Battle of the Biotechs

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Music Beats Cancer proudly presents the inaugural Battle of the Biotechs—an unforgettable evening celebrating love, life, and the vibrant spirit of Latin dance. Inspired by Shark Tank, this high-energy, friendly pitch competition features three cutting-edge cancer innovators vying for cash prizes to help advance their life-saving solutions.

The evening is graciously hosted by Shaza Lauren and led by comedian Liz Rubin, serving as Master of Ceremonies. Ten distinguished judges will determine the winning start-up, while guests play a meaningful role by casting their vote through donations to support the innovation they believe will make the greatest impact in the fight against cancer. The night concludes with a live auction and an electrifying salsa performance by singer-songwriter Nathaly Candela, celebrating hope, culture, and the power of community to drive change.

*All guests are invited to continue the celebration at the exclusive after-party in the upstairs bar for the spectacular Cabaret.*

Celebrity Judge

Guerdy Abraira

Guerdy Abraira is a Haitian-born Miami-based event planner, entrepreneur, and television personality best known for starring on The Real Housewives of Miami. She founded a globally recognized luxury event design firm and has been named among the world’s top wedding planners by major fashion publications.

In 2023, Guerdy was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer following a routine mammogram and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation before being declared cancer-free later that year. She shared her journey publicly, inspiring many with her openness and resilience while advocating for early detection and women’s health. Today, she continues her work in television and business while using her platform to raise awareness and empower others affected by cancer.

Featured

Shaza Lauren is a clinical researcher, consultant and entrepreneur with extensive experience supporting clinical trials across all phases, from study start-up through closeout. As the founder of a consulting firm specializing in clinical operations, data quality, and patient safety, she has worked closely with pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and investigative sites to strengthen trial execution and ensure regulatory and ethical excellence. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to advancing science through rigorous research practices, operational precision, and proactive problem-solving.

Beyond her professional practice, Shaza is deeply passionate about the mission of clinical research and its impact on patient outcomes. She actively supports initiatives that promote innovation, awareness, and collaboration within the research and biotech communities. Through her involvement with charitable and scientific organizations, she aims to connect industry leaders with meaningful causes that drive progress in medicine and patient care.

Shaza Lauren - Host

Liz Rubin, Founder & Producer of Saturday Night Laughs, is a standup comedian & event producer for over 15 years. She has orchestrated over 150 events in New York City, The Hamptons, and Miami Beach. She started her career in television on the Warner Brothers Network show "Survival of the Richest" and has performed alongside Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan at Gotham Comedy Club in New York City. She can be seen in Miami at her monthly residency at The Gates Hotel, as well as other clubs including The Improv and other comedy clubs in South Florida.

Liz Rubin - Master of Ceremonies

Nathaly Candela is a powerhouse in contemporary salsa, bringing a bold, modern voice to the genre rooted in her hometown of Cali, Colombia—the world capital of salsa. A multifaceted artist, she is an actress, singer, and dancer with formal training in dramatic arts and cultural management, blending performance with purpose on every stage she graces. Nathaly has performed in more than 20 countries and continues to share Colombian culture and Latin music with global audiences, including upcoming performances in Asia. Her artistry is deeply personal: a survivor of cervical and thyroid cancer who also lost her mother to the disease, Nathaly transforms music into a source of healing, resilience, and female empowerment. Through her work, she carries forward the legacy of iconic women in salsa while using her voice to inspire strength, hope, and survival.  

Nathaly Candela - Performing Artist

Agenda

Red Carpet Cocktail Hour
6pm – 7pm

Walk the red carpet for photo ops and exclusive press moments with BoostTV, along with a glass of rosé from Sip Chenne.

Welcome
7pm – 7:15pm

Welcome to the inaugural Battle of the Biotechs! Hear opening remarks from our gracious host, Shaza Lauren, and get ready to laugh with the hilarious Liz Rubin, our Master of Ceremonies, for a night of innovation and fun.

The Battle
7:15pm – 7:45pm

Three daring biotech startups go head-to-head for a $100K prize! Our hand-picked panel of judges decide which groundbreaking cancer-fighting idea takes home the win, and the audience gets to weigh in with their donations.

Musical Performance
7:45pm – 8:15pm

A special performance by singer-songwriter, Nathaly Candela, debuting an original salsa anthem inspired by her powerful personal journey with cancer.

Live Auction
8:15pm – 8:30pm

Exclusive, one-of-a-kind items and unforgettable experiences generously donated by our sponsors, judges and supporters!

The After Party
8:30pm till…

Join us upstairs for the ultimate after-party experience, sip Yachtsman Bourbon, be dazzled by the cabaret performance, and grab your luxe gift bag before the night ends.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Level

Contribution

Benefits

Bronze Sponsor

$2,500

• Invitation to the Battle of the Biotechs, plus 5 (five) guest
• Recognition on event flyer and landing page
• Logo placement on stage banners
• Mentions across Music Beats Cancer social media channels

Silver Sponsor

$5,000

• All Bronze benefits plus 10 (ten) guest invites
• On-stage verbal recognition by the event host
• Red carpet interview with official press partner

Gold Sponsor

$7,500

• All Silver benefits plus 15 (fifteen) guest invites
• Front row reserved seating for the Battle of the Biotechs

Platinum Sponsor

$10,000

• All Gold benefits plus 20 (twenty) guest invites
• Featured in the official press release 
• Exclusive photo opps with our our celebrity judge, Guerdy Abraira!

Who Supports Us