KCL Womxn in STEM (WiSTEM) is a student society dedicated to empowering womxn in STEM fields and bridging the gender gap within academia and industry. Our mission is to create a supportive community where women can thrive, learn, and grow.
Our society was founded in 2015 by a group of passionate students who were disheartened by the stark reality of gender disparity in their respective fields. Their legacy has continued, with a committee of 20 women from various STEM degrees, led by engineers who have witnessed the imbalance firsthand within their studies. With only 20% of their cohort being women, they were determined to create a space where women could connect and upskill.
To enact this vision, WiSTEM established the Mentorship Program in 2023. This 1:1 program pairs undergraduate women with experienced professionals in academia and industry. By providing mentorship, guidance, and networking opportunities, we aimed to equip our members with the tools they need to succeed.
Based on the success of its pilot year, the mentorship scheme has become a flagship initiative for the society. This year we have successfully matched over 75 mentees with mentors from diverse STEM fields, including engineering, bioscience, computer science, and mathematics. Mentees gained invaluable insights into industry practices, career paths, and soft skills through these connections. Many even secured internships and placements with the help of their mentors.
To further enhance the program, we've introduced themed monthly packs to guide mentor-mentee discussions, fostering rich conversations. Additionally, we've implemented regular feedback channels to ensure continuous improvement.
The overwhelming response to our Mentorship Program, with over 180 mentee applications for just 75 spots, underscores the significant demand for guidance and support among female STEM students at King's College London. This clear desire to navigate the complexities of a STEM career inspires us to expand our initiatives and provide even more opportunities for our members to grow and succeed.
Building on the success of our Mentorship Program, we have organised a variety of events to cater to the diverse needs of our members. These events range from soft skill workshops to technical workshops, networking events, and social gatherings. By offering a diverse range of activities, we aim to empower our members, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in their academic and professional futures.
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of RS, via their Grassroots Funding. Last year we were grateful to have RS Group as a sponsor, directly supporting our EmpowerHer workshop series, which was instrumental in providing our members with valuable skills and knowledge.
We look forward to continuing our mission of empowering womxn in STEM and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
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