Kids Day returns! registration now open! Volunteers needed!

After a two year hiatus, registration has opened for ESF’s Take our Kids to Work Day, Thursday, April 28, 2022!   Kids 8-11 years old with an adult that works or studies at ESF are invited to explore ESF fostered-careers through their own class day, starting and ending the day in the Gateway Center.  

Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.  FAQs and Registration Forms (due 4/21) are available at https://www.esf.edu/womenscaucus/kids.htm.  Past adults have requested information to share with schools to request the absence be excused; a form is available at that same page to facilitate that conversation and (if necessary) to coordinate makeup or alternate assignments. 

We are also seeking volunteers to chaperone groups: https://forms.gle/nYXVQYtnZYAadE7x5.  

Kids Day is one of the earliest, and most enduring, programs of ESF's Women's Caucus. The group is pleased to return to an in-person option, as well as to continue to share photos and materials via https://www.facebook.com/ESFKidsDay/.

Questions about the program, accommodations, or volunteering, please contact Heather Engelman,  engelman@esf.edu, 315-470-4752. 

Interviewing? John Turbeville shares tips

Dr. Turbeville, Senior Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Director of Career Services at SUNY-ESF shared interviewing tips on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, as part of ESF's Perspectives on Career and Gender Spring Seminar Series.

Dr. Turbeville presented the services provided by Career Service at ESF along with interviewing statistics. I was amazed to find out that 90% of employers find social media important when evaluating candidates and 79% of HR professionals have denied a job to a candidate due to inappropriate content on social media. He also shared some common questions asked during an interview and ways to obtain success in an interview.

Dr. Turbeville completed his M.S. and Ph.D. from Syracuse University. He has more than fifteen years of higher education experience in the areas of academic support services, career services, educational programming, judicial affairs, and crisis management.

For more information about the Perspective on Career and Gender Seminar Series, please visit
http://www.esf.edu/womenscaucus and http://esfwomen.blogspot.com/search/label/Speakers. For upcoming public events and lectures, please visit ESF’s College Calendar at http://www.esf.edu/calendar.

As part of the course requirements for FOR797 Perspectives on Career and Gender, students share  responsibility of reporting on class discussions as well as on the speakers in the campus-wide Women in Scientific and Environmental Professions Speaker Series.  The preceding was prepared by Poonam Joshi, Department of Sustainable Forest Management, studying Master of Science in Natural Resources Management.

Kids Day returns! Seeking Volunteers for April 28, 2022

Volunteers are sought to assist with ESF's Take our Kids to Work Day on Thursday, April 28, 2022.  In particular, organizers are seeking group leaders, that can guide kids to their scheduled program locations around campus, keep an eye out during sessions, and encourage active participation as well as questions of activity leaders. It takes a lot of people to ensure that everyone gets to where they need to be! There are also opportunities to assist in advance of the program, preparing materials for use by participants and group leaders. Shifts will be coordinated around volunteers' work and class schedules.  Volunteers can sign up at:  https://forms.gle/nYXVQYtnZYAadE7x5.  For questions, please contact Kids Day Coordinator, Heather Engelman, engelman@esf.edu, 315-470-4752. 

Natural Building:  which stones for a sturdy wall?

Group leaders are subject to checks against state and federal registries, and training will be provided on  SUNY's Child Protection Policy.  

With the assistance of many individuals and departments, the ESF's Women's Caucus has invited Kids to Work each April since the mid-90s, offering a hands-on exploration of ESF based-careers to 8-11 year olds with an adult that studies or works at ESF.  Follo wing a two-year Covid hiatus, when programs were offered asynchronously online, we look forward to welcoming Kids back to ESF on April 28.  For general information, please visit https://www.esf.edu/womenscaucus/kids.htm.  

Participant registration will open soon.

