A Note from the Chair

It is with mixed emotions that I write this column because it is the last one to be published while I am Chair of the Women Chemists Committee (WCC). It has been a privilege and an honor to serve in this capacity. I can’t believe that three years of fun and lots of hard work are almost over. However, I know that the WCC will continue on its successful course, being driven by strong, dedicated members, and I look forward to using what I have learned from them to serve in another capacity within the American Chemical Society (ACS). Please join me in reflections over the past 30 months.

Activities to support the WCC goal of attracting women to the chemical sciences include these, as well as others: increasing the number of young women receiving Eli Lilly travel awards to present their research at scientific conferences, assisting with the creation of the Merck Index Women in Chemistry scholarship, partnering with the Committee on Chemists with Disabilities to increase awareness of our Overcoming Challenges Award, and initiating several networking opportunities for students and professionals, including speed-networking at our spring Women in Industry breakfasts.

Towards the WCC goal of developing the careers of women in the chemical sciences we’ve hosted another successful career skills workshop and have sponsored some really outstanding programming by women scientists. Also, we continue to interview successful women as role models for each newsletter, award travel monies for women scientists to speak at other universities, and we will explore additional career hurdles for women during a round table discussion this fall in Philadelphia.

In 2006, we officially established a new goal to focus on advocacy for women in the sciences, both internal and external to the ACS. In order to do this, we have strengthened our connections within the ACS through an improved liaison program and more project partnerships, including those initiated by the Joint Subcommittee on Diversity (JSD). WCC members have also been sharing information with similarly interested groups in other professional organizations. This year the WCC also sponsored programming and events designed specifically to encourage nominations of women for national ACS awards and other recognitions, in addition to continuing to sponsor award symposia highlighting the work of women scientists at all national meetings.

The WCC also continues to see an increase in WCC activities at the local and regional level. We have continued to support programming at regional meetings, often directly as symposia speakers or through our pre-packaged presentations. A new forum for local section WCC networking was developed as we have successfully partnered with local sections in each national meeting locale to host an open meeting and reception for sharing best practices. The WCC has also worked within the JSD to re-design the committee-sponsored ChemLuminary Awards for recognizing a more diverse focus.

As in any endeavor, good communication is key to the success of the WCC. In the past year, we have finally been able to go to a completely electronic newsletter for more effective distribution. Our web site is constantly being modified and improved to provide useful information. Beginning in 2006, WCC members now submit annual assessments where they can provide feedback on the year’s activities. The committee has worked to standardize communiqués such as flyers for upcoming events, program advertising posters, e-mail blasts on important issues, and WCC talking points for each meeting. We have also developed recruiting materials to assist those interested in WCC participation. A lot of work has also gone on behind the scenes of the WCC to improve sustainability of processes and activities, as members come and go.

I hope you look at the above successes like I do, and say, “WOW!” The members of the WCC are passionate about what they do and are striving to truly make a difference. The upcoming Fall ACS meeting will of course include great programming and activities by the WCC, and I look forward to leading the charge one more time.  Please be sure to join us in Philadelphia.

I have loved being involved with the WCC over the past 10 years, and I’d like to share my two favorite things about being Chair. The first is receiving letters of thanks from students and professionals who have been able to travel, receive recognition, learn something, or connect with someone because of the activities of the WCC.  The second is getting to meet so many fabulous people as I represent the committee. Thanks to the members of the WCC and to you as supporters. I will truly miss you!

Amber Hinkle
WCC Chair

2008 Women Chemists Committee

WCC Says Goodbye to Felicia Dixon

At the beginning of this year, the WCC sent one of their own on to bigger and better things.  Felicia Dixon had been the ACS Staff Liaison to the committee for several years and was not only a very valuable asset to the team, but also a great friend.  She is now the Manager of the ACS Awards Program and did a fabulous job with her first ACS National Awards ceremony in New Orleans.  As a token of their thanks for her support of the WCC, the committee gave Felicia a special award of her own in New Orleans; see photo below. 

From the Women Chemists Committee, Thanks Felicia!  We’re proud of you!!