Description
The Empowering Womxn in STEAM (WiSE) Theme Program is focused on exploring the intersections of gender with Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics.
This year, WiSE celebrates its 25th year as a Theme Program! It began in 1999 as an affinity space for 42 first-year female-identified students. WiSE exists to support womxn as they explore their interest in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Our participants’ professional interests include – but are not limited to – engineering, pre-medicine, public health, and more. Through a bi-weekly workshop series and intentional programming, WiSE provides a critical community where residents learn about STEAM fields and career paths, and how these interact with gender and social identity. We welcome all who experience life through the lens of womxn in body, spirit, and identity – past, present, future, and fluid.
Program Requirements
This is a year-long (fall and spring) mandatory, not-for-credit workshop series that meets every other Monday from 7–9pm. The workshop series focuses on discussing participant identities as womxn in a still male-dominated field, and how this impacts womxn’s professional and personal life. The workshop series also includes sessions on career development and exploration, professional networking, and self-care. WiSE students are expected to participate and be actively engaged in theme program activities and events, including:
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- The WiSE Theme Program retreat
- WiSE programs, hosted by the Theme Program Assistant
- The Faculty Dinner
- Cal Day (April)
- The End of the Year Celebration (April–May)
Signature Events & Programming
Our signature event is the Faculty Dinner, which takes place in early Spring Semester. WiSE residents get the opportunity to interact and learn from renowned Berkeley faculty members from a diverse array of disciplines. These faculty members speak to their research, their professional and personal journeys, and their experience as womxn in STEAM fields. There is a panel discussion, a catered dinner, and structured networking time.
Living Space
WiSE residents live together in Unit 4 (Stern), which is a building housing women-identified students and is located next to the Foothill complex on the northeast side of campus. For more information about Stern Hall, including amenities and features, academic services, transportation, and more, please visit housing.berkeley.edu.
Contact
If you have additional questions WiSE that are not answered here, please email Residential Life at rsc-livinglearning@berkeley.edu.