Association for Graduate Women in STEM (AGWiS)
By: M. Caroline Helms and Sandra Spiroff
The Association of Graduate Women in STEM (AGWiS) is just one of the many UM affinity groups. Affinity groups are student organizations that foster community and identity for students from diverse backgrounds. The group actively pursues equitable representation in the STEM sector for all gender identities. They aim to build a community that supports and celebrates women and all individuals dedicated to inclusion within the STEM fields.
Purnima Narayan
Purnima Narayan is AGWiS’s inaugural President and a fourth-year Ph.D. student in physics and astronomy from India. She felt called to initiate positive change in STEM because she had noticed a remarkable lack of women physicists throughout her years of experience in the field.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Narayan expressed, “At each stage, I couldn’t help but notice the gender disparities in STEM disciplines. As I progressed in the fields of physics and astrophysics, I observed a significant decline in the representation of women compared to men, with the current ratio standing at 1:10.”
Recognizing the need for a student organization dedicated to fostering equity and inclusion, Narayan volunteered to establish AGWiS. “I’ve had the privilege of taking small but meaningful steps towards our goal along with my highly capable team of like-minded graduate women in STEM. Together, we organized a wide array of events designed to engage and educate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and genders,” she said.
AGWiS provides a platform for women in STEM to embrace their passions and feel part of something greater. The organization’s events are open to anyone supporting or aligned with AGWiS’s mission. The variety of offerings provides opportunities for professional development, networking, and education.
Dr. Erin Holmes
Dr. Erin Holmes, Professor of Pharmacy Administration and Research Professor in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, is co-advisor for the organization. She draws inspiration from AGWiS’s impact on its members and supporters.
She recounted various events, emphasizing the networking and community-building outcomes they provide. “Earlier this semester, we hosted a ‘Sip, Stroll, and Explore’ event, whereby attendees joined us for a delightful nature walk on Bailey Woods Trail while we enjoyed smoothies and connected with fellow friends. Last semester, our ‘Career Chicks’ event offered attendees the opportunity to network with fellow graduate women in STEM fields and listen to a guest speaker from the career center talk about job research strategies and LinkedIn,” Holmes said.
AGWiS’ Sip, Stroll, and Explore Event
Holmes also underscores the benefits of engaging with various groups in graduate school. “The networking and community that comes from participating in an organization can be very supportive of your academic and career goals. It also provides an opportunity for personal and professional development, as well as leadership development,” Holmes said.
Like most campus groups, AGWiS’s organizational policies include holding annual elections. Narayan reflected on the previous election and said it was one of the most rewarding experiences she has had as a member of AGWiS.
“We recently had to bid farewell to our previous treasurer. During her farewell address, she shared how her involvement in AGWiS had transformed her as an individual. She highlighted that being part of a graduate program often leads to a tendency to withdraw into one’s own shell, focusing solely on academic work and departmental matters. However, assuming a leadership role within AGWiS had a remarkable impact on her personality. It bolstered her confidence, encouraged her to network with others, and empowered her to make decisive choices,” Narayan said.
AGWiS has been an influential organization for many of those involved. They received the “Best New Student Organization of the Year” award at the 2022-2023 Leadership and Engagement Awards at the University of Mississippi for their hard work and innovation.
The easiest way for students interested in getting involved with AGWiS is to sign up via ForUM. Connecting with AGWis this way allows people to receive updates about upcoming events. The organization’s supporting committee welcomes volunteers to contribute to event planning. Any alumni interested in getting involved should contact gschool@olemiss.edu.
On behalf of Narayan, AGWiS would like to acknowledge the consistent efforts of the current officers – Voke Tonia Aminone (Vice President), Cynthia Siddiqui (Secretary), Kendall Wontor (Treasurer), Shayla Victoria (Professional Development Officer) and Taylor Cole (Public Outreach Officer). In addition, a special thank you goes out to AGWiS faculty advisors, Dean Annette Kluck and Dr. Erin Holmes, for their continuous support of the organization.