Identify the issue
Understand the Context: Online Resources and Supports
- Learn to find online professional networking organizations
- Learn to identify online resources for women in science and engineering or in specific disciplines
We have compiled a list of organizations and resources that offer unique opportunities for women in STEM to connect with mentors and professional societies the world over. They expand the range of opportunities outside your home department and take networking to a new level.
Association for Women in Science
Through AWIS, you will find resources for career development, coaching and mentoring, and other useful links. AWIS accepts tax-deductible donations to keep its programs running. Connect to others by joining and contacting your local chapter. (There are currently 51 chapters of AWIS nationwide.)
Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine (CWSEM)
CWSEM works to increase participation of women in science, engineering, and medical settings by actively disseminating information, reviewing policies, and holding workshops for women in these fields. CWSEM makes its publications accessible at no charge and does not require a membership.
Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) works to advance the participation and recognition of women in scientific fields through grants, awards, and fellowships. Its aim is to build a global community that inspires, supports, recognizes, and empowers women in science through connection, empowerment, and leadership.
MentorNet is an international network of mentors/mentees for women and other underrepresented individuals in science and engineering. It provides one-on-one connections between women graduate students, early career professionals, and seasoned professionals across the country. Matches are made based on demographic preferences, and the network boasts a high satisfaction and success rate. If your institution is a member of MentorNet, you will be able to request a personal mentor at no charge. A list of participating colleges and universities is available on the MentorNet website, as well as information you can send to your administrators if your school is not yet a MentorNet partner.
The National Research Mentoring Network offers the MyMentor program, a guided, virtual mentoring network. The program’s algorithm matches mentees with a mentor most suited for helping them meet their professional goals and uses guided prompts to help dyads form long-lasting mentoring connections. The MyMentor program connects highly knowledgeable and skilled mentors with motivated and diverse mentees, ranging from undergraduate students to early-career faculty, and facilitates long-term, culturally responsive interactions between them.
National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity
Founded in 2010, the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity is an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community for faculty members, postdocs, and graduate students. If your university is a member of NCFDD, you will have access to career development materials as well as the “Monday Motivator” briefs of encouragement.
National Research Mentoring Network
The mission of the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) is “to provide researchers across all career stages in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and social sciences with the evidence-based mentorship and professional development programming that emphasizes the benefits and challenges of diversity, inclusivity and culture.”
The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM
The Science of Effective Mentoring in STEMM is a landmark initiative of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. A Science of Effective Mentoring in STEMM committee, led by Dr. Angela Winston-Byars, systematically compiled and analyzed current research on the characteristics, competencies, and behaviors of effective mentors and mentees in STEMM. This research was formulated into a resource guide and podcast series for mentors to create and support viable, sustainable mentoring support systems.
The Scientista Foundation is a national organization that empowers pre-professional women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through content, communities, and conferences. Currently the largest network of campus women across STEM disciplines, Scientista serves to connect all communities of women in STEM at campuses across the nation, giving such important organizations more visibility and resources and building a strong, cohesive network of women in science that can act as one voice.
Academics for Black Survival and Wellness
Academics for Black Survival and Wellness was organized by a group of Black counseling psychologists and their colleagues who practice Black allyship. Guided by a Black feminist frame, the group fosters accountability and growth for non-Black people and enhances healing and wellness for Black people.
American Indian Science and Engineering Society
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national, nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations and other indigenous peoples of North America in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies and careers. In addition to awarding academic scholarships, AISES offers internships, professional development and career resources, national and regional conferences, leadership development summits, and other STEM-focused programming.
BDPA is an international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students at all levels in information technology, computer science and related STEM fields. Members are actively engaged in serving the community through outreach and charting the future of the IT industry.
This website’s purpose is to support Black faculty, researchers, practitioners and students in engineering and to serve as a resource for community building, sharing experiences with implicit bias and systemic racism, providing action items to address racial injustice, and identifying collaborators and sponsors.
Great Minds in STEM™ is the gateway for Hispanics in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Established in 1989, Great Minds in STEM™ is a nonprofit organization that focuses on STEM educational awareness programs for students from kindergarten to career. Great Minds in STEM™ provides resources for recognition and recruitment of Hispanics in STEM on a national level, connecting multi-areas of engineering and science arenas to the general population.
The mission of Latinas and STEM is to inspire and empower Latinas to pursue, thrive, and advance in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) fields.
