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For over 50 years, AWIS has provided scholarships, programs, and advocacy
to help advance women in science. Below are some recent initiatives.
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Helping more scientists #DiscoverWhatsNext
Society has made strides toward gender equity, but there are still improvements to be made. AWIS will continue to advocate for safe and welcoming workplaces with equitable hiring, pay and advancement as we strive to achieve our mission of full participation for women in the scientific workforce. We appreciate the engagement of our members, chapter leaders, board members, volunteers, partners, and donors whose support makes all the difference. THANK YOU!

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Online Member Community
AWIS’ 5,000+ members can now connect online in various interest groups and discussion threads from academic life to retirement and everything in between. In addition, members can search the directory and send private messages to each other. This community allows members to ask questions, share accomplishments, and build valuable connections beyond their local chapter. The community also helps members feel understood, supported, and validated so they can succeed in their career.
Annual AWIS Awards
Recognizing the achievements of women scientists is an integral part of the AWIS mission. This year nine AWIS members received awards. We received a record number of nominations for members at all stages of their careers who demonstrated significant career achievements, strong leadership skills, innovative thinking, and a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We are pleased and proud to have these amazing leaders among our membership.

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Summer of Science
From food engineering to physics, the world depends on the research, innovation, and work of scientists and STEM professionals — outcomes which are improved by diverse teams — to keep us safe, healthy, and informed. Throughout the summer, AWIS highlighted a dozen members in different fields of science to show the breadth of science vocations and the impact they have on society. Members have told AWIS that public recognition like this helps to advance their careers. The campaign included limited edition T-shirts and provided role models for future women and girls to pursue STEM careers.
Leadership Opportunities
AWIS members gain valuable experience thorough volunteer leadership positions. Each chapter offers 5-15 board positions including President, Secretary, Treasurer, and various committee heads for a total of over 300 volunteers nationwide like Karen Yee, PhD. This year AWIS established a new development committee and an advocacy taskforce. Other national opportunities include the chapter advisory committee and the writing team. Members are also eligible to join the AWIS board of directors when nominations are held.

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Five Scholarships Awarded
Thanks to a bequest by her family, AWIS added an undergraduate award in honor of Dr. Vicki L. Schechtman in 2022. Other scholarships conferred include one for Distinguished Doctoral Research, two Career Re-entry awards, and the Kristen Lorentzen award. Volunteer opportunities exist for members to serve on our scholarship committee. AWIS has awarded over 40 scholarships in the last decade! Our 2023 scholarship cycle opens December 10, 2022 and runs through February 28, 2023. Read more.
Professional Development Webinars
Almost 1,900 people received career training, tools, and insights to advance their careers through our engaging webinar series. To highlight a few empowering topics: gender equity expert Sara Sanford gave techniques for negotiating while underrepresented, career coach Melody Wilding offered strategies for saying no to advance your career, PhD candidate Jazmine Benjamin shared tips on using social media for professional opportunities, and professional coaches Susan Morris and Lara Kallander presented simple coaching skills for managers.

Photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash

Photo by Agence Olloweb on Unsplash
Career Center
There were almost 500,000 job searches on our career center in 2022. In addition to thousands of jobs, a complimentary resume review service, and a career insights feature, the AWIS Career Center added a list of career coaches to help women advance in their careers this year. Users can choose from a wide selection of coaches who can help with various aspects of career planning, from getting “unstuck” to job searching and interview prep. AWIS also hosted two free virtual career fairs to help connect candidates and employers looking for women in STEM. Save the date for our next virtual career fair which will be March 15, 2023.
Chapter Leader Summit
In June, over 40 local chapter leaders attended the inaugural Chapter Leader Summit. The Chapter Advisory Committee designed the virtual event agenda around the Shooting Star Awards. The winning chapter leaders were invited to present their best practices for Innovative Outreach, Resiliency, Strategic Planning, Digital Engagement, and Unique Initiatives. Attendees appreciated learning about new growth strategies and successful programs which benefit AWIS members.

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Photo by J. Amill Santiago on Unsplash
Advocacy
We collected stories from AWIS members on their personal experiences with discrimination and harassment to demonstrate the need for continued protections and efforts to dispel gender bias. We also added resources to our website on how to fight gender bias, racism, harassment, Title IX violations, and caregiving discrimination. AWIS also participated in coalitions such as the Science and Technology Action Committee to amplify the voices of our members and published statements or signed letters on issues that impact women’s careers in STEM. AWIS CEO Meredith Gibson was invited to attend the signing of the CHIPS and Science Act at the White House. This legislation provides critical research funding and sexual harassment protections.
Enjoy networking, career development, recognition, and more
Create a better future with a tax-deductible gift

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© 2023 Association for Women in Science. All Rights Reserved.
© 2023 Association for Women in Science. All Rights Reserved.