Volunteer positions are available for all levels of time commitment. We are strengthened by our strong community of diverse skillsets, education levels, backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations - all are welcome to volunteer with WIS!

Volunteer with WIS

Ready to join our volunteer team?

Fill out a volunteer interest form HERE!

Volunteers are the
heart and soul
of our organization.

“Thank you all for your hard work. I can imagine that fielding all the challenges during COVID, and now the semi-return from the pandemic, has been difficult, but it has been wonderful to see how the
organization has continued to
support women in STEM.”

“As a disabled and visibly queer person, I really appreciate the space has been so intersectional and inclusive.”

Committees

  • Professional Development

    Providing resources and events to promote and retain marginalized genders in all stages of their professional scientific careers.

    Programs:

    Bootcamp Series
    Networking Opportunities
    Lunch & Learns
    Mentoring
    Policy & Advocacy

  • Outreach & Education

    We aim to instill in all youth that science is not a rare or unusual path for a woman. We organize and attend events to represent female scientists, share our passion for science, and encourage enthusiasm for science in youth.

    Programs:

    STEMpowerment
    Portraits in STEM

  • Fundraising

    We are powered entirely through our community. Fundraising is critical to fulfilling our mission and serving the WIS-PDX community with free and low-cost programming.

    Programs:

    Scholarships
    Corporate Sponsorships
    Grants
    WIS Merchandise
    Fundraising Events & Campaigns

  • Communications

    Facilitating communication across the WIS-PDX community through a variety of platforms, including our newsletter, blog, podcast, and social media.

    Programs:

    Blog
    WISterhood Podcast
    Newsletter
    Social media

What our volunteers say about why they joined our WIS PDX community:

  • I want to connect with and support other women in science

  • To be involved with other Women in Science and support other future women!

  • I strongly believe in the mission

  • Because I think it is valuable to support women in the sciences. I particularly support the PD programs because it helps grow then skills that are needed for women to be successful that they are frequently not taught or given the chance to develop.

  • The mission of WIS PDX aligns extremely well with my personal values

  • Want to connect with more women in science and help others connect to people and resources too

  • I love supporting fellow women in science and helping to create friendly outreach
    events so we know we're not alone.

“

”

Volunteer FAQs

What does the typical WIS volunteer look like?

There is no typical WIS volunteer! Our community is build by a diverse, multi-talent team of scientists and science enthusiasts from the Portland area and beyond. We have female, male, and non-binary volunteers.

What kind of time commitment is required?

We understand that our volunteers are busy professionals juggling a lot in their daily lives. Volunteer positions are available for any time commitment level!

Do I have to be in a STEM field to volunteer?

No! The only requirement is that you are passionate about advancing and empowering women in STEM.

What do I get in exchange for volunteering my time to WIS?

Volunteers are essential to the success of WIS, and we want every single one of our volunteers to feel like they are getting out the same value they are putting in. Aside from making a meaningful impact on women in STEM, here are few benefits that our volunteers report:

  • Tangible evidence of volunteer experience on CV, LinkedIn

  • Letters of recommendation (based on committee and engagement)

  • Friendship with other volunteers and community members

  • Networking for future job searches or profession development