MAPS-Pittsburgh: Fall 2024 Mentoring Circles Kick-off Event

On September 10, 2024, WIB-Pittsburgh launched its fall kick-off of the MAPS (Mentorship, Advisors, Peers, and Sponsorship) program at the Project Olympus Building in Oakland. MAPS provides small-group mentoring for WIB members at all career stages, from students to industry professionals. Mentorship topics include professional development, transitioning from academia to industry, career changes, work-life balance, promoting women in the workplace, team management, and more. The program requires a commitment of just one hour per month for six months, from October 2024 to March 2025. Elizabeth Ouanemalay and Qianqian Liang, the MAPS Committee Co-chairs, led this event with the support of WIB-Pittsburgh leaders Parul Nisha, Tiffany Prince, and Beth Stronach. Additional backing came from Project Olympus CMU, including Kit Needham and Matthew Katsaros.

The kick-off event was open to the public to introduce newcomers to MAPS and WIB. Over 35 attendees, both registered participants and walk-ins, joined the event. Many came from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, representing a range of training stages, from undergraduate to postgraduate. The event began with check-ins and refreshments, allowing guests to mingle. Elizabeth and Qianqian then hosted an info session on the MAPS program and shared insights into WIB’s history in Pittsburgh and nationwide. Tiffany followed with a brief workshop on crafting elevator pitches, offering mentors a chance to share their expertise and goals for the Fall 2024 cycle. Small groups were formed based on mentor expertise, allowing mentors and mentees to network and connect.

The MAPS Committee is excited to begin matching WIB mentees with mentors in October 2024. For those who did not sign up for this cycle, we may explore connecting them with prospective members. Finding the right mentor is a thoughtful and time-consuming process, but we believe in the power of strong networks and a pay-it-forward mindset. Our goal is to expand and promote inclusivity for female scientists, which aligns with the Women In Bio motto: Engage. Educate. Empower.

Submitted by Elizabeth Ouanemalay