Can you really create a “community?”
The United Nations defines community development as “a process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems.”
Each of us, as individuals, plays a critical role in community development. It is up to each of us to help our communities to thrive and grow for the betterment of all members; to ensure that our region not only excels, but also truly makes an impact.
Since joining the PLSG I have found myself connected and rooted in a new community; the life sciences entrepreneur community.
While getting to know this community, I began attending Tuesday morning BioBreakfasts where I had the opportunity to meet Thomas Voigt. Thomas became a regular face and comforting friend in my explorations of understanding the life sciences community. At Innovation Works, I befriended Terri Glueck who not only showed me the “the way,” but at each networking event, allowed me to follow her as she introduce me to each and every person she spoke with. At every PLSG Open House, I knew that Cassie Ruane (founder of Mental Health Metrics, Inc.) would be there to share kind words on how much she enjoyed our events. At industry networking events I often met people who would share interesting stories about one of my colleagues that made me realize that our community may be small at times, but, as Margaret Mead once said, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world.”
So, how are we, as a community, working towards changing the small yet mighty world we live in?
As an organization, we have worked hard to redefine how we connect and engage within our life sciences and entrepreneur community. It is our goal to further develop our community by creating transparent and high value community engagement activities for all while lowering the barriers of participation.
When you walk into the PLSG building today, there are notable changes that help to define us a community space. We have created a visually appealing meeting/event space, which not only showcases our impact by listing the 484 companies we have worked with, but also allows members of the community to see the sheer impact of the life sciences on our community.
As an organization, we have and will continue to redefine our events, making them more accessible and collaborating with other likeminded organizations and groups to ensure that each PLSG engagement is representative of the region we serve. We have hosted groups like the Young Nonprofit Professional Network of Pittsburgh for both board meetings and social events. We have hosted feminist maker space Prototype PGH for board meetings and have opened our doors to the ACHE of Western PA, the Fourth Gear cohort of 2018, Duquesne University, and many more local organizations.
We believe that it is our role, to help support a strong and vibrant life sciences community.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant and growing community.
