Outreach
The team members and collaborators of Women in Ag Science are dedicated to raising awareness and supporting people with an interest in agriculture and its careers. Our outreach efforts focus on providing education, resources, and opportunities to individuals.
Past events
Professional Development Workshops "Impulsa tu Futuro: Mentorías para Redactar Cartas de Motivación, Hoja de Vida y Como Postular a Universidades en Estados Unidos"
July 4, 2024
Janeth Bonilla organized three workshops , facilitated by WAgS, focused on professional development for indigenous women of Ecuador of ages 22-35, with an interest in pursuing careers in biological sciences and interest in graduate school in the United States.
The objective of the event was to provide orientation, support and resources in three aspects: writing a motivational letter (to improve writing skills), developing a Curriculum Vitae (to improve writing skills) and applying to graduate school in the United States. All while offering techniques, advice and tools to be able to highlight their goals a quailities in their submissions/solicitubdes for fellowships and admissions to graduate programs in the U.S.
Over 12 women attended each of the workshops.
WAgS team members Ana Vazquez Catoni and Daniela Orjuela Diaz and colaborator Susana Ferrer Orgaz designed and facilitated the workshops.
Promotion of the event: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7MPHyFr2ak/
Webinar for USDA APHIS Puerto Rico: “La representación importa: historias de mujeres en las ciencias agrícolas”
March 25, 2021
The Women's History Month Training Committee within the USDA APHIS Puerto Rico Ponce Work Unit invited WAgS to facilitate a webinar.
WAgS team members spoke on the story of the organization and the importance of highlighting obstacles and accomplishments of women in agricultural sciences.
Over 20 people assisted the event.
WAgS team members Noely Gonzalez, Ana M. Vazquez-Catoni and Alejandra Chang-Colon presented at the event.
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Agricultural Science Talks for Students of the Agricultural Specialized Vocacional High School of Corozal, Puerto Rico
March 1, 2021
During the month of March 2021, students of the Agricultural Specialized Vocacional High School of Corozal, Puerto Rico were offered virtual talks involving diverse agriculture scientific fields.
WAgS team members and collaborators developed and gave talks which included topics on plant pathology, animal science, agricultural technology and machinery, food science, agronomy, and soil science.
The talks featured five speakers: Marlia Bosques-Martinez and Noelymar Gonzalez-Maldonado focused on principles of disease and pest management in crops and also the basics soil science and soil health respectively, Patricia Cordero-Irizarry explained the dynamic discipline of Agronomy, Alana Bayne talked about the exciting discipline of Food Science, and agronomist and farmer Miguel Rosario, owner of Ricura Caribeña Farm in Puerto Rico, educated students on the discipline of applied agricultural technology and machinery.
Talks were developed and facilitated by WAgS team members Marlia Bosques-Martinez, Noelymar Gonzalez-Maldonado and Patricia Cordero-Irizarry and invited collaborators Alana Bayne and Miguel Rosario.
Recording of the talk focused on phytopathology: https://youtu.be/P7yH_u2SJlI
Recording of the talk focused on soil science: https://youtu.be/zMmsWJmUgLI
Recording of the talk focused on agronomy: https://youtu.be/yxWRY-rZhdQ
Recording of the talk focused on food science: https://youtu.be/okV2SF8PCzs
Recording of talk focused on agricultural engineering: https://youtu.be/ZSBahMLdanw
Webinar for EcoExploratorio's "Ciencia Virtual": "La Ciencia, la Agricultura y las Mujeres"
February 27, 2021
"Ciencia Virtual" is an initiative by the EcoExploratorio that focuses on providing virtual science education and resources. This program was designed to reach a broader audience, particularly in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EcoExploratorio is a science museum and educational center located in San Juan, Puerto Rico whose mission is to promote science, technology, and environmental awareness through interactive exhibits and educational programs. The museum aims to inspire curiosity and provide hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages.
WAgS team members spoke on the story of the organization and the importance of highlighting obstacles and accomplishments of women in agricultural sciences.
