The Greater Houston section participated in this year’s IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast event by holding a virtual networking and group discussion on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024. The event was co-organized by the ACS Greater Houston Section, Stepan Company's Women's Networking and EMBRACE (Black employee) Resource Groups, and the Space City EWOC chapter. This year’s theme of “catalyzing diversity in science” was recognized by focusing on the benefits of diversity in science and sharing practical strategies to ensure that diverse voices and ideas are being heard in the scientific community.

Participants were provided with a short list of resources highlighting the importance of hearing diverse voices both personally and as a good business practice prior to the event, as well as articles offering practical tips for amplifying diverse voices at work.

• TED Talk: The Danger of a Single Story - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (video transcript available)
• BCG Group Report: The Mix That Matters: Innovation Through Diversity (pdf of report available here)
• NPR: How to get your ideas heard in work meetings
• The Muse: How to make your voice heard in the workplace (especially as a woman or minority)

A brief presentation on strategies to speak up and be heard was given by Dr. Dawn Friesen, (ACS-GHS Alternate Councilor) before the participants launched into a lively discussion of their experiences, including successes and challenges of speaking up for themselves and others in the workplace.

GWB 2024 - Amplifying Diverse Voices Presentation

Thanks to those who attended for engaging in conversation with us, and special thanks to our collaborating organizations for participating in an excellent event!

Event Co-organizers:

Stepan Company: Alexis Bender, Diana Dardugno, Parker Stockman (Women’s Networking Resource Group); Monica Brown and Andre Ceasar (EMBRACE [Black Employees] Resource Group)
EWOC: Catherine Faler, Haley Brown