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Supporting Women in Geology

The Geological Society of America’s Women in Geology Attendees, many of whom are students, find great benefit in the
mentor program began at GSA’s 2008 Annual Meeting. program and describe it as “the most inspirational experience I
Since then, the popular event has attracted 150–200 have had” and “the most helpful program thus far. Please
people at all career levels each year. While the majority continue to inspire women in this field!” Perhaps Women in
of attendees are women, there has been an increase in men Geology is best summarized by this attendee: “Even as our genera-
showing support. It is encouraging that more and more people tion leaves undergrad with 50% fellow women geoscientists, role
want to be informed about topics related to women in the models and mentors are still vital as we look to our futures and
geosciences. make important decisions at this pivotal point in our lives.”

Through sponsorships secured each year, the GSA Foundation The Women in Geology mentor event will be held at GSA 2016
supports this meaningful forum for women to share their experi- on Sunday, 25 Sept., at 5:30 p.m. Please join the GSA Foundation
ences and ask questions that may not arise in other settings. The in helping to carry on this important program—Contact Debbie
informal gathering features invited female geoscientists to discuss Marcinkowski at dmarcinkowski@geosociety.org to learn more.
their career trajectories and issues they have faced throughout
their careers; this is followed by smaller discussions and mentor- GSA TODAY | www.geosociety.org/gsatoday
ship opportunities.

Alicia Kahn, senior biostratigrapher at Chevron and a longtime
participant in GSA’s GeoCareers program as well as Women in
Geology mentoring, believes it to be an important investment of
her time.

Women still have a long way to go in the United
States as we work towards equality in the workplace. In
a male-dominated field like geology where there are
abundant female undergraduate and graduate students,
attrition remains high once professional jobs hit. The
pressure on families is rife and leads to women
choosing more family-friendly, less stressful and
demanding, careers. I find that taking the mystery out
of motherhood and family life as it can couple with
science, along with acknowledging the challenges and
the need for support among colleagues, allows young
female scientists to feel less threatened by strong career
choices. Through mentoring programs such as GSA’s
Women in Geology, we give women the chance to
speak up in a safe place and share life experiences. In so
doing, we create bonds and networks among each
other. I have found good friends this way, and we aid in
each other’s daily and professional lives. It takes a
village to make progress and I’m proud to have been
able to participate in some small way through GSA.

www.gsafweb.org

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