Association for Women in Science

AWIS is at the forefront of the movement to address the biases, conscious and unconscious, that hold women back from achieving at the highest levels in STEM professions and academia. They have emerged as a key voice for women in STEM in Washington, DC and throughout the US.

AWIS is the premier organization advocating for fairness and equity for women in the STEM fields. The organization has led efforts in this area since its founding in 1971. I joined as a graduate student at the time of its founding, and the organization has been there for all the stages of my professional career in science. Members of AWIS provided mentoring support throughout my career and the opportunity to intereact with key executive leaders as I moved into the executive ranks myself.

AWIS provides outstanding service to academia and industry through its information on how to promote gender equity and create a thriving organization. I was the direct beneficiary of this when my professional society, the American Astronomical Society, sent me to a training workshop at AWIS Headquarters on how to promote recognition of women in national awards. AWIS produced a set of training materials showing how implicit bias in male-dominated fields leads committees to overlook women, and providing best practices to train committees. The same materials are helpful to search committees. All advocates for equity in STEM disciplines recognize AWIS as a leading source of information and ideas.

I have been a member of AWIS for years. They are acutely attuned to the "life" of female scientists and do much to offer support. There are job listings, events, seminars and opportunities to speak on the local and national stages about issues impinging on scientists especially female scientists. They provide publications as well. The organization strives not only to assist the female scientist but also to bring STEM, science and other related issues to the scientific and lay communities. They do a wonderful job.

There are chapters supporting the national organization and their local members. They offer local events and assistance, not to mention camaraderie. The Bethesda Chapter, of which I am a member, is very active and does a marvelous job.

This association gets an A+ from me.

In my university life I served on the “Women’s Committee” – the only man. That was an eye opener though I had previously been active on committees which advocated for increasing opportunities for women in Science. Around that time a young woman came to work for my lab who said she had always been discouraged from working in science because it was a mans field – she is now an M.D., and Medical Director of the University of Oregon Health Center. As a proud member of AWIS I have been able to continue watching women realize their goals in science, and participate as an advocate for these individuals. AWIS provides a valuable forum with intriguing topics for sharing experiences and information, and empowering women in science. I am extremely impressed with what AWIS provides and has achieved.

I have been active in many professional societies including serving as the 2006 President of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and founding in 1985 the Society of Core Analysts. I am also a member of the Society of Women Engineers.

For many years I focused on succeeding in non-gender specific professional societies and trying to advance women's issues through those groups. At this stage in my career having held leadership positions in those societies, I am focusing on trying to help women in STEM careers. For the past two years, I was the Chair of the Women's Network of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and I continue to Chair the Women's Network of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. I have found many notices and references in the AWIS newsletter that I have shared more broadly with female colleagues and the women's networks in which I am active.

AWIS is providing a valuable service in collecting and disseminating information on the status of women in science. I read the AWIS email newsletters and the paper publications carefully and believe that the society provides valuable service to women in STEM careers.

I've been a member of AWIS for close to 30 years. While my level of personal involvement has varied depending on my location, job, and other responsibilities, the organization continues to provide resources for women scientists and engineers through local chapters and national leadership on public policy issues regarding women in STEM. The organization has impact far beyond its numbers.

I have recently become a part of AWIS and am still exploring the many benefits. A focus of AWIS that resonates with the leadership of the university where I am a faculty member and with myself personally, is the mentoring of women in science. As I write this paragraph, in my latest e-mail message from AWIS is a short piece entitled, “8 Ways to Reinvigorate your Career.” Little efforts like that keep this important but not urgent – and thus often overlooked - issue in the forefront. Mentoring is timely on a university level for us, as this spring we held our second mentoring one-day workshop for junior faculty. Last year’s session was for leadership only; this year’s was for all interested faculty. I was fortunate that AWIS past president and long-time Executive Board member, Donna Dean, made the effort to look me up recently when she was in town. Donna shared content of a workshop she led in her home state for junior women scientists - ideas would work well equally for us. She has written a book, published by AWIS, on mentoring that is serves as a rich resource for me personally and that my Department head, who Is active in the mentoring effort on our campus, was delighted to learn about for use going forward.

