Our mission statement
The Chicago Women in STEM Initiative supports the advancement of early-career women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by building community, creating mentorship opportunities, and fostering professional growth. We bring together students, postdoctoral scholars, and professionals from across the greater Chicago area through our cross-career, interdisciplinary monthly mentorship program and our annual International Women’s Day Symposium. Our mission is to connect, equip, and inspire the next generation of women leaders shaping discovery and innovation across all fields of STEM.
Goals of the 2025-2026 academic year
- Create Career Pathways to Industry and Innovation
We aim to strengthen connections between academic training and real-world application by expanding partnerships with local companies, research institutions, and startups. Our goal is to help members explore diverse career trajectories, develop transferable skills, and build relationships that turn mentorship into opportunity. - Lead the Conversation on Technology’s Role in Shaping the Future of STEM and Society
Our 9th Annual Chicago Women in STEM Symposium will be held March 6, 2026, themed “Frontiers of Technology and Innovation: Reshaping STEM and Society.” This year’s symposium will explore how rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and automation are transforming research, careers, and human progress. Through panels, workshops, and keynotes, CWIS will position Chicago as a hub for thoughtful dialogue on innovation and its impact on science and society.
What we do
- Support the advancement of early-career women in STEM through mentorship, networking, and leadership development.
- Foster community and collaboration across academic, industry, and government sectors.
- Offer STEM Circuits, our monthly mentorship and professional development series that connects participants across disciplines and career stages.
- Host the annual International Women’s Day Symposium, bringing together researchers, innovators, and industry leaders to share insights, build connections, and celebrate local women in STEM.
- Provide career development and industry engagement opportunities through workshops, panels, and collaborative events focused on emerging technologies and leadership skills.
Recent publications and press
Chicago Women in STEM and Academia Initiative
The POSTDOCket; July, 2018
Affiliations
The Chicago Women in STEM Initiative is affiliated with The Graduate School (TGS) at Northwestern University and collaborates with departments and centers across Northwestern that support professional development and leadership in STEM.
Website: nupostdocs.org
Partner organizations
Our partners include organizations and sponsors that share our commitment to advancing STEM careers and strengthening Chicago’s innovation ecosystem. These include: Tempus AI, Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), Chicago Quantum Exchange, Northwestern Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (I.AIM), The Women’s Health Research Institute at Northwestern, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Women in Bio – Chicago Chapter, Illinois Science Council, Chicago Council on Science and Technology, Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) – Chicago Chapter, Association for Women in Science (AWIS) – Chicago Chapter, and other community partners who co-host, sponsor, and cross-promote CWIS events throughout the year.
Stay tuned for more information about upcoming events.
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