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School and currently serves as a Director on the Board of The Boston Foundation and Vice Chair of the Eastern New England Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society.

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