The President’s Blog

Empowering women since 1981

I still recall my first scientific conference almost eight years ago and a feeling of total isolation upon realizing I was the only woman in the room. It was in that moment that I realized how different it was for women in the real world, outside of the classroom. Of course, I didn’t let that stop me from trying to do something in the field I was passionate about and whenever I think about that day, it makes me work even harder to get to where I want to be.

SCWIST has been incredibly successful at diminishing those feelings of isolation for me and all the other women it has touched; I feel so fortunate to have joined this organization. I have met so many amazing and inspiring women over the past few years and have even had the distinct pleasure of dining with the absolutely wonderful founding women of SCWIST while planning the 30 year anniversary celebration of SCWIST. I have discovered a passion within myself and everyone whom I have interacted with at SCWIST – a passion to support, encourage and empower each other with a strong, resounding message of yes, we can do that!

30 years later, SCWIST is stronger than ever and it is my hope that the SCWIST network continues to grow and create new opportunities for everyone it touches. I’m looking forward to working with an incredible team of women to do whatever we can to empower our dynamic community.

Here they are, your SCWIST team for 2013/2014:

• Rosine Hage-Moussa, President
• Maria Issa, Past-President
• Kristen Hodge, Treasurer
• Melissa Montoril, Secretary
• Jane O’Hara, VP Grants
• Sandy Eix, Director, Outreach
• Fariba Pacheleh, Director, Strategic Development
• Kristi Charish, Director, Communications
• Julie Wong, Director, Volunteers
• Vladimirka Pereula, Director, Events
• Lee Ling Yang, Director-IWIS

I’m humbled at this opportunity to serve as SCWIST’s president and would like to thank the members for giving me such an opportunity. I hope that you find your interactions with SCWIST valuable and trust that you won’t hesitate to contact us if there’s something you would like to discuss.

I would like to take this opportunity to give a special thank you to our Past-President and one of SCWIST’s founding members, Maria Issa. She is the first person I met at SCWIST some time ago and continues to be a tireless advocate for SCWIST and what it stands for. She teaches, encourages and mentors and has a je ne sais quoi that draws you in and makes you feel that that you can do anything. So, thank you Maria for all that you given to me and SCWIST’s members.

Thank you to all of our members and partners for continuing to support SCWIST. I look forward to working with you and being part of this vibrant community.

Rosine Hage-Moussa
President
SCWIST