The Scientist
Date: November 11, 1996
Catherine Didion, executive director,
Association for Women in Science, Washington, D.C.
"AWIS is devoted to supporting women in science. But we are trying to promote the idea that we want the best scientists in any position, regardless of gender or race," explains Didion. "The more rigorous our science is, the better our nation."
Didion says one of AWIS's proudest accomplishments is its national mentoring program. This initiative focuses on recruiting and retaining women in scientific careers by addressing a variety of issues, including career opportunities and options as well as dual-career considerations that affect both genders. Recently, AWIS's mentoring program expanded worldwide when it was asked to assist in setting up a program in Kenya.
AWIS has also worked hard to support viable women candidates for United States presidential appointments by maintaining a registry of qualified women scientists who are available to serve in ...