AWIS Houston Named 2025 Shooting Star Awardee for Cultivating Versatile Leaders

AWIS National is proud to recognize AWIS Houston as the 2025 Shooting Star Awardee for Cultivating Versatile Leaders. This honor highlights the chapter’s sustained commitment to empowering women in STEM through intentional programming that equips members with the tools to thrive across a variety of professional paths.

AWIS Houston embraces a broad definition of leadership that spans disciplines, career stages, and roles. With a membership of approximately 120 individuals, the chapter offers a diverse portfolio of programming designed to build adaptable, well-rounded leaders. These include skill-building workshops, networking events, and community building opportunities all aimed at helping members develop confidence, clarity, and connectivity.

Over the past year, AWIS Houston has placed particular emphasis on STEM career versatility by hosting events that address science and medical communications, entrepreneurship, science policy, project management, and navigating career transitions across sectors. The chapter has also made intentional efforts to foster a welcoming environment where all members feel empowered to lead in their own way.  They also consistently welcome anyone supporting their mission (members and non-members) at their networking events to generate broader interest and engagement.

“At AWIS Houston, our mission is to create a supportive environment where women in STEM can thrive and demonstrate their full potential,” said Dr. Elizabeth Hileman, President of AWIS Houston. “We are dedicated to training and empowering women to become leaders who not only excel in their fields but also bring people together, fostering collaboration and community. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to help our members develop the leadership skills and values essential for building strong, unified networks, knowing that lasting STEM communities thrive when leaders inspire connection and collaboration. Receiving the Cultivating Versatile Leaders award reinforces our commitment to equipping women with the tools, opportunities, and recognition they need to transform both science and society for the better.”

Through its holistic approach to combine training, networking, and community support, AWIS Houston continues to celebrate and elevate the accomplishments of women across all sectors of STEM. One of the chapter’s signature initiatives is the Annual Outstanding Woman in Science (OWIS) Award, which recognizes exceptional women in STEM across all career stages from emerging leaders to established trailblazers. Honorees are selected for their excellence in scientific achievement, commitment to mentorship, and advocacy for women in science. 

The 2025 OWIS award winner was Dr. Prajkta Mane who is a Planetary Scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, TX.  “Receiving the Outstanding Woman in Science Award from AWIS Houston has been both an honor and a powerful affirmation of my path in STEM,” said Dr. Mane. “It has deepened my commitment to advocating for women in science and reminded me that leadership isn’t confined to a specific career stage—it’s about showing up, speaking up, and lifting others as you climb. I’m more motivated than ever to mentor and support the next generation of women scientists as they launch their journeys.”

AWIS National congratulates the chapter on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to its continued impact in the years to come.

The Houston chapter is one of eight AWIS chapters who received a 2024 ‘Shooting Star’ Chapter Award. The other recipients were Boston, Chicago, Notre Dame, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle, and St. Louis.