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Webinar was developed and offered by WAgS team members Alejandra Chang, Andrea Lugo Torres and Marlia Bosques.
Information about "Ciencia Virtual: https://ecoexploratorio.org/ciencia-virtual/
Webinar link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=186066796613990
Participation in panel "Gender Bias: The contributions, advancements, and challenges of women in agricultural sciences" at APS Plant Health 2020
August 11, 2020
The 2020 American Phytopathological Society Plant Health (Online) conference hosted a special panel titled "Gender Bias: The contributions, advancements, and challenges of women in agricultural sciences". The description of the session was: "Women have played key roles in APS since its inception. Over the more than 100 year history of our society, APS has continued to evolve to be more responsive to and supportive of female scientists. In the past decade, 5 of 10 APS presidents have been women, underscoring our diversity and the strength a diverse leadership brings. But in plant pathology and other STEM fields, women still face professional challenges, both systemic and local. In this session, we will explore contemporary challenges faced by women plant pathologists through the historic and cultural lens of our professional society. We will also hear from three grassroot led forums on how to expand opportunities, visibility, and support for female scientists."
WAgS was invited to participated in the panel, alongside Dr. Jean B. Ristaino and Dr. Jessica Metcalf.
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WAgS cofounders Ana M. Vazquez-Catoni and Andrea Lugo-Torres participated in the panel.
Information on the panel session: https://apsnet.confex.com/apsnet/2020/meetingapp.cgi/Session/3928
1st 'Women in Ag Science' Panel: Ag Women on The Rise
March 2, 2020
Photo credit: Nall Moonilall
Women In Ag Science hosted its first panel at The Ohio State University’s School of Environment and Natural Resources.
With five distinguished guest speakers, Dr. Christine Sprunger, Dr. Laura Lindsey, Dr. Marília Chiavegato, Dr. Mary Ann Rose, and Hort. Pamela Poeth, we talked about the issues that we face in graduate school and in the work environment such as insecurity, loneliness, fear, and how to handle life’s uncertainties.
The panel had over 20 attendees on site and virtually at the Wooster Campus. The speakers shared words of advice and encouraged younger women to follow their passion, pursue their dreams, and just GO FOR IT! They emphasized to not let anything or anyone stop you.
Panel was organized and moderated by WAgS team member Patricia Marie Cordero-Irizarry
Recording of the panel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GFqzU5r354
Quotes from the panel: https://www.instagram.com/womeninagscience/p/B91-OroFkZ0/?img_index=1
Women in Ag Science Q&A for the Hispanic Heritage Month Series
September 26, 2019
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The College of Wooster's Minorities in STEM and Latinas Unidas organizations hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month Series.
Women in Ag Science was invited to talk for the series at The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio. The talk focused on the story of WAgS and our impact throughout 2019. This was followed by a conversation about the co-founders experiences of being women, especially Latinx in STEM.
Over 20 people attended the Q&A. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with other women in early stages of their academic career and provide some insight.
WAgS co-founders, Marlia Bosques Martinez and Ana M. Vazquez-Catoni presented at the event.
Information about Hispanic Heritage month at the College of Wooster: https://thewoostervoice.spaces.wooster.edu/2019/09/27/hispanic-heritage-month-celebrated-at-the-college/
Women in Ag Science Booth at the Wooster Science Café Open House
September 3, 2019
Wooster Science Café hosted an Open House as part of their 6th Anniversary Celebration. This activity was a celebration of science with various science-interested folks in the Wooster, Ohio community, coming together to talk about and experience science. This was an opportunity to let the community know what types of research are ocurring on locally. Science demonstrations were showcased as visitors mingled with the scientists.
WAGS showcased their efforts with their active platform by showing excerpts of past interviews, as well as educational material of their mission and vision. Alongside WAGS, an interactive demonstration on plant pathology was held.
Community members of all ages interacted with the booth.
Booth held by WAgS co-founders, Marlia Bosques Martinez and Ana M. Vazquez-Catoni