​Athena's Fireside Chat with Susan Tousi, CEO @ DELFI Diagnostics

​Powered by Fragomen and aTyr Pharma

​Presented by Athena's Life Sciences Committee

​Hybrid Event Details

​Date: Wednesday, October 14

​Attend In Person:
10240 Sorrento Valley Rd Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92121

​In Person Networking Begins:
4:30 PM PDT

​Virtual Zoom Begins:
5:10 PM PDT

​Event Overview

​How do you know when it's time to embrace change?

​The most defining moments in a career aren't always promotions. Sometimes they're the moments that challenge us to adapt, step outside our comfort zone, and trust ourselves enough to take the next step, even when the path forward isn't clear. Join Athena's Life Sciences Committee for an intimate fireside chat with Susan Tousi, CEO of DELFI Diagnostics and one of the nation's most accomplished technology and healthcare executives, moderated by Ashley Van Zeeland, Vice President of Strategy & Innovation, Biosciences at Thermo Fisher Scientific.

​The evening will begin with curated networking designed to help you meet and build meaningful connections with professionals across San Diego's life sciences and STEM community before transitioning into the fireside conversation.

​Throughout her remarkable career, Susan has repeatedly navigated change with courage and purpose, from helping revolutionize genome sequencing at Illumina to making the bold decision to leave an industry leader and lead an oncology startup with the mission of transforming cancer detection. In this candid conversation, Susan and Ashley will explore the mindset behind the pivotal career decisions that shaped Susan's journey, how she navigated periods of uncertainty, recognized when it was time to embrace new opportunities, and why betting on yourself is often the key to long-term growth.

​Whether you're facing change by choice or by circumstance, you'll leave with practical insights for building resilience, leading with confidence, and creating a career that continues to evolve with purpose. Whether you're an emerging professional, scientist, entrepreneur, manager, or executive, you'll gain actionable strategies to navigate change, strengthen your leadership, and position yourself for what's next.

​What You'll Gain

• ​Curated networking opportunities to meet new people and build meaningful connections across San Diego's life sciences and STEM community.

• ​Executive insights from leaders at the forefront of healthcare, life sciences, diagnostics, and technology innovation.

• ​Practical strategies for navigating career transitions, organizational change, and accelerating your leadership growth.

• ​Guidance on recognizing opportunities for growth, adapting with confidence, and making thoughtful career decisions during times of uncertainty.

• ​Lessons on taking calculated risks, building resilience, and betting on yourself, even when the future isn't clear.

• ​Inspiration to lead with purpose, embrace change, and create a career defined by growth rather than comfort.