ESF alumnae talk about their experiences in STEM careers

In recognition and celebration of Women’s History Month, four alumnae discussed their unique experiences in pursuing STEM careers in a panel facilitated by Debbie Caviness, Director of SUNY ESF Alumni Relations, on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. The panel addressed many topics, such as the stereotypes women face in STEM careers, negotiating salaries, networking, and what the female experience of working in male-dominated STEM fields was like. The ESF Alumni Association, Office of Admissions, Office of Career Services, and ESF Women’s Caucus jointly sponsored this panel. 

To view recording, click image

Christina Chan ’10, spoke about her experiences as both a female and a person of color as the owner and farmer of the Choy Division, a diversified 1-acre urban farm with a focus on east Asian crops and herbs. As a farmer in a field that is predominantly comprised of older white men, Chan felt insecurities due to being both a person of color and female. Starting out in her field, Chan braced for the worst and felt she needed to prove herself to other farmers, but over time began to realize that other people’s expectations don’t dictate an individual’s self-worth. Optimistically, Chan notes younger generations of farmers are becoming more diverse compared to their older generation counterparts. 

Kelley Corbine ’15, M'17, a forester with the US Forest Service (USFS) and wildland firefighter, faced similar experiences to Chan. In her work as a USFS forester, Corbine observes about 95% of the time in her work, she is the only female in the room. Like Chan, Corbine also felt the need to prove herself to male counterparts. As Corbine continued working, she realized she needed to treat herself kindly and reaffirm to herself that she deserved to be working with the USFS.

Keelin Gangwish ’19, a Pulp & Power Front Line Leader at the paper mill company Sylvamo, had a different challenge, as she works with people of diverse academic and social backgrounds. As a result of this, it was difficult for her to gain basic respect from her coworkers as a female worker. Gangwish recommends individuals to stand their ground, and to know their audience when it comes to addressing female stereotypes in the workplace. She also suggests to subtly guide other male coworkers to a desired outcome if they do not listen to advice. 

Gina Hale ’04, the Senior Director of Operations & Safety at Tufts Medical Center, advised others to ask questions and remain headstrong in topics individuals are confident in. Hale recounted a story of how she had to ask about flow dynamics to ensure the safety of a facility, demonstrating how it is acceptable to not know the answers to everything. In terms of salary negotiation, Hale advises others to not be afraid to ask how much other people make, and to use social networks to determine how much an individual should be making. 

Christina Chan received her B.S. in Environmental Science (focus on Health & the Environment) from SUNY ESF in 2010, and her M.S. in Conservation Science from the Imperial College London in 2013. Kelley Corbine received her B.S. in Natural Resource Management in 2015 and her M.S. in Forest and Natural Resources Management in 2017 from SUNY ESF. Keelin Gangwish received her B.A.Sc. in Paper Engineering in 2019 from SUNY ESF. Gina Hale received her B.S. in Chemistry in 2004.

For more information about the WiSE Professions Series, please visit http://www.esf.edu/womenscaucus.  For upcoming events, please visit ESF’s College Calendar at http://www.esf.edu/calendar.   

As part of the course requirements for FOR797 Perspectives on Career and Gender, students share  responsibility of reporting on speakers in the campus-wide Women in Scientific and Environmental Professions Speaker Series.  The preceding was prepared by Scott Dai, MS student, Sustainable Resources Management, Forest Natural Resources Management.

Nutrient Cycling, Storm water runoff, and Communicating Science to the Public, a conversation with Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson

Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson, professor in the Department of Earth Ocean and the Environment, University of South Carolina, presented Nutrient Cycling, Storm water runoff, and Communicating Science to the Public on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 via Zoom as part of SUNY ESF’s Women in Scientific and Environmental Professions Spring Seminar Series. This seminar was sponsored by ESF Women’s Caucus.

Dr. Claudia Benitez Nelson. Click for video.

Dr. Benitez-Nelson research focuses on the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus and carbon, largely in marine environments, and how these elements are influenced by natural and anthropogenic processes. During the seminar she discussed her most recent research on inland and coastal nutrient cycling in relation to planning for stormwater surges.

