The document discusses the mission and history of AWIS (Association for Women in Science) as an advocacy organization established in 1971 to champion the interests of women in STEM fields. It outlines AWIS' notable achievements in fighting for equity and career advancement for women in science over 40 years. Additionally, it describes how AWIS serves as a network, resource and voice for women in STEM through local chapters, educational programs and policy advocacy.

1. Life is messy business:
Using scientific methodologies
to maintain your equilibrium
Mari Anne Snow

2. AWIS Mission
AWIS is a national advocacy organization
championing the interests of women in
science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics across all disciplines and
employment sectors. By breaking down
barriers and creating opportunities, AWIS
strives to ensure that women in these fields
can achieve their full potential.

3. AWIS History
 Founded in 1971 at the annual meeting of the Federation of
American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)
 For over 40 Years AWIS has fought for equity and career
advancement for women – from the bench to the board room
 Uniting women through a nationwide network of chapters (39) and
partnerships with aligned professional organization.

4. Notable Achievements
 Participated in lawsuits to enhance professional environment for
women in science (including at the NIH)
 Accredited as a UN-NGO and attended the 4th World Conference of
Women where AWIS created and co-chaired the first science and
technology caucus for a UN Women’s Conference
 Played an instrumental role in developing the legislation that
established the Commission on the Advancement of Women and
Minorities in Science, Engineering, and Technology (CAWMSET).
 AWIS Executive Director and Board Members participated in media
interviews and wrote letters in response to remarks by Harvard
President Larry Summers.
 Petitioned Congress to strengthen the enforcement of Title IX to
STEM departments in academia

5. AWIS serves as
your network, your resource
and your voice

6. Your Network
 Local AWIS chapters provide opportunities for women in
STEM to interact, learn from one another, and provide
mutual support.
 AWIS collaborates actively with organizations such as the
National Postdoctoral Association and the Society of
Women Engineers.
 AWIS nominates and champions women in STEM for high-
level leadership positions and prestigious awards.

7. Your Resource
 The quarterly AWIS Magazine highlights information on balancing
work and family, negotiating workplace hurdles, getting grants,
getting published and…getting noticed!
 AWIS STEMiNARS© (12-15/year) provide information focusing on
career development, mentoring, and work-life satisfaction.
 AWIS sends out the Washington Wire on a bi-weekly basis, which
provides up-to-date information on matters related to science
policy, science education, and women’s issues.
 Other AWIS Member benefits
 Access to online membership directory
 Access to AWIS Career Center

8. Your Voice
 AWIS is committed to focusing on the inclusion and
advancement of underrepresented minority women in
STEM.
 AWIS is an advocate for initiatives that improve the status
of women in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics.
 Strategically located near Washington, DC, AWIS is an
established presence on Capitol Hill, and works closely with
agencies such as the NIH and NSF. The monthly AWIS in
Action keeps our members informed on important policy
issues.

9. Our mission, like the National AWIS, is to
support women in all scientific fields and
to achieve equity and full participation for
women in science, technology, engineering
and mathematics (STEM).

10. 2004 2007 2010 2014
MASS AWIS chapter
founded
Chapter initially had 20
members from around
the Boston area
1st official mentoring
circle began with a
single group
Events committee
established to plan and
execute programming
5th official mentoring
year with over 100
mentors/mentees
10th Anniversary of
MASS AWIS Chapter
Chapter grows to over
150, including many
outside Boston area
Chapter has over 300
members, with strong
presence in Boston
and surrounding areas
10 Years of Excellence

11. Why MASS AWIS?
Develop
 Career development workshops and seminars - Resume writing,
leadership & communication skills
Mentee or Mentor
 Small group mentorship program - Exchange experiences, challenges, and
opportunities relating to career, professional growth & work-life balance
Volunteer
 Get involved - learn to work in a team, develop interpersonal skills &
leadership skills
 Our sub committees - Communications, Events, Membership, Mentoring,
and Sponsorship
Fun
 Attend summer & winter socials, picnics and annual holiday party
BUILD YOUR NETWORK!!!!!

12. Join MASS AWIS and check out our
events!
Recent Events:
 Resume critiques by HR and recruiting professionals
 Simple Strategies to Resolve Conflicts with Difficult
Supervisors And Coworkers
Upcoming events:
 Staying Focused in a Busy World: Wednesday, May 27th
Learn more at www.massawis.org or on Facebook and LinkedIn

13. MASS AWIS membership
 Check us out on the web at mass-awis.org
 Multiple levels to accommodate multiple career stages
 Discounts on events and support our programming!
 Educational awards to support professional development
 Mentoring Program
 Volunteering
 *Free access to STEMiNARS.
 Keep up to date by signing up for our mailing list. Also
join us on Linked In, and follow us on Facebook and
Twitter.

14. MASS AWIS
Membership Scholarship
 Goal: To help unemployed or underemployed
individuals, who wish to join AWIS and the
MASS AWIS.
 To obtain supplement for one year of membership
 80% of AWIS & 50% of MASS AWIS fees
 Professional, Junior or Student Membership

15. MASS AWIS
Membership Scholarship
 Further more information
visit:www.massawis.org/mass-awis-member-
scholarship/
 Applicants should submit all the materials
by April 24th, 2015 – Friday – 5pm EST
to:
scholarship@massawis.org

16. For more information contact
 Membership:
 Rana Awwad (Membership Co-Chair):
rawwad00@yahoo.com
 Volunteering:
 Holly Soutter (Events West Co-Chair):
hhsoutter@gmail.com
 Kristie Kapinas (Events West Co-Chair):
kristina.kapinas@gmail.com

17.  Our goal is to increase networking,
professional development, and leadership
opportunities for women in STEM in the
Worcester area
 Founded in December 2014
 50+ of you attended our inaugural Holiday
Networking Social! Thank you!

18. Upcoming Events
 Mentoring Circles (May 2015)
 Awards/Grants Support
 Leadership skills, professional development
and self-promotion workshops
 Happy Hour meet-ups (3-4 times/yr)
 Worcester Women in Science Research
Symposium (Spring 2016)

19. We Need Your Help!
 Attend!
 Reach out to your contacts to help AWIS
Worcester grow!
 Take up a leadership role!

20. Contact Us
 AWIS Website:
http://www.awis.org/group/WOR
CESTER
 Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/group
s/855123511233672/
 Linked In:
https://www.linkedin.com/grp/ho
me?gid=8282879
Dr. Natalie Farny
nfarny@wpi.edu
508-831-6511
Dr. Tara Mann
tmann@wpi.edu
508-831-4964