National AWIS helps me as a professional in the field (I've been involved nearly 20 years). The Washington Wire newsletter is a great overview of issues. We have an active state chapter that promotes science to middle school girls. Our local group also has monthly networking lunches.

I have been part of AWIS since I was a post-doc... some 15+ years ago. What I love about this organization is its dedication to representing the needs of women working in scientific/technologic roles in both academic and commercial settings on a national/political advocacy level and its support of local chapters which act to provide advice, mentorship and career-building tools to women in these professions. It's such a great place to network! I continue to volunteer for my local chapter because I know that the national organization is working to ensure equality and the local organization is working to help (mostly) women scientists in my community contribute and achieve to their maximum potential.

Women in STEM fields face all kinds of challenges, and AWIS helps navigate these with information, awareness, education, and personalized mentoring programs. I have been a mentor with the Palo Alto Chapter of AWIS since 1997, and it has been enormously rewarding to be a sounding board for graduate students and postdocs in the sciences. I've watched many grow in their careers and make hard choices along the way; but with the benefit of a supportive network rather than the isolation I felt as a graduate student back in my day. AWIS brings attention nationally to women working in STEM, to give them the recognition they deserve.

Great Philadelphia and Palo Alto Chapters. While consulting I was able to find a welcoming chapter just about anywhere I went.

I've been a member of AWIS since 1975 and have served on its board. In addition, I belonged to the local chapter of AWIS for nearly the same length of time. As a university chemistry/biochemistry professor, active in the research laboratory and classroom, AWIS provided me with a unique opportunity to meet and work with other women scientists in academe, as well as with women in the
corporate and business environment and in other professional societies. The skills I picked up through AWIS board activities and through networking with women inside and outside of academe helped me transition into academic administration. In this capacity I was able to obtain funding from NSF and DOD to support women and minority students at the university and to collaborate with other colleges in this activity, and to collaborate with other professional societies in such efforts. Although there has been some growth in the numbers of women and other underrepresented students starting science, engineering and technological careers, the recruitment and retention of women at all levels from student to faculty to industry remains a work in progress. AWIS's efforts are more vital than ever.

What impresses me most about AWIS is that it is not simply a membership organization. I have experienced firsthand how AWIS engages its members in activities that examine the barriers that prevent women from advancing in science fields, and strives to make changes to remove those barriers. I genuinely feel that AWIS fulfills its mission to retain and increase the number of women in STEM (science, engineering, science, and math) fields. I feel very fortunate to be a member of such a supportive and proactive organization.

Surviving as a woman in science is not easy. Studies consistently show that both men and women are biased against female scientists when assessing their work, so there is an uphill climb to make it in this already competitive field. AWIS gathers many of the bits of news and helpful tips that practicing female scientists don't otherwise have time to seek out on their own. It helps to level the old-boys-network playing field and organizes local events to learn career tips and build networks (and to serve as a support group!).

AWIS is an excellent organization for all women in the scientific field. I have learned so much through the AWIS newsletter and webinars. As a member of the organization I have been able to network effectively with others. I plan to volunteer more to help further the mission of this organization.

I have served on the AWIS Board since 2009 and have really learned so much from my involvement about strategies to advocate for women at all levels of their STEM career. My association has also provided an amazing array of mentors--such amazingly competent, intelligent and wise women serving in all capacities in a variety of volunteer roles to make the association a great representative for all Women in Science.

AWIS is a wonderful organization that has helped to introduce me to other women in science in my community. They have actively promoted science and interest in STEM fields especially to a community of young girls. I had the opportunity of hearing some of the wonderful feedback from many parents about how their daughters had a blast learning about science with positive role models from our AWIS-ND chapter. I'm so proud to be a part of this community!

I found this organization by chance when I saw their booth at a meeting. Their rep answered all questions and was so enthusiastic i joined immediately. When I began receiving their newsletter and saw both the breadth of their articles and the commitment to women in science I volunteered in whatever capacity they needed. \At both the national and the local levels this organization is by far the most personalized, committed, helpful and well organized with which I have ever been associated. Every woman in science, mathematics, statistics, engineering or related fields can find major benefit in and from this group

I have just joined AWIS, but in this short time it has been very useful in many ways. Especially since I am from abroad it has been a great way to network and meet other people both in the same area and others. Also the seminars has ben very helpful and stimulating. Thanks!

