FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SCIENCE CLUB FOR GIRLS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BONNIE BERTOLAET WINS
WEST’S ‘MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY’ AWARD
April 23, 2020 (Cambridge, MA) — Dr. Bonnie Bertolaet, Executive Director of Science Club for Girls, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free experiential STEM programs and mentoring for girls from underrepresented communities in grades K-12, has been selected to receive a "Making a Difference in the Community" Award by WEST, which advances Women in the Enterprise of Science and Technology by providing the inspiration, knowledge, and connections to reach their full potential.
Since becoming Executive Director in January 2019, and previously as Board Chair, Dr. Bertolaet has demonstrated outstanding commitment and success in advancing the mission of Science Club for Girls (SCFG), reinvigorating the 25-year-old nonprofit with a new strategic plan and building a robust organizational infrastructure to support sustainable, future growth. Over the past two years, Bonnie’s efforts have enabled SCFG to dramatically increase programming, more than doubling the number of sites, driving a 70% increase in enrollment, and recruiting women mentors that reflect the communities SCFG serves. Dr. Bertolaet has worked in biotech and with educational organizations in a variety of roles, including working in STEM education and supporting an equity-based educational program. She received her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Harvard University and trained as an NIH postdoctoral fellow at the University of California San Diego and The Scripps Research Institute.
“Bonnie’s impact can be seen in the faces of the girls as they explore, share, and enjoy the diverse world of STEM. We are therefore thrilled that she is receiving this much-deserved recognition from WEST, an important and respected STEM organization,” said Karen Page, Chair of SCFG’s Board of Directors.
Bonnie will accept the award on September 30, 2020 at WEST's 12th Annual Awards Night, which will honor individuals who have championed the advancement of women throughout Massachusetts.
Meredith Fisher, WEST Co-Chair, shared, “WEST is proud and honored to recognize Bonnie and her outstanding leadership at Science Club for Girls. SCFG’s efforts to increase participation of young, under-represented girls in STEM is critical to increasing diversity within these fields and in direct alignment with WEST’s mission to do the same for early to mid-career women.”
About WEST
WEST is a learning community that provides women in the enterprise of science and technology with the inspiration, knowledge, and connections to reach their full potential. Launched in 2000, Boston-based WEST provides a powerful forum and supportive environment for early and mid-career women in the fields of science and technology. They provide their members and broader community with a comprehensive portfolio of workshops and panels that include advice regarding career advancement, alternate career options, leadership skill building, and exposure to entrepreneurship. WEST programs are designed to enhance skills, develop professional networks, provide inspiration, and empower women to achieve their full potential. For more information, please visit: www.westorg.org
About Science Club for Girls
Founded in 1994, Science Club for Girls fosters excitement, confidence, and literacy in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics for girls and young women from underrepresented communities with free, experiential community-based programs. With women making up less than 26 percent of the STEM workforce—and Black and Hispanic women at less than 4 percent—Science Club for Girls addresses a critical need, offering a continuum of engaging activities in STEM for K-8 girls, junior mentoring and leadership experiences for high school girls, and adult mentoring and role modeling by committed women with STEM careers. For more information, please visit: www.scienceclubforgirls.org
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PRESS CONTACT:
Lucy Sweeney, Science Club for Girls, 617-391-0361, lsweeney@scienceclubforgirls.org