Chemical engineering professor Isabel Escobar has been elected chair of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Chapters and Affiliates Committee. Her two-year term began January 1, 2018.
As chair, Escobar will oversee 31 AWIS chapters and 32 affiliates. AWIS chapters consist of at least 30 members, whereas affiliates contain fewer than 30 members. AWIS currently has approximately 1,500 members spanning national laboratories, industry and academia.
“These chapters are made up of people who have great goals, but need mentoring in crucial areas like fundraising, succession planning and membership growth,” says Escobar, who currently serves as president of the Kentucky affiliate. “It is so important to have future leadership in place so that chapters can accomplish their goals.”
Mentoring will take the form of periodic phone calls as well as a newsletter detailing best practices.
“By mentoring our chapters, I believe that together we can improve conditions for women working in science and increase diversity as well.
Escobar joined the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering in 2015.