How the Women Chemists Committee stays relevant after 90 years

Abstract

The question of if the American Chemical Society still needs the Women Chemists Committee (WCC) is one that WCC considered in 2017, while we celebrated our 90th anniversary and updated our strategic plan. It was clear to WCC that although many positive changes have occurred in the past 90 years, there are still many more goals to be achieved. Current global events and the climate for women in the U.S. and around the world should reassure even the most skeptical critic that gender equity has not yet been achieved either inside or outside the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. To achieve the WCC vision of “Empowering women throughout the chemical enterprise,” the committee has adopted an updated mission statement and goals. WCC’s updated goals are to increase engagement and retention of women, advocate and educate within the society on issues of importance to women, enhance leadership and career