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Women empowering women
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Volunteer work was something Whitney Vann felt would help her connect with the community and also be a way for her to help women. But because of her time restrictions—she’s studying for the MCAT—she knew she couldn’t devote the time she would like.
Whitney, a junior in biochemistry and member of Women in Science Leadership team, is not alone in the battle for time. She is part of the Women in Science Programs (WISP), an organization designed for women in science to meet each other, network, and develop friendships and many of the other women in WISP are in a similar situation. Thanks to programs like WISP, however, they are able to participate in volunteer activities.
“WISP is a program developed to help retain talented women in the sciences by offering them mentors, role-models, and effective strategies for being successful scientists” reports Barbara Clark, Director of the Science Diversity Office. The group hosts a monthly speaker series which focuses on the future opportunities for women in science. Many other WISP members feel the same conflict between their desire to make a difference with volunteer work and balancing their studies.
In November 2007, WISP, the Women in Engineering Program (WIEP), and the Computer Science Women’s Network teamed up on a fundraiser for which their organizations would make a donation to a local organization working to help women. They pooled resources and held a masquerade ball and collected $570.
The money, donated to the Lafayette YWCA, will be used for a variety of needs associated with the domestic violence intervention & prevention program. This program helps women regain control over their lives and become empowered so they can move themselves and their children forward.
YWCA Outreach coordinator, Kirstin Eismin and administrative assistant, Janet Yaninek were presented with the $570 check at the WISP’s January 22, 2008 monthly speaker series.
Writer: Karen Pulliam, (765) 494-1764
kp@purdue.eduSources: Barb Clark, Director of Diversity and Women in Science Programs
(765) 494-1765, barbclark@purdue.edu