Benitez-Nelson's team sought to establish the rate of sediment accumulation in stormwater ponds, determine the role these ponds play in the regional cycling of carbon and nutrients, and to identify the sources of organic matter to pond sediments in different growing urban areas in the Waccamaw watershed. “This was for us a real opportunity to truly connect more closely with the communities that we were working in” said Benitez-Nelson when explaining how their findings would benefit the homeowners close to the ponds. Her findings suggest that Particulate Organic Matter (POM) is a better proxy for liability than Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) and may control Biological Organic Matter (BOD) loads. Her lab continues research on different topics related to aquatic organic matter.

Benitez-Nelson is often asked how she “starts to have these conversations about not just pollution, urbanization, sustainability, but talking about climate and how climate change is influencing where people are living their lives.” She shared that she is part of Science Moms, a non-partisan group of climate scientists, who also happen to be mothers, that “really talk about climate, the need collective action” as well as mitigation efforts, particularly in conversation with other mothers, for the benefit of all their children. 

Dr. Benitez-Nelson received B.S. in chemistry and oceanography from the University of Washington and a Ph.D. in oceanography from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute/Massachusetts Institute of Technology Joint Program. She has an extensive publication record which includes lead authored pieces in both Science and Nature. Dr. Benitez-Nelson also serves as Associate Dean, for Instruction, Community Engagement and Research.

For more information about the WiSE Professions Series, please visit http://www.esf.edu/womenscaucus.  For upcoming lectures, please visit ESF’s College Calendar at http://www.esf.edu/calendar.

As part of the course requirements for FOR797 Perspectives on Career and Gender, students share  responsibility of reporting on speakers in the campus-wide Women in Scientific and Environmental Professions Speaker Series.  The preceding was prepared by Natasha M. Torres Ríos, MSc student, Sustainable Resources Management Department.

Harassment and Whistle-Blowing, insight from ESF's Title IX Coordinator

Rebecca Hoda-Kearse, Title IX coordinator at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), spoke to the graduate student seminar “Perspectives on Career and Gender” on March 8, 2022 to start the conversation of harassment and whistle-blowing that face all institutions. Hoda-Kearse spoke about how Title IX is used to prevent gender discrimination, which states that “on the basis of sex” no person shall be discriminated against from any educational programs. She continued to talk about other grounds harassment may start on such as quid pro quo in unequal power differences. Under her facilitation, students shared experiences that happened to themselves or others they know that had experienced harassment or discrimination. All students and facilitators were able to recall at least one moment of harassment. 

SUNY ESF has many options for reporting Title IX violations. This can be done by talking directly to
Hoda-Kearse or virtually though the “Resilient Oaks App" or at https://www.esf.edu/ide/bias.htm. Reporters can remain anonymous.  

Hoda-Kearse is the Title IX Coordinator and Affirmative Action Officer at SUNY ESF, overseeing Title IX issues and reporting for the campus as well as discrimination related complaints including sexual harassment. She works closely with many offices including the offices of Student Life, Human Resources, and Inclusion, Diversity and Equity.

Note:  Hoda-Kearse's was promoted to ESF's inagural Executive People Officer very soon after this presentation!  ESF's Title IX responsibilities remain under this umbrella, but Jules Findlay is Interim Affirmative Action Officer, serving in that capacity in addition to their duties in International Education.  Read more about this new campus position at https://www.esf.edu/communications/view2.asp?newsID=9974.

As part of the course requirements for FOR797 Perspectives on Career and Gender, students share  responsibility of reporting on class discussions as well as on the speakers in the campus-wide Women in Scientific and Environmental Professions Speaker Series.  The preceding was prepared by Katie McLaughlin, Sustainable Resources Management, M.S. May 2023.

Girls’ Summit returns to ESF—recruiting volunteers and participants

Girls’ Inc is seeking adults for a variety of volunteer roles for the annual Girls’ Summit on Saturday, April 2 on the ESF and SU campuses.  In particular, they hope to recruit a solid cohort of volunteers familiar with the campuses to serve as “group guides”, accompanying a walking group through the program, assuring they find their scheduled workshops, and sharing their own excitement about STEAM. A perfect role for students and local alumni!  They need folks to sign up quickly to assure time for background checks. For more information or for help with registration, contact Wenona Timmons at 315-424-0040 or wtimmons@ywca-syracuse.org. 