National Association of Black Geoscientists and Geophysicists (NABGG)
The National Association of Black Geologists and Geophysicists (NABGG) is a nonprofit organization established in June 1981 by a group of Black geoscientists. NABGG aims to connect students with career opportunities within the field of geosciences, to encourage students to take advantage of scholarships established for minority students, and to provide financial support. The organization also aims to allow minority geologists and geophysicists to establish professional and inter-company relationships.
NOBCChE is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to assisting black and other minority students and professionals in fully realizing their potential in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial pursuits in chemistry, chemical engineering, and allied fields. It promotes careers in science and technology at the K-12 level, provides networking and career development opportunities at the university level, and offers additional opportunities for professional development and advancement in the workforce.
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
The mission of the National Society of Black Engineers is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.” NSBE’s current initiatives include tutorial programs, group study sessions, high school/junior high outreach programs, technical seminars and workshops, a national communications network (NSBENET), two national magazines (NSBE Magazine and NSBE Bridge), an internal newsletter, a professional newsletter (Career Engineer, a supplement in NSBE Magazine), resume books, career fairs, awards, banquets and an annual national convention.
National Society of Black Physicists
The mission of the National Society of Black Physicists is to promote the professional well-being of African American physicists and physics students within the international scientific community and within society at large. The organization seeks to develop and support efforts to increase opportunities for African Americans in physics and develops activities and programs that highlight and enhance the benefits of the scientific contributions that African American physicists provide for the international community.
National Society of Hispanic Physicists
The purpose of the National Society of Hispanic Physicists is to promote the professional well-being and recognize the accomplishments of Hispanic physicists within the scientific community. The society promotes the study of physics among Hispanic students, identifies and heralds the accomplishments of Hispanic faculty and students, provides a forum through which Hospanic faculty and students can connect, and works to transform the physics community into a more inclusive and diversified one.
Women of Color Research Network (WoCRN)
The WoCRN was created to provide women of color and supporters of their advancement in the biomedical sciences information about the NIH grants process, advice on career development, and a forum for networking and sharing information.
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM. With 115+ student and professional chapters, SACNAS provides students and professionals the opportunities and resources they need to advance in their education and careers through conferences, leadership programs, and more.
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE)
The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) was founded to help Asian-heritage scientific and engineering professionals achieve their full potential. Its mission is to prepare Asian-heritage scientists and engineers for success in the global business world, celebrate diversity on campuses and in the workplace, and provide opportunities for members to make contributions to their local communities.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
The mission of SHPE is to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development. SHPE has 247 student and professional chapters, providing training, mentorship, and programming for the Hispanic community in STEM.
Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists - Latinos in Science and Engineering
MAES was founded to increase the number of Mexican Americans and other Hispanics in the technical and scientific fields. Its mission is to promote, cultivate, and honor excellence in education and leadership among Latino engineers and scientists.
Lesbians Who Tech is a community of LGBTQ women, non-binary, and trans individuals in and around the field of technology. Lesbians Who Tech aims to increase visibility and leadership of women, people of color, and queer and trans people in technology.
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professions Inc. (NOGLSTEP)
The National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professions empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by providing education, advocacy, professional development, networking, and peer support. NOGLSTEP educates all communities regarding scientific, technological, and medical concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM)
oSTEM empowers LGBTQ+ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy. With almost 90 student chapters at colleges/universities and professional chapters in cities across the United States and abroad, oSTEM is the largest chapter-based organization focused on LGBTQ+ people in STEM.
Queer academics Allison Mattheis aand Jeremy Yoder developed and conducted a systematic, nationwide survey of LGBTQ folks in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). More than 1,400 people from across the U.S., Canada, and around the world answered the original Queer in STEM online survey, and 120 volunteered to answer in-depth follow-up questions. The results of that original online survey have now been reported in many seminar presentations, a peer-reviewed research article, and an upcoming book chapter, and have received substantial news coverage.
The Access2Science website provides articles and links on accessibility of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Its purpose is to provide practical information to people with print disabilities and to their friends, parents, and teachers.
The purpose of AccessSTEM is to increase the participation of people with disabilities in STEM careers. Outreach and dissemination efforts extend nationwide. AccessSTEM implements changes within postsecondary institutions to make STEM programs more welcoming and accessible to students with disabilities, including veterans, and creates and expands engagement of stakeholders (precollege STEM educators, disability services, veteran associations, projects that broaden participation in STEM, and industry and career services) in fostering STEM education and careers that are welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities.
