WOMEN IN SCIENCE SOCIETY
San Diego State University
What is an Advocacy Group?
A group of 2-3 Women in Science Society members that have a cause that they want our club to focus more on. Ideas for advocacy groups that based on ones we have had in the past are Pre-PhD, fitness & wellness, Pre-Health, and mental health, to name a few but they could be anything! The group pitches an event/program idea to their chapter leadership team once a month, that they think would help their cause. The leadership team and the advocacy groups work together to make events that benefit chapter members. Examples of events put on by advocacy groups in the past have been bringing in therapy dogs around finals, offering free CPR training as an event, setting up yoga classes for members to attend, bringing in guest speakers.
Have an idea for the club or an event but don't need an entire advocacy group to be involved? Then contact our events coordinator by clicking here!
Why Make an Advocacy Group?
- Getting involved in Women in Science Society is the best way to ensure you are getting the most out of the club
- Make events that are entirely your own!
- Share your ideas to make sure that your cause is being heard
- Build your resume by taking a lead on running, promoting, contacting industry leaders, and coming up with events
PrePhD
Jenny O'Connor & Chloe Sobolewski
Most PhD programs are very male-dominated and it is incredibly difficult to find clear and concise information about various programs, their requirements, etc. In addition, it is difficult to find people who have the same PhD bound goals. This group was created to form a tighter-knit community and overall provide the support to each other that is seemingly impossible to find!
LGBTQIA+
Marissa Proost, Hannah Reynolds, Amanda Chavez, Isabella Sardo, Juliana Tesselaar
"We think that it is vital to demonstrate support for womxn and nonbinary folks in science. Science is so often broken up and analyzed by gender, especially when analyzing wages, yet so often the queer community is left out of that conversation. We want this advocacy group to call in our queer members and allies for a supportive and engaging conversation on LGBTQIA+ people in science.We would like to collaborate with the San Diego Pride Center as well as the SDSU Pride Center here on campus to discuss how to specifically support our queer community in science and in the STEM educational journey. We would also love to put together a panel of queer female and/or nonbinary scientists as well as students to discuss the experience of the LGBTQIA+ community."
Health and Wellness
Tabitha Fleck & Arezo Nawaey
"As we all know, studying in the field of science is extremely demanding and stressful. I believe so many of us put our grades and academics before our own wellbeing at times, and this advocacy is a great way to counteract that tendency! In this advocacy group, I would like to gather like-minded girls who enjoy being active and eating healthy while trying to balance these priorities with their rigorous course loads! This group is really good for everyone in WSS, no matter their major or career goals."
Pre-Healtth
Sabrina Cesare & Ciel Azure
"I joined WSS for a community of women who share interest in Sciences and found a support system. In the Pre-Health AG group, we wanted to bring a community that would specifically advance to continue and stay motivated in their career path through academics and balanced relaxation. We are here to support you academically, but this is also a welcoming community to support you as well."
