Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a celebration of the integral role women play in science and technology fields. There has been a push in recent years to empower girls and women to find an interest in science, as there has been a decline in women embarking on STEM careers. Organizations like The Scientista Foundation are dedicated to such a cause.

Founded at Harvard University in 2011 by two sisters, Scientista “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.” The founders noticed a lack of resources on top of an absence of women STEM role models, especially on college campuses and sought out to fix that problem. 

According to the organization’s website, the founders set a goal of becoming “a one-stop resource that would address the needs of college and graduate women.” They pride themselves in being “dedicated to bridging the gaps between established professionals and female students interested in pursuing careers in the sciences” by way of “offering mentorship, advice, resources, and opportunities” with the end result helping girls and women realize their career goals and power in sciences.

Scientista has become a networking resource for women at over 20 campuses internationally and has partnered with science heavy-hitters like NASA, Microsoft, and the Association of Women in Science. Each campus has its own guidelines for participation and students are asked to reach out to their Scientista chapter for more information.

Are you a woman in STEM? Let us know in the comments!