I became aware of and joined AWIS in the very early years, while I was in graduate school. I have taken advantage of many of the programs and services offered by the organization, such as Annual Conferences, Local Chapter membership and programs, advocacy, and the wonderful newsletter. I have seen many changes over the years, and I have appreciated the improvements that have come along with those changes. Now that I am retired, I am glad to be able to continue my support for this organization. It is a vital resource girs interested in science, women just beginning their careers, and established professionals.

As a professional society, AWIS delivers. Their national programming is of superior quality and its broadcast on the web makes it accessible to people whose location is remote, truly enabling all women scientists across the country. The newsletter is always relevant and covers general relevant scientific topics in addition to topics focused on women in STEM. This organization has been much more useful to me personally than other women's groups within professional scientific societies.

AWIS provides greatly needed information and support to women in science and technology through meetings, networking, and sustained informational reports. The networking provided by AWIS, along with information that would otherwise be difficult for many women to access, have provided a tremendous service to women in science and technology. It also ensures that women are aware of career opportunities that otherwise might not be brought to their attention due to their isolation.

In my case, AWIS provided an invaluable visible presence of a broader community of women scientists, and hence a validation of my participation in a male dominated environment, that was very helpful to me during my career as a research physicist in industry and government.

AWIS has supported me throughout the duration of my training. It is a great organization to be a part of!

I am at a crossroads in my career, and it is a time when I can definitely use any and all career advice. Of the organizations I have tried to connect with, the information and advice I've gotten through AWIS has been far more useful than any tips I've gotten from other organizations including the National Postdoc Association or the Postdoc Association on my campus. The most helpful services have been the linkedin groups (both the one for members and the one for the general public) and the online STEMinars. I am a new member, but look forward to being part of this group for a long time.

AWIS is a premier professional organization for women. I have had the good fortune of being associated with AWIS as a volunteer for their newsletter. Their newsletter and career pages are full of exciting resources for women in science. The seminars hosted by AWIS are insightful and highly helpful for networking. In fact, I have had occasion to utilize strategies from a negotiation seminar hosted by AWIS in my career and have benefitted hugely from it. In short, I would recommend AWIS as an excellent and one of its kind, outstanding professional resource for women in science!

AWIS actively promotes women in science and I feel that I get more impact per buck than most other professional societies that I belong to. They keep me informed of research on women and on STEM women, on our struggles in the workplace and on legislative issues that will impact us. They are strong advocates for us in Washington, helping me feel that my little voice, joined with thousands of other STEM women, gets heard. I've been honored to be named a Fellow of AWIS and this honor, and AWIS' unflagging efforts to network us all together, has helped open doors for me that wouldn't have otherwise. I'm a sustaining member but wish I could give more! I've taken their STEMinars and workshops and learned a lot of useful tactics to help balance work and the rest of my life. Thanks, AWIS!!

After working in different areas of science, teaching (on the middle and high school levels), serving on the professional staff of the US EPA, and later working as an environmental consultant, I feel I have a level of awareness of the perspectives on women in science. I also had the opportunity to experience the excitement of pursuing research projects both in academia and in the private sector, so I know reasonably well the thrill of discovery. \
Now, as an adjunct instructor in a community college teaching a course on Women and Minorities in Science, I have found the reporting in publications of AWIS to be of help in my class presentations. Students respond well to the reports on work going on in this area as well as to the summaries of challenges faced by all scientists. This is beyond the interest I find in keeping up with the achievements of contemporary professionals. The updates on activities further complement my experience in this field. Thank you AWIS!

AWIS is one of the best professional organizations I have been apart of. The events I've attended do a great job of combining scientific interest and professional advancement.

As a foreigner they had helped me keep in contact with professionals like myself, build my network and also learn from more experienced and successful women in the STEM fields.

