FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Shelley O’Brien
202-827-9798
obrien@awis.org
AWIS Announces 2025 Annual Chapter Awards
WASHINGTON, DC, March 20, 2026 – The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is proud to announce the recipients of its annual Star Chapter and Shooting Star Chapter Awards in recognition of their exceptional support for women in STEM fields.
The following chapters are recognized as Star Chapters for having demonstrated overall excellence in fulfilling the AWIS mission:
- AWIS Baltimore Chapter
- AWIS Chicago Chapter
- AWIS DC Metropolitan Chapter
- AWIS East Bay Chapter
- AWIS Houston Chapter
- AWIS Massachusetts (Boston) Chapter
- AWIS North Carolina Chapter
- AWIS Notre Dame Chapter
- AWIS New York Women in Natural Sciences Chapter
- AWIS Palo Alto Chapter
- AWIS Philadelphia Chapter
- AWIS San Diego Chapter
- AWIS Seattle Chapter
- AWIS Southern Louisiana Chapter
- AWIS St. Louis Chapter
The AWIS chapters in Boston, DC, Houston, North Carolina, Palo Alto, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Seattle and received the ‘Shooting Star’ designation by the AWIS Chapter Advisory Committee based on the information provided in the annual chapter reports. Each Shooting Star Chapter will receive a $375 grant to support community-focused activities that elevate the visibility of women in science.
“I am honored to recognize this year’s Star Chapters and Shooting Star Chapters,” said Meredith Gibson, AWIS CEO. “These chapters are deeply committed to supporting women in science. I am inspired by the incredible work they do – and grateful for their dedication and contributions to the AWIS mission.”
Below is more detail about the Shooting Star Chapters and the outstanding initiatives that were recognized:
DC Metropolitan: Impact Through Action Award
AWIS DC Metropolitan Chapter restructured its leadership to reflect its position at the intersection of science and policy, adding the chapter’s first Science Policy Director. They launched the STEAM Speaker Series — a professionally produced platform broadcast on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon, and iHeartRadio — that drew followers across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. They also formed strategic partnerships with TEDxFoggyBottom, the Washington Mystics STEM Night, and the Every Girl Can Education Conference to reach new members, sponsors, and board leaders.
Houston: Engagement Architects Award
AWIS Houston Chapter delivered programming including career development, networking, community outreach, and its signature Outstanding Women in Science (OWIS) recognition event. They also built a member-to-leader pipeline designed to produce new leadership without burnout. To keep chapter energy high between events, they distributed a five-part professional development blog series on topics like self-advocacy and courageous conversations.
Massachusetts (Boston): Communication Catalyst Award
AWIS Massachusetts (Boston) Chapter has built one of the most far-reaching communication networks in the AWIS chapter community. In addition to over 2,500 subscribers, MASS AWIS maintains connections with 20 aligned STEM groups in the region such as the Boston Children’s Hospital Postdoctoral Association, Graduate Women at MIT, Harvard Graduate Women in Science and Engineering, and Women in Enterprise Science & Technology. In addition, they have an active social media presence and an accessible website. Their communications model is a masterclass in centering community and keeping the mission visible.
North Carolina: Pipeline Powerhouse Award
AWIS North Carolina launched its flagship “Inspire Innovation STEM Program” this year, reaching hundreds of K-12 students across the state. With a focus on building diversity and equity in the STEM pipeline, the program combines targeted recognition, personalized mentorship, and hands-on experiences to engage and motivate underrepresented students at every grade level. Designed to be scalable and sustainable, it addresses a critical gap in resources and role models.
Palo Alto: Bounce-Back Brilliance Award
AWIS Palo Alto Chapter rebuilt its infrastructure from the ground up this past year — launching a new chapter website, re-establishing consistent email communications, and strengthening their LinkedIn presence. They also created accessible touchpoints for members at all career stages including a speaker series which featured accomplished industry leaders and monthly networking and peer support opportunities such as happy hours, hikes, and ice cream socials.
Philadelphia: All Around Awesome Award
AWIS Philadelphia Chapter took its established Mentoring Circles program in a new direction by partnering with Bryn Mawr College. Together they launched a pilot undergraduate mentoring initiative targeting STEM students – which is earlier in their careers than ever before. The inaugural cohort paired six undergrad mentees with three experienced mentors for monthly sessions covering resume building, interview prep, and career development. Strong feedback from all participants earned the program an invitation to return the following year.
San Diego: Community-Powered, Corporate-Charged Award
AWIS San Diego Chapter engaged students at every level last year — sparking curiosity in young children, hosting workshops for middle and high school girls, and awarding prizes to science fair standouts. Chapter members participated in San Diego-wide science advocacy rallies and earned a spot in the San Diego History Center’s exhibit recognizing women and organizations that have shaped STEM history. The chapter also increased its scholarships – giving 40% over the prior year – in response to increased financial needs of students.
Seattle: Future Shapers Award
After a pandemic-era hiatus, AWIS Seattle relaunched its Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) program for 7th and 8th grade girls in Seattle public schools. With the original volunteer team no longer available, two AWIS members spent a full year researching and rebuilding the program. The GEMS program delivered seven monthly hands-on sessions, each led by a dedicated team of five volunteers, from November 2024 through May 2025.
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About AWIS: Founded in 1971, AWIS is dedicated to driving equity and excellence in STEM by championing the interests of women across all disciplines and employment sectors so they can achieve their full potential. AWIS advocacy initiatives are committed to driving systemic change to support the 12.3M women in STEM. Our supportive community provides a sense of belonging, as well as career resources, scholarships, and opportunities for networking, mentoring, volunteering, recognition, and professional development to over 7,000 members. AWIS communications inspire over 67,000 social media followers, 32,000 monthly website visitors, and 24,000 newsletter subscribers globally. To become an AWIS member, learn about partner opportunities, or donate visit www.awis.org.