About Women-Men in Science, Inc.

Our History

Following the lead of a National Weather Service (NWS) office in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the NWS office in Riverton began to toss around ideas for hosting a conference for young women to give them an introduction to scientific careers. Quickly, the NWS in Riverton partnered up with Central Wyoming College and Riverton Memorial Hospital to begin plans. Their initial plans were to host conferences designed for young women, and would be labeled Women in Science Conferences. The first of these conferences was held in October 2004 with rave reviews.

The committee for the Women in Science Conferences continued to host annual Women in Science Conferences through 2007. Each year provided the committee with lessons-learned and lead to improvements the following year. The committee then came across an article describing a startling trend of fewer young men pursuing scientific, technological, engineering or mathematical careers. After reading this information, and receiving similar feedback from teachers, the committee decided to host its first Men in Science Conference in 2008. This conference was just as successful as the Women in Science Conference and proved rewarding for the committee. It was decided that the events would be alternated each year so the effort was sure to reach as many young men as young women.

With the economical crunch impacting Riverton, including many of our sponsors, there was a brief threat about the ability to host an event in 2009. Once this came to light, it was realized that additional efforts could be made if the committee was deemed its own Non-Profit entity. In June 2009, Women-Men in Science (the new name for the board members) became incorporated in the eyes of the state of Wyoming. Work continues to be done in completing the Non-Profit status through the Internal Revenue Service.