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CHAIR'S WELCOME MESSAGE It is indeed a
privilege and honor to welcome you to the University System of Maryland
Women’s Forum’s (USMWF), Executive Council.
The USMWF was established 17 years ago to provide a networking platform
for women. We offer faculty research awards, student scholarships and
this year a new component, professional development awards. These awards
and scholarships are available to both men and women.
Our goal is to continue the networking legacy of providing a platform for
women to develop, mentor and lead. The forum would not be what it is
today if it were not for the many dedicated women that have served in
various capacities on the Women's Forum throughout its existence. For
more complete HISTORY on the USMWF click here.
Why a women’s forum? It is critically important to maintain a focus on
the interests and issues affecting women regarding pay equity, tenure;
glass ceiling, gender bias and family life issues. Many ask why these
issues are important. They are important since women are the fastest
growing members of today's workforce, the lowest paid, have the fewest
opportunities for advancement, often compete in a workplace not
particularly friendly to them and are often dispelling stereotypes
(relative to the type of jobs they can hold).
Our MISSION is to be the vehicle that brings together the women of the
University System of Maryland to enhance the status of women, to foster
system-wide networking among women and to encourage the participation of
women in all facets of the System. It is the express purpose of the
Women's Forum to respect and to value the diversity and richness of the
perspectives and experiences of all communities of women within the USM.
Our VISION in part is to survey, encourage and assist each campus in
establishing viable form of support for women that creates opportunities
for community building through quarterly brown bag lunches, women
center’s and/or women's commissions.
Is it purely academic? No. The USM has a mix of degreed and non-degreed
women employees, who share similar challenges in both their career and
personal lives. The Forum encourages life-long learning, professional
development, networking and mentoring opportunities. If you are
interested in joining the Executive Council contact your (USMWF) campus
representative and visit our Committees.
We anticipate that you will enjoy our new look as much as we do and
discover it a valuable resource as you tour our site. Stay tune to our
web site, subscribe to “The Network”
newsletter, apply for our Awards, and stay
tuned to our web site for updates.
Thank you for visiting and I hope that you visit us frequently. We also
want to extend a special thanks to Pure Talent Graphic Design for their
exceptional and professional work in making our vision for this site a
reality.
Best,
Chair
University System of Maryland Women's Forum
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