About Association for Women in Science San Diego Chapter
AWIS-SD is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization. We host career development, networking, and social activities for women in science as well as science outreach events for the San Diego community. AWIS-SD provides support for women scientists throughout the county through our scholarship programs and special science fair awards.
AWIS is a national organization dedicated to achieving equity and full participation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. Founded in 1971, national AWIS serves as a network, a resource, and a voice to achieve this goal.
The AWIS-San Diego chapter was established in the mid 1980s. Our diverse membership includes students as well as professors, entry-level interns and CEOs, patent attorneys as well as business entrepreneurs. Over 60% of the membership holds a doctoral degree. Our members participate in the San Diego science community in many ways. These include, but are not limited to, research, teaching, administration, patent law, science writing, and consulting, in venues from academe to government to all kinds of business and industry.
Members have the option to participate in a wide variety of activities throughout the year. Our Events committee hosts several seminars annually. The seminar topics range from personal, career development to innovations in science and technology. Alternating with Events, the Strategy Sessions committee hosts members-only workshops every year. These workshops tackle issues such as developing mentor/mentee relationships, personal financial planning, contract negotiation, and many more. In addition to those opportunities to learn and network, there are always casual social functions that encourage our members to interact.
AWIS-SD also believes in being active in our community. Each year, the Scholarship committee awards several scholarships to young women who are pursuing a science career. Additionally, members can choose to actively contribute to the development of young women scientists by participating in our outreach events. The Outreach committee coordinates several programs each year, these range from judging science fairs, to one-on-one mentoring.
AWIS-San Diego sponsors two community-wide events. The Women in Science and Technology (WIST), conferences began in 1993 and are held every other year. From plenary lectures from prominent women in science to interactive workshops, WIST is a wonderful setting to experience the energy of AWIS-SD. In alternate years, a Scholars Celebration is held to honor our scholarship recipients.
