Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology

The Society of Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST), founded in 1981, is a not-for-profit association that promotes,
encourages and empowers women and girls in science, engineering and technology.
Mission
SCWIST promotes and empowers women working in science, engineering and technology to grow, develop, and succeed in their fields, as well as encourage and provide assistance to young women pursuing their dreams of a career in science.
The Society works
*to promote equal opportunities for women in scientific, technological and engineering careers;
*to improve social attitudes on the stereotyping of careers in science and educate the public about careers in science and technology; and
*to assist educators by providing current information on careers and career training, science and scientific policies.
It realizes these goals through the organization of conferences and networking events, delivery of public educational outreach programs, production of resource material (videos, publications and handbooks), liaison with other organizations, and participation in granting, advocacy and advisory bodies.
History
The Society of Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) was founded in Vancouver, BC in 1981 by five women: Mary Vickers, Hilda Ching, Abby Schwarz, Mary Jo Duncan and Maggie Benston. SCWIST is a volunteer non-profit organization incorporated under the BC Societies Act; in 1984 it was registered as a charity under the federal Income Tax Act. It continues as an active organization.
From the five founders in 1981, membership in SCWIST has grown steadily.. The Annual General Meeting held each spring and open to all members of the Society, votes on major decisions and elects the Executive Board of Directors. The Board is headed by the Society's president and meets regularly in Vancouver, while much of the on-going work of SCWIST is carried out by a number of standing and ad hoc committees appointed by the Board. Major milestones in SCWIST history include:
*the production of the Registry of Skilled Women, BC and Yukon (1983),
*the organization of the first National Conference on Women in Science and Technology (1983),
*the development of the educational programs Girls in Science (1984),
*ms infinity (1990) and Project Tomorrow (1993),
*the establishment of the SCWIST scholarship (1986, renamed the Maggie Benston Scholarship in 1991),
*the opening of the Resource Centre (1992) .
Programs
*The ms infinity program inspires young women in BC and the Yukon by introducing them to exciting career options and education in science and technology
*The Immigrating Women in Science program (IWIS), which offers mentorship and other resources to women who have immigrated to Canada after having trained and established careers in science, engineering and technology in other countries
*SCWIST workshops, speaker’s events and networking opportunities for early-stage or mid-career women to make valuable academic and industry contacts and develop a sense of community with other women in scientific fields
*Expanded programming such as job boards and scholarships
Publications
SCWIST Newsletter is published quarterly since 2006.

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