American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Entry Point!
Entry Point!, a signature program of the AAAS Project on Science, Technology and Disability, is a national effort to discover and develop talent among undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities who demonstrate an interest in pursuing a STEM career. The primary goal of the project is to increase the diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce at the professional level. Entry Point! recruits, screens, and refers qualified candidates to company and university research program partners for 10-week summer internships.
Foundation for Science and Disability
The Foundation for Science and Disability (FSD) is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The Student Award Program of FSD helps to increase opportunities in science, engineering, mathematics, technology, and pre‑medical/dental areas for graduate or professional students with disabilities.
Committee on the Advancement of Women Chemists (COACh)
Hosted by the University of Oregon, COACh empowers women chemists by offering workshops, mentoring, and other partnerships. The information on the site is free, and the workshops and events are useful for empowering women at every level of the field, from undergraduate and graduate students to women in chemistry careers.
Women Chemists Committee (WCC)
The Women Chemists Committee (WCC) serves the membership of the American Chemical Society. Its mission is to attract, retain, develop, promote, and advocate for women to positively impact diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Society and the profession. Its goals are to increase engagement and retention of women, to advocate and educate within the Society on issues of importance to women, to enhance leadership and career development opportunities for women, and to highlight contributions of women.
National Center for Women and Information Technology
This center, founded in 2004, is a coalition of approximately 170 organizations, universities, nonprofits, and government agencies interested in promoting and increasing the percentage of women in Information Technology. NCWIT has an intensive outreach program that identifies how to best identify, recruit, retain, and advance women´s careers in IT.
Center for Women in Technology (CWIT)
The Center for Women in Technology (CWIT) is dedicated to providing global leadership in achieving the full participation of women in all aspects of technology. The organization believes that women’s increased participation in the creation of technology in computing and engineering fields will strengthen the workforce, raise the standard of living for many women, and help to assure that technology addresses women’s needs.
Association for Computing Machinery Community of Support for Women in Computing (ACM-W)
ACM-W supports, celebrates, and advocates for the full engagement of women in the computing field. The organization celebrates the work of prominent women in computing through a newsletter and awards, and offers a student scholarship program.
Association for Women in Computing (AWC)
The Association for Women in Computing (AWC) promotes the advancement of women in all computing professions, including programmers, system analysts, operators, technical writers, Internet specialists, trainers, and consultants. The organization has a variety of college and university chapters and encourages both in-person and online networking.
This nonprofit organization provides career and other resources for women pursuing a career in engineering. Examples of resources include job search engines, scholarships, and opportunities to blog online with other women.
This webpage hosts information for the largest international organization of women in engineering. The organization publishes its own journal called “IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine.” To join IEEE WIE, you need to be a member of IEEE. Special student rates are available.
WEPAN: Women in Engineering Programs & Advocates Network
This organization is a national not-for-profit whose objectives are to attract, retain, and advance women in engineering. It has more than 600 members from engineering schools, industry and other nonprofits. WEPAN members include women in engineering programs and staff, engineering deans, chairs and faculty, program coordinators, counselors and advisors, as well as anyone interested in promoting the role of women in engineering.
WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering)
Many universities host WiSE, a program aimed to improve the climate for women by providing resources, meetings, and support groups. Programs and resources vary according to university. Examples of universities with a WiSE program include:
Arizona State University
Brown University
Duke University
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Michigan
University of Southern California
University of Washington
Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG)
The mission of AWG is to attain equality of opportunity for women in the geosciences and train new leaders by funding high-impact programs for women in the geosciences. Through its foundation, AWG funds scholarships, professional development programs, travel grants, awards, and outreach programs. AWG has many local chapters throughout the US that offer a variety of functions including formal and informal gatherings, networking opportunities, local geology field trips, awards, scholarships, and educational meetings.
Association for Women in Mathematics
AWM offers travel grants, workshops, lecture series, mentoring, and monetary prizes to empower and reward women in math. Membership is available at a discounted rate for students and includes a bimonthly newsletter. The AWM awards and informational lectures are tailored for women at all levels of their career in mathematics, from undergraduate to seasoned faculty.
