The Association for Women in Mathematics student chapter won the Leadership & Engagement Awards for the “New student chapter of the year” by Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union and the Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement at University of Mississippi.
This award is given to the new student organization that has made exceptional contributions to its members and the greater University of Mississippi community in its first year of registration.
“The AWM student chapter aims to cultivate a welcoming environment where women and girls can thrive in their mathematical endeavors. Additionally, our mission is to advocate for equal opportunities and fair treatment for women and individuals of marginalized genders within the mathematical sciences community. Keeping that in mind the officers have organized a range of events aimed at providing educational opportunities, facilitating networking among members, supporting career development, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and conducting outreach programs.
Every officer within the chapter is a valuable asset, showcasing their abilities in various situations. Our president, Gauree, has excelled in nurturing meaningful connections with our parent organization, AWM, and other relevant entities that could potentially benefit from our events or offer opportunities for our members. An exemplary instance of this collaboration occurred during our participation in the “Spooky Physics Night” outreach service, where our officers and members contributed. This engagement catalyzed a fruitful exchange of ideas between our members and the event’s organizing students, enhancing our collective experiences. Other officers have also demonstrated excellence in their respective roles. For instance, our treasurer, Chalani, has skillfully secured funding from diverse sources, including the provost and associated student body, to support our events and members’ academic travel. Meanwhile, our secretary, Annette, has been instrumental in registering and meticulously maintaining documentation with ASB and our parent organization. The thorough records she has upheld will prove invaluable during officer transitions.
What distinguishes the AWM chapter is its proactive approach in addressing the needs of our members, reflected in the timely discussions led by the officers to tailor events accordingly. A notable instance of this is the event website building workshop. Upon learning about our members’ struggles with HTML website building, our officers promptly reached out to the Scholar Support and Data Services (SSDS) Department at the University Libraries to connect with an expert in the field. Their polite and welcoming attitude, along with their readiness to seek assistance whenever required, enhances the impact of their events. Their unwavering belief in our organization’s mission shines through in their every action. Moreover, their receptiveness to feedback and commitment to continuous improvement not only demonstrate their dedication but also make them highly approachable.”
By President, Gauree Wathodkar:
“Our chapter has demonstrated sincere dedication to our mission through a series of initiatives and activities. We have organized numerous events such as seminars, workshops, and panel discussions aimed at advancing the academic experience of our members and networking and inclusion events to build a community promoting awareness of gender diversity issues in mathematics and providing resources and support for women mathematicians at all stages of their careers. Additionally, we have organized and participated in outreach events to actively engage with local schools and communities to encourage young girls to pursue their passion for mathematics and consider careers in STEM fields. Our efforts have resulted in a thriving community of mathematicians who continuously inspire and uplift one another.
I also wish to extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Ayla Rebecca Gafni, our faculty advisor. Dr. Gafni’s extensive experience, particularly her service as an officer within an AWM chapter at Pennsylvania State University during her graduate studies, has been a cornerstone of our chapter’s development. Her valuable insights and expertise have been instrumental in establishing and optimizing our chapter’s operations. Dr. Gafni’s unwavering support and encouragement have served as a constant source of motivation for our members, propelling us forward even in the face of adversity.”