AWIS is one of the best professional organizations to which I belong. Its newsletter is well written, timely, and of an appropriate length for working professionals. The topics are broad and appealing to the technical mind, focusing on items of interest to all scientists and to women in general. I find myself sharing many of the links in the newsletter on my own Facebook page. The STEM seminars are useful and interesting to any working person and I often organize a group of women into a conference room during work so that we can all benefit from the topics.

AWIS is an organization that helps to give women in the sciences and engineering not only a voice, but a sense of community that they may not have in their places of study or work. The local chapters are dedicated to the encouragement and support of women, the national chapter has the record and visibility to effect change where there is inequality. It is organizations like these that will help to transform and motivate the other half of the national (and even international) part of the workforce. Thank you for your efforts - and please continue to empower others with the data to help effect positive change.

I have had the chance to meet other local women scientists through AWIS seminars. This organization has some great programs like mentoring and STEM seminars which are both are very useful for career advancement for women scientist in every stage of their professional life that they are. I whole heartly continue my support for this organization.

Being a member of AWIS is a voluntary financial and professional commitment renewed for many years now with much enthusiasm. The organization has changed in many ways over the years, responding to and leading member interests. The leadership of board members has demonstrated an acute awareness of the changing nature of the role women are playing in science and engineering. As the fields evolve so to do the battles. As the national STEM enterprise has evolved, so to have the issues. Where once it would have been acceptable to exclude women from most fields, now it is no longer the rule and increasingly no long the social practice in many fields. AWIS has shown leadership in helping educational and training institutions to be more responsive and responsible for the experience of women scientists and engineers. AWIS has challenged professional organizations of scientists and engineers to open their doors and honors to more transparent and honest engagement of women. AWIS has brought together thousands of women scientists and engineers in support of one another, support that often takes the form of encouragement and advice, and occasionally the form of assertive declarations for justice and fairness.

The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is steadfastly focused on advocating the interests and equalizing participation of women in science and technology. AWIS provides ongoing programming through a nationwide membership network and alignment with numerous professional societies. AWIS, as well, is wholly committed to professional development, mentorship and networking.

In my most recent year of membership, I have enjoyed a number of professional development STEMinars, attended several AWIS-hosted functions, and participated in a Women in STEM advocacy program on Capitol Hill.

I've been a member of the Bethesda Chapter for many years, frequently attend DC chapter events, and helped start the Greater Baltimore Chapter a couple of years ago. Have been on both the mentee and mentor side of the conversation. AWIS helped me to learn to network so well that I can now teach other people. It does important research and advocacy work on the national level while encouraging meaningful professional connections on the local level. When advising early career women I often recommend AWIS for all these reasons.

AWIS is a great venue for female scientist to network. It is a great way to meet scientist in various fields of work and learn about work options. The seminars hosted by AWIS are very educational and enlightening, as well. I really enjoy being a part of the organization and feel that they are great asset for all women working in diverse realms of science.

AWIS is an organization that embodies the very principles it advocates - networking, mentoring and leadership. I have been involved with AWIS as a volunteer from my first days as a member of this group and it continues to be an extremely gratifying experience. I have had the opportunity to meet women professionals in my field, learn from women scientists who are further along in their career paths than myself and have graciously been afforded opportunity after opportunity for my own self-growth and professional development within this organization.

I'm a young scientist at a cross-roads in my career and in this challenging employment and funding environment AWIS has been the best resource for me. I have learned about improving my credentials, found new areas I might be interested in and been inspired by women in science. I think AWIS provides young women not only the empowerment to succeed in the sciences but also the tools to excel and improve their communities and country. I'm so grateful to be a member and as I enter a new stage of my career I know I'll continue to turn to the group for guidance and hopefully become a leader for younger women. AWIS is essential for the growth of women in the sciences and their ability to balance their lives in these fields.

I am very glad that I have become a member of this organization! I have met amazing inspiring women through this network, got the opportunity to do some writing for AWIS and enjoyed many exciting events planned by this association!

AWIS is a very important organization that gives the tools that women in science and academia need. I benefit greatly from their webinars and implement their suggestions successfully in my work place.

