When did you realize your dream career was truly within your reach?

At our recent ‘Voices Shaping the Future’ panel, Shibani shared her incredible journey from working at a pharmacy counter to landing a role at Johnson & Johnson. When asked about the specific moment she realized her path was real, she reminded us that inspiration is often a journey, not a single destination:

“I honestly would say that I don’t think it was necessarily like a single moment. I feel like it was more so like a culmination of moments through like being a student to where I am today in the workforce.”

Shibani traced her spark back to high school, where challenging herself with advanced science courses and receiving steady encouragement from her teachers opened her eyes to a future in STEM healthcare.

Her story highlights the profound impact of steady encouragement and early exposure. At The Institute, we focus on nurturing those exact “culmination of moments” for our scholars—bridging the gap between a student’s curiosity and a thriving professional career.

Watch Shibani share her inspiring journey in the video highlight below:

Celebrate a Decade of Impact With Us

Shibani’s journey from student to STEM professional is exactly what we celebrate—and fund—at The Institute.

You can help us empower the next generation of healthcare and STEM trailblazers by joining us this September at the University of Maryland, College Park, for our 10th Anniversary Gratitude Gala. Your attendance directly supports the mentorship, resources, and institutional pathways that help students discover, pursue, and achieve their dreams.

• ✨ Be Part of the Celebration: Secure your individual tickets, check formal attire guidelines, and view the full evening program on our Gala Information Page.

• 💼 Partner with Us: Corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities are available, featuring recognition on our digital Donor Wall and access to the private VIP reception. Learn more here.