Caucus for Women in Statistics (CWS)
The Caucus for Women in Statistics (CWS) is an international, professional statistical society formed in 1971, for the education, employment and advancement of women in statistics. Its membership is open to anyone who supports CWS’s mission and vision, from academia, industry, government and elsewhere. The mission is to advance the careers of women statisticians through advocacy, resources, and learning opportunities, increasing their professional participation and visibility, and promoting and assessing research that impacts women statisticians.
American Institute of Physics – Women in Physics and Astronomy
The AIP’s Women in Physics and Astronomy site provides statistical data and information for women in the field. While this is purely a descriptive report on women in the field, the AIP’s main site offers job resources (position postings and a resume database), as well as outreach information for students, educators, and businesspeople. The site’s resources are available at no cost.
This organization is affiliated with the American Physical Society. The website includes links to several publications and reports all related to women in physics, as well as programs and scholarships available to advance the participation of women. You can also enroll in the email listserv to participate in discussions of related topics.
Explains that satisfaction comes from working with students and the opportunity to make new disco
Explains that satisfaction comes from working with students and the opportunity to make new disco
The importance of learning from mistakes and persisting despite setbacks.
The importance of learning from your effort, regardless of the outcome.
Advice on how to seek out support in graduate school and how to bounce back from setbacks.
Shares the excitement that comes from collaborating with others to make new discoveries.
Elaborates on the standard practice of science despite cultural differences.
Strategies for negotiating as a faculty member.
When it's time to graduate and when it's important to start learning on the job.
Highlights the transition into graduate level science where the answers aren't known.
The importance of goal setting and using others' experiences to make strong choices about your own p
Advice for balancing research and fun in graduate school.
Advice for students: stay focused, ask questions, and remain open-minded when working with others.
How to adapt experimental methods to match a lifestyle.
How to negotiate a schedule for raising a family and overcoming setbacks in a new career.
The importance of giving yourself credit and remembering why you are doing what you're doing.
The importance of peer relationships and the learning process that takes place despite concrete outc
Working with graduate students is a rewarding aspect of being a faculty member.
Advice for graduate students on how to maintain their confidence, courage, and dignity.
Emphasizes peer relationships and departmental climate.
How to handle being accused of having an affair with the advisor.
Explains an interdisciplinary branch of physics and the passion for research, service, and teaching.
Teaching as the impetus for work.
Discusses necessary precautions to take as a female student working late nights on campus.
Discusses necessary precautions to take as a female student working late nights on campus.
Being accused of cheating and regrets about not being more assertive.
Being accused of cheating and regrets about not being more assertive.
The importance of self-authorship and using graduate school as a process for self-definition.
Reminder that support can be found in unexpected places.
Urges female graduate students to persist in the field of mathematics because the field needs divers
How being unaware of being the only woman was advantageous to program success.
Alternatives to departmental isolation and the importance of networking.
Environmental issues faced in academia.
The importance of first impressions in choosing a graduate program.
Satisfaction comes from interacting with intelligent people across cultures.
Adjusting physical appearance to fit in with peers.
The importance of remembering that graduate school is only one part of a larger career.
Describes an incident of receiving a lower grade than a man for similar work.
The opportunity for freedom, growth, and collaboration as a faculty member.
How to survive the aftermath of a sexual harassment incident.
Highlights the gendered assumptions encountered as a faculty member.
The Importance of Having Positive Working Relationships: A Case Study
An alternative way to approach being the only woman in a given situation.
Contributions to the field are reflected through choices.
The importance of sharing stories of sexual harassment with others to gain support.
The importance of finding the right advisor to support your research goals.
How to handle being accused of having an affair with the advisor.
Explains when to confront a problem and when it may be better to maneuver around it.
How to be upfront, direct, and assertive when confronting instances of sexual harassment.
Highlights the universal customs of science.
Class performance builds confidence to remain in program.
Captures the annoyance of male colleagues making sexist assumptions and the challenges with conferen
The importance of recognizing the progress that has been made by women in science fields.
Advice for accomplishing your academic goals without making unnecessary compromises.
Emphasizes the challenge with saying no, but the importance of learning to do so.
How to make friends with colleagues to encourage a supportive environment.
Underscores the challenges that come from being the only woman in an academic department and gives s
Highlights an experience in which peers were not only colleagues, but also friends.
How the physical space in a laboratory allowed for collaboration among colleagues.
The importance of a good leader in setting standards for diversity, climate, and tenure policies.
How to observe others' reactions to subtle comments in order to gauge an appropriate response.
Urges students not to get wrapped into issues that do not directly involve them.
Departmental reactions to the choice to have children.