I'm a graduate level faculty member in the ICT field and have found AWIS invaluable at providing me with a variety of approaches for recruiting more young women into the CS and IT areas of employment- AWIS has been a great source of potential curriculum as well as teaching methodology that's geared to supporting and retaining women in ICT-

AWIS provides all generations of women in science, on many different life paths, opportunities to network and collaborate to find ways to advance the mission of engaging more girls, and advocating for the advancement of women in science fields. My personal involvment is with outreach and mentoring.

AWIS is a wonderful organization that encourages women to start a career in science and helps them evolve in their scientific career path. The AWIS offers many opportunities for networking and mentoring as well as professional development resources, both at the local and national levels, thereby providing a foundation for women to build upon to gain the confidence to achieve in a highly competitive career in science. Given the under-representation of women at upper-professional levels in science, the importance of maintaining an organization that provides resources for women in science and gives them confidence to succeed despite the existing barriers is critical. Therefore, AWIS is an outstanding association that changes the life of many women. It definitely changed mine. Thanks, AWIS!

AWIS is a unique non profit organization that supports Women in Science nation wide. It provides tremendous opportunities for networking, mentoring, STEM programs and fellowships, and many seminars that help women to develop their careers paths and build leadership skills and achieve higher goals.

As a postdoctoral trainee, I have been a volunteer, an attendee, and a mentee in AWIS programs. Most recently, I participated in the Mentornet program and received excellent mentoring and advice that has been priceless in my current transition to independence. Also, as a woman in science it has been very encouraging and informational to attend programs highlighting successful female scientists with the ability to get their feedback on my career and become part of their professional network. I look forward to participating in more programs in the future and eventually contributing more as my career develops.

AWIS organizes various events to provide women scientists with opportunities to discover their potentials. I listened to its webinars very often and it helps a lot in finding my confidence in doing science.

I've been a member of AWiS since May 2012. Since then I've attended several events as a member. All of the events I've been to have been well publicized , organized and were very helpful. The AWiS leadership and committee members were professional and kind to a new scientist like me. I've been tremendously impressed with AWiS and will continue to be a member and hopefully also a volunteer in the future.

In a historically male-dominated field, AWIS has presented me with wonderful opportunities to network with and be mentored by successful female scientists. These are opportunities I would not have received elsewhere. Additionally, the lectures and webinars have been great learning tools to advance my career.

AWIS is a great organization that links women who are historically and presently a minority in the science disciplines. AWIS allows young females to identify good mentors, and is an excellent networking tool.

i formed the AWIS NJ chapter in the 80's at Rutgers the State University.
My co-founder is Dr. Ruth Berman Reisberg. The other members are Dr. Marian Glenn now professor of cell biology at Seton Hall University. Dr.
Ruby Evangelista Kirkup who was membership secretary with PhD in Chemistry from U of Hawaii. She finished BS major in Chemistry from College of the Holy Spirit in Manila, my alma mater who presented me with a Distinguished Alumna in 2010. Dr. Alice Sari Tempel who worked at South Plainfield Environmental Commission. Claudia of Carter Wallace and MaryJane at Soils and Crops, Rutgers U. Dr. Alice Colby handled the anti Star Wars conference. many more...I attended some of the AWIS-Central Jersey Chapter meetings. I have a lunch date with the current president of AWIS-NJChapter-Joanne Gere.

I think AWIS is a great organization for promoting equality of women in STEM careers. I have benefited from their webinars and opportunities to get writing experience by contributing to AWIS magazine as well as social media sites. I have also found the organization useful for networking and the members I have contacted for informational interviews have been very helpful to my career exploration.

I joined AWIS last year, and have enjoyed NUMEROUS networking opportunities coordinated by our local chapter. I wrote an article for AWIS magazine, which also proved to be a great networking experience. I've recommended AWIS to all of my female colleagues.

I joined my local chapter of AWIS at the beginning of my graduate school career. It has been an invaluable resource as I transition into an independent scientist. It has allowed me to network at the local and national level and the topics discussed are always timely. At the national level, AWIS is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

As a women in science, whose career has taken her to industry (and not academia) I find AWIS to be a valuable resource that keeps me connected to current policies, advocacy happenings, and events. Also, I really enjoy how AWIS provides members with information about the history of the women's movement within STEM fields. Overall, this is one of the most useful professional organizations to which I belong.