Registration is also open for 5^th-10^th graders who wish to participate in the Girls’ Summit Hands-on STEAM Career Exploration Day on Saturday, April 2, 8:30-3:45pm. Drop off and pick up at ESF’s Gateway Center.  $5, pre-register at https://www.ywca-syracuse.org/what-were-doing/youth-development/girls-summit/.  For more information, contact Caitlyn Copfer, ccopfer@ywca-syracuse.org, or 315-424-0040.

Coffee and Connections, Hybrid for Spring 2022

  "Find a peer group of women to provide professional support" suggest the authors of Ten simple rules for women principal investigators during a pandemic.  Research has shown that women generally benefit from networking and group mentoring.  Further, women's stress can be moderated by social supports.  It's also not a surprise that short breaks help individuals regroup and look at challenges through a refreshed lens.  So, have a snack or bring your lunch on 2nd Wednesdays, 1-2pm.  Sessions are hosted by the ESF Women's Caucus and are open to employees, students, and alumnae.

Coffee Breaks are hybrid this semester, with the kettle on in 408 Baker.  For concurrent zoom connection information (link or call-in number), please register. 

You can ask questions or share resources anytime by subscribing to:

·    ESFWomen is configured as a discussion forum, but is used most frequently to share event reminders and registration links! 

·    FamilyResources.  Child- and elder-care impact a number of students and employees regardless of gender/gender identity  By spinning off those discussions, we hope to make them more accessible to parents and other caregivers who need them (ATM or for the future), unclutter the inboxes of those who don’t, and underscore “balancing work and family” as universal workplace concerns.

For more information about the ESF Women's Caucus, or our formal or informal mentoring programs, please visit: https://www.esf.edu/womenscaucus or contact the program coordinator, 

Heather Engelman engelman@esf.edu or 315-470-4752

WiSE Profession Speaker Series continues virtually in Spring 2022

Oceanographer Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson, on Nutrient cycling, storm water runoff, and communicating science to the public, on Tuesday, March 1, 3:30 – 4:30pm

Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson is an Associate Dean and Carolina Distinguished Professor in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on understanding the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and carbon and they are influenced by climate change. Honors include: Early Career Award in Oceanography from the American Geophysical Union (AGU); Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography. Dr. Benitez-Nelson is passionate about teaching and mentoring and is active in many efforts to increase diversity in the sciences.   

Women in STEM Alumnae Panel, in conjunction with Career Services, Admissions, and the Alumni Association, on Wednesday, March 23.

Since 1999, the ESF Women's Caucus has invited Women in Scientific and Environmental Professions to campus to share their work, and meet folks on campus. 

Making Space for Marginalized Voices, Women's Empowerment Brunch 2021

ESF's 6th Women's Empowerment Brunch invited participants, panelists, and keynote to consider ways to Make (or Reclaim) Space.

Emcee Emily Li (EnvStudies 2022) introduced Dr. Emily Stewart, Senior Director of Education & Curation, at Syracuse's Museum of Science and Technology  who discussed the ways the MOST has become more accessible for a variety of community members, including sensory friendly exhibits; reduced admission for veterans and active military, and EBT users; as well as supporting community science educators and youth science competitions.  (Families with middle schoolers:  check out their partnership with TACNY, called  Jr Cafe, which provides a free program with continental breakfast and free museum admission, generally 3rd Saturdays during the academic year.)  Panelists Alice Olom and Martikah Williams, co-founders of Black Artist Collective; Dr. Marcelle Haddix, Distinguished Dean's Professor of Literacy, Race and Justice in the Reading and Language Arts department in Syracuse University's School of Education; and ESF students Sachi Segan (EnvStudies 2022) and Isabella Fiorese (EnvScience 2023) answered questions about finding space, allyship, and ways of moving forward.