How to refute sexist comments and challenge gendered assumptions.
The importance of sharing stories of sexual harassment with others and realizing that you are not al
Confronting a male colleague with contradictory findings at a conference.
How colleagues can assist in making the transition into graduate life easier by sharing information
Captures the small but noticeable annoyances that come with being the only woman.
The importance of picking your battles to avoid unfair labeling.
Reminder that it is not necessary to feel comfortable socially to do good science.
Gender stereotypes faced in getting into graduate school and conducting research.
How to seek support from administrators outside the department when dealing with departmental sexism
The first realization that being a woman in science was outside the norm.
Challenges of being international and female, particularly with regards to an academic career and th
Suggestions for how to deal with sexist comments.
Playing a variety of roles as the only woman in the department.
The process of establishing yourself in the same department as your spouse.
Emphasizes positive peer relationships within her cohort.
The challenges of working in male-dominated academic environments and the negative stereotypes assoc
The feasibility of pursuing a family and science.
The importance of hearing other people's stories.
The importance of understanding priorities and allocating resources accordingly.
Advises how to keep family informed about research goals and progression from student to faculty mem
Explains some of the setbacks in dating relationships.
Advises students to continue to pursue their education because the payoff is self-respect.
The importance of believing in yourself, admitting your mistakes, and continuing to do what you love
How to accept non-traditional relationships and lifestyles in academia.
Notes the challenges of a dual career marriage and the obstacles in fighting for tenure and balancin
The process of overcoming setbacks related to career options and personal relationships.
How to balance motherhood responsibilities in graduate school.
The importance of supportive peer relationships.
Being married in graduate school and having children as a faculty member.
Advisor's experiences encourage well-informed career decisions.
The importance of a supportive network of colleagues.
Doing something useful to make a difference and how to appreciate a happy, supportive work environme
Taking time off before pursuing her PhD.
How a supportive department and a modified teaching schedule allowed for maternity leave.
How to sustain taking time off and pursuing the PhD later in life.
Advises how to keep family informed about research goals and progression from student to faculty mem
The importance of a supportive extended family in helping to balance school and children.
The importance of having a number of things in your life that bring you joy and satisfaction.
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately giving yourself recognition for your suc
The importance of learning over time and remaining positive in the face of criticism.
Motivation for doing work: interacting with students and doing research that can make a difference i
Emphasizes the challenge with saying no, but the importance of learning to do so.
The importance of remaining passionate and remembering that the PhD opens doors.
The importance of defining clear goals, remaining self-confident, and learning to say no.
The importance of allowing yourself the opportunity to change your mind and reconsider your goals.
The importance of knowing what you want and expecting tradeoffs on the path to get it.
Making discoveries and collaborating with others brings satisfaction.
Creating a schedule and meeting an advisor's expectations.
Advises graduate students to take a semester off if they choose to have a child because it is too ch
Explains the role children play in career choices.
Using leisure activities to relieve stress and build friendships.
The satisfaction that comes from working with colleagues and interacting with others.
The decision to get married in graduate school.
The importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle to alleviate stress.
Addresses personal relationship sacrifices.
The importance of nurturing relationships outside of academia.
Explains the choice to have children in graduate school.
Challenges with being married to a fellow academician and finding faculty positions.
How a flexible schedule as a professor made it possible to have a family and a career.
The importance of evaluating your priorities to create balance and happiness.
Appreciation for advisor's assistance in transitioning to the US.
Emphasizes the joy in working with others and giving back to society.
Chronicles the evolution of a career over time.
Suggestions for how to increase women's participation in science with an emphasis on policy change.
The importance of being open and honest with your advisor.
How a positive advisor challenged his students to think for themselves.
Highlights the obstacles faced when trying to have research reviewed by the advisor and emphasizes t
The importance of having a variety of mentors throughout your graduate experience.
Challenges faced with establishing yourself as an independent researcher separate from an influentia
The importance of asking questions and searching for creative solutions to new problems.
The importance of finding a good advisor and making sure to get everything in writing.
Challenges in confronting the advisor with news of pregnancy.
Experiences with an international advisor.
How to maintain good relationships with colleagues while being motivated to finish the program qu
The importance of giving back to students and making an impact in their future education and care
An Arizona State University project, supported by the National Science Foundation under grants 0634519, 0910384 and 1761278
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. © 2021 CareerWISE. All rights reserved. Privacy | Legal
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