AWIS has provided me with several invaluable opportunities that have really boosted my career.

AWIS for forty years, has brought together women in science to enable them to support one another in their on-going careers and to reach out to young women as they begin a new career in science. From on-going educational seminars, to opportunities to interact with and help both young and elder female scientists continue to accel, AWIS provides a place for women to grow together in their fields and as women contributing to the greater human good through science.

AWIS is a great organization, providing opportunities for those in the science field to develop and to network.

I was a member of AWIS in college and recently rejoined as a Ph.D. student. AWIS is a great organization that provides many resources for women to achieve a successful and fulfilling career in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

I’ve been volunteering with AWIS for now three years. It is a wonderful organization to promote and advance women in science. It offers a number of events, providing an opportunity to network, get and give mentoring and also offers a number of talks by experienced scientific professionals about careers, hot topics in science etc.
This organization provides a foundation for women to gain the confidence in an extremely competitive career path.

AWIS is a great way to connect with and inspire women in the sciences in your area. As a woman, I am well aware that we are very underrepresented, underpaid, and underresourced in the technical fields- AWIS promotes group unity, networking and volunteer events to inspire those of us who are already in the job or higher education market, as well as those younger women who may be unsure about what their future can hold in the sciences. In a world where positive affirmation is hard to come by, AWIS provides each of its members and the outreach programs the confidence to be an intelligent and ambitious woman, who can make as much of a difference in the world as anyone else.

In my opinion, AWIS is a wonderful and needed organization. AWIS by offering networking, mentoring, webinars, etc helps women intercalate into the science field. I recently had a workshop with AWIS on life-work satisfaction. This was a great workshop and I learned a lot. I wish there was more budget and support for such activities. In addition, I believe AWIS also provides a foundation for women to build upon to gain the confidence to achieve in such a highly competitive career path.

Thank you!

AWIS is an amazing organization. Being a graduate student in biomedical sciences, I find it very diffcult to maintain the motivation required to keep both a home and science life. But going to AWIS's seminars (online!) on career development, attending their networking events, and meeting other scientists has really helped me see that being a working scientist/mom is completely possible. Additionally, the networking resources that are provided with each local AWIS chapter are essential for the search in finding a great post-doc or job position.

The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) has made a significant and extremely positive impact on my life. Through AWIS I have had the opportunity to explore various career opportunities, develop work and life skills, network with an incredible community of women in Boston and beyond, receive invaluable mentorship, and improve my leadership skills. I am actively involved in AWIS and my involvement has increased my confidence in my career and life choices and provided me with an incredibly supportive community of like-minded, gifted women.

As someone that has had little external help and support to reach my career goal in science, I always wished that someone would have guided me and opened windows of opportunity for job possibilities in science. Becoming a member of AWIS has not only allowed me to further enhance my career through the support and mentorship of experienced women in my field, but given me a way to give back to my community and provide guidance to young women. I also feel that AWIS is unique because it provides support for women in STEM fields on a local and national platform. I am proud that AWIS is engaged in policy to promote women in science, it makes me feel that what we do on a local level has a more widespread impact on society.

I have been a member of and volunteer for AWIS since 2009. I have worked primarily with AWIS Magazine, a quarterly publication that is entirely volunteer-run. The magazine is an essential part of AWIS, highlighting important achievements by women scientists, and inspiring young women to make a difference.

The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) will always have a special place in my heart. My first professional internship was with this organization and the experience I gained there springboarded me to the positions I have held there after. Hearing the stories and seeing the support of AWIS members, receiving professional guidance as an intern from AWIS national staff, and my own personal membership with the organization has helped me understand more fully what it means to be a woman in science, how to appreciate the past women in science and their efforts, and where I would like to see women in science in the future.

