#Advocacy , #Membership Recruitment , #Public Awareness Campaign
What’s really working to change hearts and minds when it comes to diversity and inclusion? What’s the CEO journey like when you’ve been in an organization for a long time?
In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Meredith Gibson, CEO of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS). Meredith discusses:
- How she determined that what motivates her in her career is mission.
- When she became CEO of AWIS, she had conversations with staff, including someone who she thought was interested in the CEO job.
- The organization’s renewed commitment membership and relationships (with members, chapters and stsaff) in 2018.
- AWIS’ Summer of Science which educates the public about how science impacts our world.
- AWIS advocates on issues that fall between gender and science, including DEI curriculum, Title IX activities, bullying, sexual harrassment, bias in hiring.
- One day DEI events can be exciting but they don’t change behaviors and habits. The AWIS Inclusion Project is a 90 day learning experience that gives participants a small activity or reflection every day in order to create new habits and insights.
- How AWIS changed the corporate sponsor package to allow anyone at the companies to access member benefits. This has exploded membership and participation!
- How Meredith’s superpower of conversation and how she’s able to ferret out insights from members, Board leaders and staff.
References:
About Meredith Gibson
Meredith Gibson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS). With a community over 7,700 members, AWIS provides a sense of belonging, recognition, and career advancement for women in all science disciplines and employment sectors so they can achieve their full potential. AWIS also advocates for gender equity and inclusive spaces for STEM students and professionals. Ms. Gibson has been serving the AWIS mission in various capacities since 2007. As CEO, she oversees all facets of the organization including driving mission impact, strategic planning, advocacy and outreach initiatives, member benefit programs, HR, financial management, business development, operations, and engages with the board of directors. Under her leadership, AWIS has doubled its membership, fundraising, and corporate partnership programs and established a new Strategic Plan for 2023-2026. Ms. Gibson is a graduate of the University of Washington, with a bachelor’s degree in international studies.
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About Associations Thrive
Associations Thrive podcast is hosted by Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International. Joanna’s personal mission and the mission of Matrix Group is to help associations and nonprofits increase membership, generate revenue and thrive in the digital space.
We believe that every association has a unique mission and unique story that demonstrates how they’re serving their members, impacting their industry, and ultimately changing the world. Every guest is an association Chief Executive, Executive Director or President. We’re here to help amplify their stories so all associations can learn and thrive, together.
If you and your organization have a great story, apply to be on Associations Thrive!