By Alexandra Norelli
As the Women of Fisheries Resources page grows, it’s good to take some time to highlight some special groups doing great work for women in STEM fields. Below are profiles of some women’s groups that may help expand your support and professional networks!
1. Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)
Founded: 2020
Focus: Shark Research, Diversity, Field Experience
Goal: Show the world that minorities belong in shark science by breaking stigmas and providing shark research opportunities to underrepresented groups.
This group truly encapsulates #BlackGirlMagic! A team of four Black female shark researchers teamed up to make shark science more diverse and inclusive. The group is already breaking barriers for women in science by successfully fundraising for field experience workshops in collaboration with the Field School.
2. Women in Ocean Science (WOS)
Founded: 2018
Focus: Ocean Sciences, Women, Community
Goal: Empower women through various online resources, by providing mentorship, community, and opportunities to shine!
Arguably the most similar group to Women of Fisheries, WOS runs a series of socials, a web page, and a blog to promote women in ocean science. They cover all fields of ocean science from polar to tropical, scuba diving, even archeology. This could be a great place for WoF members that are looking to expand their network of collaborators outside of fisheries, but within STEM.
3. R-Ladies
Founded: 2012
Focus: Coding, Gender Diversity, Community
Goal: Promote gender diversity in the R community by providing resources and a collaborative network.
As fisheries research becomes more technology focused and folks prioritize open-source statistics packages, RLadies will be an invaluable resource! They have a very active slack group and primarily use the platform “MeetUp” to hold local chapter meetings all over the world. Despite being called “R-Ladies,” they represent all underrepresented, minority genders including non-binary, genderqueer, agender, etc.
4. Women in Nature Network (WiNN)
Founded: 2013
Focus: International, Women, Conservation
Goal: Achieve conservation success through women empowerment.
For those who do research in conservation of resources, this is a great group to get involved in. WiNN provides support for women by creating networking opportunities through global networking events, a mentoring program, and strategic grants for women’s conservation projects. Their US chapters may be limited to a few locations (Washington D.C., Harvard College, Michigan State University, and University of Tennessee), but they do have more international coverage than other groups on this list (India, Australia, Nepal, Mexico, etc.).
5. Women of Aquatics
Founded: 2017
Focus: Women, Aquatics, Mentorship
Goal: To help women advance in their aquatic careers, continue their education, and establish better work-life balance practices.
Unlike the other groups listed here, WOA requires a paid membership ($50 for professionals, $25 for students) that gives you access to their mentoring program and retreat. They have an extensive strategic plan that outlines how they want to help women in aquatics succeed.
6. 500 Women Scientists
Founded: 2016
Focus: Women, STEM, Diversity
Goal: Create a more inclusive scientific community for all people through activism and education.
This group hosts a plethora of events to promote diversity in science. They have a fellowship for women of color and Wiki-thons for updating women scientist Wikipedia pages. You can also follow their “Sci-Mom Journeys” for resources related to being a mom in STEM fields. Finally, they have an entire initiative dedicated to fighting for reproductive justice. If you are interested in standing up with your fellow women scientists to fight the good fight, this might be the group for you.
All of these groups and more can be found on the Women of Fisheries Resources page. If you happen to know of other groups worthy of sharing the spotlight, please let us know!