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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.