The longevity space is booming, but much of the mainstream advice still overlooks women. Many popular trends, from ice baths and extreme fasting to testosterone optimisation, are based on research conducted primarily on men, and shaped by male physiology. Yet women’s hormones, metabolism, and gut health respond differently, and it’s time we had a playbook that truly reflects that.
Join us for an engaging evening and panel discussion on Redefining Female Longevity where we’ll explore what it really means to age and advance well as a woman. Together, we’ll unpack the myths surrounding longevity and ageing, challenge the one-size-fits-all narrative, and bring to light what science actually tells us about how women can thrive through the decades.
Your experts for the evening are Dr. Vanessa Craig, founder of Formettā, and Sandra Mikhail, gut specialist dietitian, author, founder of Nutrition A-Z, and co-founder of HER, who will share their insights on how to make female longevity affordable, accessible, and science-driven. Moderated by Seda Sirin, co-founder of HER.
Expect real talk, expert knowledge, and a refreshing take on what it means to live longer and better as a woman.
About your experts:
Dr. Vanessa Craig
Formettā was founded by Dr. Vanessa Craig, an award-winning biomedical researcher born in Sydney, based in Switzerland and fascinated by the scientifically proven effects of collagen. Dr. Craig began her studies at the University of Sydney, where she completed a BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics, with Honours in Biochemistry. During these rigorous studies, Dr. Craig developed an interest in the effects of inflammation and environmental factors on our genes and the genetic legacy we transmit to the next generation. She graduated summa cum laude with a PhD in molecular oncology from the University of Zurich, where she also patented two targeted cancer therapies.
At the Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, Dr. Craig was awarded a fellowship to continue her research in epigenetics and became interested in how nutrition, among other lifestyle factors, impacts our health and longevity. She studied Nutrition Science at the School of Medicine at Stanford University to sharpen her knowledge further and gain a more holistic understanding of the interplay between nutrition, aging, and overall health.
Sandra Mikhail
Sandra Mikhail is an internationally-recognized accredited practising dietitian, author, and founder of Nutrition A-Z and co-founder of HER. With nearly two decades of experience across Australia, the UAE, and Switzerland, she brings a global lens to gut and women’s health. Sandra holds degrees from Monash University and ETH Zurich, along with a Sports Nutrition Diploma from the International Olympic Committee, and is a proud member of Dietitians Australia.
Her specialties span digestive disease, sports nutrition, eating disorders, and corporate wellness, having worked with brands like FC Zurich, She’s Mercedes, Johnson & Johnson, Adobe, and Thomson Reuters. A vocal advocate for mental health, Sandra’s work on nutrition and stress has been featured on CNN and Thrive Global, personally invited by Arianna Huffington.
As the author of The Gut Chronicles and co-host of the podcast The Gastroenterologist and His Daughter, Sandra’s mission is clear: to shift the narrative around women’s health. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, she champions science-backed, personalised care while challenging the misinformation that too often shapes how women are treated. Her work is about making women feel seen, heard, and empowered because their health should never be an afterthought.
Moderated by Seda Sirin
Seda is an entrepreneur, brand communication expert, and moderator with a career built in branding and advertising.
Before launching her own ventures, she managed national and global pharmaceutical key accounts at top network agencies, working with some of the world’s most renowned brands. Holding a Master of Arts, she later founded Network Studio, a creative hub for experience formats and connecting like-minded professionals. She is the founder of Comedy Clubhouse Zurich, where she hosts multilingual comedy shows and is the co-founder of HER.
As a dynamic moderator, she steers discussions that challenge perspectives and drive meaningful engagement.
Sponsored by SoCatering by Simply Soup and Swiss Kombucha Company