Our local AWIS chapter was started only one year ago. All of the activities to discuss issues regarding women in STEM have been well attended and extremely successful. The national chapter has been immensely supportive and helpful by participating in our events and offering advice about speakers and activities. The AWIS events also provide important networking opportunities and essential resources via multiple sources such as webinars, newsletters and seminars. I wish I had known about this organization when I was transitioning from PhD to postdoctoral studies.

Many years ago, AWIS was instrumental in helping me find my current position and in the intervening years has been an incredible help to me in enhancing my career skills and professional network. As a member of AWIS, I have had many exciting opportunities to give back to the community and to extend a hand to those coming behind me, like so many members have done for me throughout my career.

AWIS provides valuable mentoring, fellowship and leadership support to millions of young female scientists across the United States. I have personally benefited IMMENSELY from my participation in AWIS and intend to be a lifelong member and volunteer.

I can't tell you how much AWIS's publications, networking, & mentoring help women in science. I am a senior woman in science and I look forward to reciving their newsletter and e-mail messages every month. I have used the links to pertinent articles about women in science to change practices at my institutions (two universities). For example, my last university used to have poor hiring practices and maternity leave practices. When I showed the Dean AWIS's "Chilly Climate" list of recommendations for encouraging women in science he put them in practice! Now that university has a program for spousal hiring and for not asking women about their marital status during interviews! They even have nursing rooms available on campus! AWIS is an organization that provides a foundation for women to build upon to gain the confidence to achieve in such a highly competitive career path.

AWIS has been an exceedingly worthwhile experience for me. My local chapter offers some amazing programs, including networking and mentoring, which have enriched my social and professional experience tenfold! The national organization offers webinars, workshops, and sends informative newsletters that help me know what's going on in the world for women in STEM, and how policy is being shaped.


As a graduate student, I'm glad I found AWIS when I did, and I plan on being a member for years and years to come.

AWIS helped me gain the confidence I needed to start networking outside of my field. Through a Webinar and a day long workshop they honed my inter-personal skills and helped me to 'practice' in a safe environment. Since then I have been active in every way I can with AWIS and it has been absolutely rewarding. It is great to be able to give back to a group that gave so much to me, as well as meeting new people and expanding my own horizons at the same time.

My experiences with AWIS have only been positive. The women that I meet and the things I learn from the seminars they put together have been extremely useful in both personal, as well as career, development. I hope more women can learn about this organization because AWIS has a great support network.

I first heard about AWIS while working at Harvard University four years ago. I joined because I felt that I needed input from people in the field to help my career prospects. Being a newcomer to this country I do not have a network of friends and supporters. Coming from a different culture meant that i truly did not even know what to do, what is expected and what is considered negative. AWIS has been a tremendous help for me. I learned the importance of networking and even how to do it, discovered other options in my field and met many wonderful and very accomplished women. I attended AWIS events regularly while in Boston and later, while in Washington DC. When I accepted a faculty oposition in El Paso, TX earlier this year, I immediately saw the need of such an organization here. El Paso, TX is an adjoint city to Juarez, Mexico where serious violence has been taking place for several years now especially towards women. In addition, percentage of women choosing scientific carreers here is truly small and there are portions of the city where only 20% of high school graduates go to college (mostly males). We opened a chapter of AWIS here in El Paso and we are now starting a mentorship program targeting high school girls with an aim to provide guidance, 'someone to talk to', and to hopefully increase the interest in high school girls to pursue scientific careers. I truly hope that AWIS will do for them what it had already done for me.

AWIS is inclusive I like how AWIS offers a multidisciplinary network to women. I am a person who likes to see the bigger picture, so seeing science in different areas, listening to women from other discipline’s perspectives and experiences allows me to see how it all relates and fits together. I feel I am better able to contribute at AWIS than I am at other professional societies that are more single focused. I remember once hearing one of our local members who has a bachelors degree, but worked with a lot of PhDs (she often felt excluded) say of AWIS, “I feel like they include everybody.”

