Across the United States, chapters of Korean Women in Science and Engineering (KWiSE) have recently coordinated a series of events aimed at strengthening their community and expanding their reach. Events in Washington, D.C., Southeastern, San Diego, and San Francisco brought together professionals and academics to foster mentorship, collaboration, and networking among Korean women scientists and engineers.
Building Connections Across Disciplines
The recent gatherings shared a common focus on creating meaningful relationships within the scientific community. Chapters prioritized opportunities for members, particularly newcomers and early-career scientists, to establish connections with peers and potential mentors.
“These events are crucial for our members to build professional networks that can support their career development,” noted Dr. Sung-sil Moon, KWiSE Headquarters President, who provided an organizational overview at the Southeastern Chapter gathering in Duluth, Georgia, on March 8.
The Washington, D.C., chapter kicked off the series with their event on February 22, followed by the San Francisco chapter’s community-building session on March 10. The San Diego Chapter rounded out the calendar with their spring picnic on March 22 at Nobel Recreation Center.
Enhancing Member Engagement
Each event featured structured networking activities, including brief research presentations where participants delivered 3-5 minute elevator talks highlighting their professional work and its broader impact on society. These presentations served as conversation starters and helped identify potential collaboration opportunities.
The Southeastern Chapter, led by Dr. Jae Kyung Lee, organized a comprehensive program that included updates on chapter activities and promotion of ongoing social events such as bi-monthly lunches and book club meetings, followed by dedicated networking time.
Meanwhile, the San Diego Chapter took a more casual approach with their spring picnic, incorporating interactive activities to strengthen bonds among attendees:
“Our OX quiz game on KWiSE history and general science knowledge was particularly effective at breaking the ice while reinforcing our organization’s mission,” commented a San Diego Chapter representative. “We also made sure to honor departing members while welcoming newcomers.”
Expanding the Network
In the SF chapter, outreach and recruitment featured prominently in the events’ objectives, with chapters working to introduce KWiSE’s mission to potential new members. Some events were held in collaboration with industry partners such as Thermo Fisher Scientific and Amgen, broadening their reach into the professional scientific community.
The structured yet relaxed atmosphere of these gatherings encouraged natural interactions across diverse disciplines and generations of Korean women scientists and engineers. This approach aligns with KWiSE’s core mission of cultivating a supportive community that emphasizes collaboration, professional development, and mutual support.
As the organization continues to grow, these chapter events demonstrate KWiSE’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where Korean women in scientific fields can thrive through shared experiences and collective inspiration.
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