ESWN – New Leadership & Farewells
Dear ESWN Community,
We are writing with news about new leadership for ESWN. The time has come to move the organization forward in new and exciting ways, and this transition reflects a deep and unwavering commitment to the importance of this organization. Meredith Hastings, Christine Wiedinmyer, and Melissa Burt are stepping down from our current roles, with the new leadership team coming on board October 1.
We three have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of ESWN, and each feel strongly that our professional successes reflect the relationships, advice, and influence we each grew through ESWN. We have worked together to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment, especially for women, in the Earth Sciences. From mentoring programs to professional development workshops, from advocating for policy changes to simply creating a space for connection and belonging, ESWN has made an important difference in countless lives.
While we are stepping away from our Board of Directors roles, our commitment to ESWN’s mission and the Community remains unwavering. We look forward to continuing to support the organization’s important work in the years to come, and are excited to see the new heights ESWN will reach under this next generation of leaders.
ESWN was co-founded over two decades ago by women at various stages of their scientific careers. Meredith was part of that first group. “I was a graduate student in 2002 and just became my department’s (first ever) woman Department Chair. I have never for a second regretted the time, effort and dedication it has taken to grow and advance the organization, and I am constantly in awe of the amazing things ESWN members do. My professional and personal life have been shaped by so many of the members of ESWN, and I will always be grateful for the trust and support this community serves up daily! I will step into a new, Past President role to help with and advise on the leadership transition (and continue to wear ESWN swag!)”.
Melissa’s first engagement with ESWN was at an AGU networking reception (which Christine invited her to). From there she joined the ESWN Leadership Board (in 2016) just after she had her daughter who is now 8 years old. “I have formed incredible friendships with women, who I have looked up to in the community, and long-lasting memories and collaborations which have supported the advancement of my career. I have grown and learned so much from the ESWN Community. It has been immensely rewarding and and truly impactful (and fun) experience.”
Christine has been involved since the beginning, serving in various capacities – on the NSF ADVANCE Grant, running the ES_JOBS List (which she will continue to do) and serving as the Treasurer. “I truly attribute my professional success to ESWN, the people I have met through ESWN, and the skills I learned from ESWN. It has been an honor (and so much fun!) to have been a part of this amazing organization and I am extremely grateful.”
We’d like to introduce you to our incoming Board of Directors, who all previously served on the Associate Board of Directors – Maura Hahnenberger (President), Mona Behl (President-elect), Mimi Abel (Secretary), and Langley DeWitt (Treasurer). We’d also like to thank Silvia Newell for serving on the Board of Directors for the past few years, and she will continue in a leadership role on the Associate Board of Directors. And we are so excited to welcome the new Associate Board of Directors!
We are each deeply grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to this community alongside such passionate and talented individuals, including the thousands of ESWN members. We are excited by the incoming leadership and what is to come.
Thank you!!!
Meredith Hastings, President
Melissa Burt, Vice-President
Christine Wiedinmyer, Treasurer