2019-2020 Elected Officers
From left to right: Andi Erickson, Marisa McDonald, Maddy McKenna, Danita Dahl, and Laura Tipton.
Madeline McKenna, President
My name is Madeline, but I usually go by Maddy. My goals are to expand the GWIS community and recruit members across more disciplines, and to plan more monthly events for our members to socialize with one another and create a stronger, more connected network. My favorite events in the past have been our Distinguished Speaker Luncheon Series, and I would like to brainstorm similar professional development activities for Spring of 2020. I'm very passionate about fostering a warm and welcoming community for all genders in the diverse scientific community here at UH.
Marisa McDonald, Vice President
I joined GWIS this past year, starting with the book club in the fall, and was very impressed by all of the women in the organization. Throughout the year I have gradually become more involved and now try to attend the majority of GWIS events. In graduate school, I find it is easy to get caught up in the "bubble" of your own lab or department. GWIS has been great for me to get out of my comfort zone and meet other like-minded, amazing women at the university. Because of this, I decided I want to give back to the organization and get more involved. I am thrilled to be the Vice President this year, and hope to work on expanding our impact on campus, increasing membership, and organizing fun events for our members.
Andi Erickson, Secretary
I was interested in the position of Secretary to get further involved with this community of intelligent women who have helped make Hawai'i feel more like home. I hope to help welcome new members to the group, as well as help in planning events.
Laura Tipton, Treasurer
My name is Laura Tipton and I'm a post-doctoral researcher in the Botany Department. Ever since I was young, I've been both good at and interested in numbers so I have served as treasurer of many organizations ranging from my girl scout troop in elementary school to a student council special committee during undergrad. I have been a member of GWIS for about a year now and have been looking for ways to get more involved, both to support women science after college and encourage younger girls who are interested in STEM fields. As treasurer of GWIS Hawai`i Chapter, I hope to maintain funding for the amazing events that have been started before I joined, including the research and travel grant, and to explore new and fun opportunities for fundraising.
Danita Dahl, Outreach Coordinator
I have been interested in sciences since I was a child due to a fantastic teacher who introduced me to the world of the Amazon Rainforest in third grade. It is because of this that I believe the Experiment with Fun events in which we partner with local libraries to provide an introduction to a variety of STEM fields is an important addition to our outreach over the last year. If re-elected Outreach Coordinator my goals for the 2018/19 year include an expansion of the Experiment with Fun project, continuation of informative luncheons, a leadership communications workshop, two fundraising events, continuation of our involvement with Girls on the Run, a possible poster conference to highlight women in STEM on the island, and more outreach to our sisters on other islands.
Past Officers, 2018-2019
Shelby Fillinger, President
Sabrina Diemert, Vice President
Maddy McKenna, Secretary
Laura Tipton, Treasurer
Danita Dahl, Outreach Coordinator
Rachael Wade, National Liaison
Sabrina Diemert, Vice President
Maddy McKenna, Secretary
Laura Tipton, Treasurer
Danita Dahl, Outreach Coordinator
Rachael Wade, National Liaison
Past Officers, 2017-2018
Rachael Wade, President
Solange Saxby, Vice President
Georgia Hart, Secretary
Daniela Bottjer-Wilson, Treasurer
Danita Dahl, Outreach Coordinator
Solange Saxby, Vice President
Georgia Hart, Secretary
Daniela Bottjer-Wilson, Treasurer
Danita Dahl, Outreach Coordinator