I attended several AWIS seminars as a postdoc in New York City, but after moving to Maryland, I decided I needed to focus on developing a lifelong a career in science, rather than just holding down a job at a biotech. I can find a link between every position I’ve held since that biotech job, and networking through AWIS. I am eternally grateful to the Bethesda AWIS board members who have served as references for me. They also gave me the inside scoop on practices and policies at a future employer - information that allowed me to negotiate salary, flex time, and telecommuting every Friday from home. They helped me out with advice and support once I was on staff, and provided valuable off-the-record perspectives. Now that I am in Pennsylvania, I am still in touch with some of the gang inside the Beltway, and we still share job postings, make connections and introductions for each other, and lament how fast our kids are growing.

Spring of March 2006 is when I first came across the AWIS San Diego Chapter. I still remember “Cozymel Happy hour”. My friend Aparna introduced me to this wonderful organization. She was already a member, I was awkward and nervous, not knowing how to interact or what to say. I was immediately roped in by a couple of volunteers to be part of the UCSD Postdoctoral Scholars Association and also a “Transition to Industry” event by Biospace. I was hesitant but something in me said I could do it.

“I found women in the same situation as me; after working hard and publishing scientific papers, you feel that you need to start all over again without any mental support from your environment or mentors. I think, for a female even in a modern and “educated” world it is still hard to promote your career. Therefore seeing support and successful examples of other women in AWIS was very encouraging for me. It means you CAN handle your career and family life without giving up on yourself, your dreams and hopes and make a real difference in this world. I consider AWIS as a very special brotherhood, the best career support group you can have.”

The mentoring that I received through AWIS prompted me to mentor my fellow graduate students. ... Aided by my fellow AWIS members, I organized a mentoring meeting for the female graduate students in my department.

Our AWIS chapter provides a much needed way to meet and connect with otherwomen in science, to discuss pesonal challenges, like working and being a mom, as well as providing a forum for reaching successful women who can act at mentors!

I have met some truly amazing women through my local AWIS chapter. I have made enduring friendships and found mentorship that provided invaluable support when I was laid off for lack of funding and searching for a job, just as the economy was coming to a screeching halt. Getting involved in my local chapter was one of the best things I ever did. I had to relocate for my new position but I am fortunate enough to still be within driving distance to stay involved with my formerly local AWIS chapter. When I meet other women in science I often find myself telling them about AWIS because my experience has been so great.

I have been a part of the AWIS Chicago chapter for the last 2 years both as a participating member and eventually a board member. The networks I have made both within industry and academia through AWIS have lead me to both professional and personal growth. It has been great to work with other women and men in my field who share the same passion of progressing women within STEM fields.

AWIS reaches thousands of women and helps them learn about and implement career development strategies. Women still need all the help they can get in the science and technology fields..our chapter is over 250 strong and growing all the time. the need is huge.

AWIS is the only organization to span across all of the STEM fields, and represent an interdisciplinary approach to issues of women in science. As a woman in science who is interested in many different fields, I believe this is essential to the success of the organization, both at the grassroots level, and in advocating for our issues in Congress.

AWIS is a wonderful organization to help women intercalate into the science field. By offering networking, mentoring, webinars, etc, this organization provides a foundation for women to build upon to gain the confidence to achieve in such a highly competitive career path.

A college freshman in her 40's is not unheard-of, yet it is assumed I have an understanding of the intricacies of college and academic life that I did not possess. As a young teen, I had to quit high school to support my single-parent mother; now,through the support of AWIS, I know that I will succeed in my adult academic efforts because of the time and information the members give to each other. I learned about AWIS from a podcast by Dr. Kirsten Sanders and became a member immediately. Through the webinars AWIS has hosted, I have learned much about grant writing (getting a "Yes" takes time and effort, don't give up!) and how to find a job in the science field. AWIS helps familiarize me with the workings and lingo of the STEM fields and, through this familiarity, I gain confidence to continue my biochemistry degree, and I am realizing a long-time dream of achieving my college degree and transitioning to a career in the science field.

AWIS is an organization dedicated to raising the status of women in science and bringing more women into the science field. The organization is extremely useful to facilitate networks among female scientists. Scientists aren't usually outgoing so AWIS provides a gentle way for women to reach out to other female and male scientists. AWIS's network promotes women's ability to climb the career ladder and hopefully, one day, achieve pay parity with male scientists.