Build Her Way: From Vision to Venture with First Women's Bank and Women In Medicine
Women in Medicine® and First Women's Bank will convene physicians, entrepreneurs, investors, and allies from across the Chicago community for an intimate gathering focused on ownership, innovation, and the expanding role women are playing in shaping the future of health care, at First Women's Bank's Headquarters in Chicago on Wednesday, April 29, for an evening of candid conversation, strategic connection, and practical insight.
Physicians and health care leaders sit at the center of a rapidly evolving system, with insight into challenges and opportunities few others share. That perspective can fuel entrepreneurship, investment, and leadership beyond traditional practice, though moving from insight to action often requires partners, capital, and direction. This convening creates space to explore those paths, whether launching, scaling, or investing, and offers a focused opportunity, led by Women in Medicine® and First Women’s Bank, to connect, exchange ideas, and clarify what comes next.
AGENDA
5:30pm Networking & Refreshments
6:15pm Host Remarks & Fireside Chat
Marianne Markowitz, Chief Executive Officer, First Women's Bank
Shikha Jain, MD, Founder and Board Chair, Women In Medicine®
Build Her Featured Speaker: Dr. Paula Malhotra, Founder, SKN Institute
Moderator: Morgan Collier, Executive Director, Women In Medicine®
7:00pm Networking & Connections
7:30pm Departures
Where: First Women’s Bank
29 N Wacker Dr, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60606
Upon arrival, please check in at the security desk; a photo ID is required.
When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Dress Code: Smart Business
RSVP Deadline: Monday, April 27, 2026, at 5pm CT
Please note: There is limited capacity for this event, and registration is required. If you RSVP and are no longer able to attend, please contact [email protected].
Build Her Way Featured Speaker
Paula S. Malhotra, MD
Dr. Paula S. Malhotra is a board-certified dermatologist and physician entrepreneur who built SKN Institute to reflect her vision for modern, patient-centered skin care. Based in the western suburbs of Chicago, she leads a practice grounded in an inside-out approach that integrates medical dermatology with advanced cosmetic care.
Dr. Malhotra trained at Saint Louis University and the University of Louisville, where she served as Chief Resident. She spent a decade at Northwestern Medicine, refining her clinical expertise and teaching before launching her own practice. This transition marked a shift from traditional systems to an entrepreneurial model focused on personalized care, access, and innovation.
Her clinical work spans complex medical conditions and cutting-edge aesthetic treatments. She is known for developing tailored, science-driven plans and for building trust with patients across ages and backgrounds. Her work has earned consistent recognition, including Chicago Top Doctor and Castle Connolly honors.
Through SKN Institute, Dr. Malhotra demonstrates how physicians can lead, innovate, and design care models that align with both clinical excellence and patient empowerment. www.sknin.com
About First Women’s Bank
First Women’s Bank is the nation’s only commercial bank strategically built to grow the economy and elevate the role of women within it. We support the small business economy nationally with a strategic focus on the women’s economy. The Bank serves national lending and deposit clients from its flagship location in Chicago. First Women’s Bank is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. www.FirstWomens.Bank
About Women in Medicine®
Women in Medicine® (WIM) is a national nonprofit on a mission to close the gender gap in healthcare leadership. By combining science-backed research, leadership development, mentorship, and targeted advocacy, WIM empowers women physicians and healthcare professionals to shape the future of medicine, positively impacting community health. www.womeninmedicine.org