Panelists shared the necessity of resting, setting boundaries, and surrounding themselves with supporting people, and the challenge and exhaustion: 

of "having to act white" and the overwork of silent labor.  Women and other marginalized identities have to always be ready to respond to emails, even while on vacation.  One panelists who hails from a "collectivist, family-centered background" and being told by elder family members "Don't be too loud, Black and proud" for fear of risking citizenship process.

When asked how allies can make space for marginalized identities:  show up and speak up!  Challenge authority and speak for those who cannot.   Panelists countered with "are you educating yourself? Going where you are uncomfortable so others can be more so?  Thinking about and learning the details taught in Title IX training?"  They also noted that the question is upsetting because folks SHOULD know what an ally is by now, and label "ally" is used performatively, without active  engagement or demonstrative effort. Are so-called allies giving something up? Shifting power dynamics, leaving positions of privilege?  Its an intersectional question with many layers.  Fighting for Black people, Black LGBTQIA+, Black Muslims, fighting for and with.   Are allies standing up for these, even when they are not in the room?

In what ways can we move forward and make space?  Be honest that every day is a new challenge and that women have to fight all the time, especially Black women.  Acknowledge that its OK to "just be" for a minute.  Work with Cafe Sankofa and Women's Health, taking up brick and mortar with the 15th ward, understand what's happening with the I-81 project.  Land acknowledgements are empty; how do they lead to reconciliation of the violence that led to the use of these spaces?  BAC's mission is to interrupt, disrupt, break down barriers and speak to what's happening in our community, at any or multiple scales.  

Questions from the audience:  How do you physically create boundaries?  Takes practice, be specific.  Acknowledge what's causing you harm.  Understand what YOU need to be fully present.  May need to intentionality pause to figure out what your balance looks like.

When confronted with the phrases "Just take care of yourself" or "you should have said something", flip the script "I am struggling to establish boundaries, but I need them." Start small--it takes 21 days to create a habit.  One panelists had to unlearn "yes" because was working self to sickness.    For black women in particular, stories that are empowering but overwhelming, the protagonist is always strong.  Can we be fragile or vulnerable?

If boss does not respect need for rest, it's time to go.  A tip:  Review your job description.  If what you are asked to do is not listed, use that to negotiation.  Review other people's job descriptions, and call folks out when they aren't doing their jobs.  "You are director of _____; that's your job (and not _____'s).  

Suggestions:  Read White Fragility and How to be an AntiRacist, all of it!  More POC on boards, front money and invest in people and businesses that do the work. PAY for the Training, go in with other organizations to cover the costs.  1-3 POC out of 500 is not enough. 

Panelists love Gen Z, who are open and forward and use social media to call out, build up, and hold accountable.  

Last thoughts:  SU (academia?) has to come down from The Hill.  College has a utopian aspect, and college community should be more involved in community organizations like Black Cuse pride, BAC. which are small organizations that are constantly doing the work.  Bring elements back to ESF and SU.  

Be a good person, be more thoughtful, leave it better than you found it.  

  

The 2021 WEB was presented by the Baobab Society and the ESF Women's Caucus, in collaboration with The Writing Resource Center, Poetry Society, ESF Bookstore, Green Campus Initiative, and the Environmental Studies Student Organization,  with support of the Undergraduate Student Association, Counseling Center, Vera House,  and the Sustainability Office.  Organizers particulary wish to thank Chris from Vera House and Ruth from Counseling Services for being available for anyone in need of support, Christopher from ITSmedia for sound system set up (and providing student support during the event itself), as well as Bliss Bakehouse, Fat Cat Baking, Mello Velo, Recess Coffee for working with our budgets and guidance to deliciously meet dietary and low-waste constraints. 

To learn more about all WEB events, beginning May 2016, please visit the summaries compiled at:  http://esfwomen.blogspot.com/search?q=empowerment+brunch.

For questions about the 2021 program, contact thebaobabsociety@gmail.com and follow @thebaobabsociety on Instagram.