Local Companies Make 'WiSE' Investment

Three local companies are doing their part to narrow the gender gap in science and engineering. M&T Bank and Verizon Media join Linde (formerly Praxair) in sponsoring UB’s Women in Science and Engineering program, known as WiSE.

Their support will enable WiSE to expand programming and provide deeper support to female students in STEM than ever before.

“The heart of WiSE is fostering a sense of belonging,” says Chelsea Montrois, WiSE program coordinator. “And with this extended base of support, we are so grateful that we can keep that going — and grow the reach and impact of WiSE even more.”

The partnerships with Linde, Verizon Media and M&T Bank will build up professional development programming, strengthening the bridge to industry for female students. Company representatives serve on the WiSE Faculty and Corporate Partner Steering Committee, which supports both big picture planning and the delivery of programs. In addition, students are exposed to opportunities at companies with a demonstrated commitment to diversity.

WiSE hosts over 40 events a year to engage, educate and build community, from their alumni-student dinners, to study groups, to the WiSE Coffee and Conversation series, where students engage in a discussion led by a female faculty member or industry professional over coffee and donuts.

These activities give students a much-needed break — and they bring them together with other women in STEM, whether they’re fellow students, faculty and staff, alumni or engaged members of sponsor organizations.

Future goals include using or building a system that tracks WiSE students to measure the program’s success and illuminates growth opportunities, and identifying a permanent “home” on campus where WiSE students can study, collaborate, and seek support from WiSE staff.

A cornerstone of WiSE is the annual fall Early Move-In Program, which is integral to their goal of supporting students — even before classes start. This program invites incoming fresh women to settle into campus early and then connect with their peers, network with faculty members, and participate in team-building activities.

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