Networking Networks: Leveraging STEM Professional Society “Boundary Spanners” to Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This document is a presentation titled Leveraging STEM Professional Societies to Promote Gender Equity, summarizing the rationale, approach, and early results of the ACCESS+ Initiative. It positions professional societies as powerful influencers of STEM culture through their conferences, publications, awards, and membership networks, making them critical drivers for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) reform.

Key points include:

• Why Professional Societies Matter – They set disciplinary norms, influence policy, shape professional development, and create recognition structures that can either reinforce or dismantle inequities.
• ACCESS+ Model – Combines the Equity Environmental Scanning Tool (EEST), action planning using Force Field Analysis, and a Community of Practice for shared learning.
• EEST Functions – Governance, membership, meetings/events, professional development, chapters, awards, marketing, outreach, employment, policy/advocacy, publishing, and partnerships.
• Preliminary Findings – Highlights from early cohorts show strong DEI commitments but gaps in systematic policy implementation, demographic data use, and accountability mechanisms.
• Impact Goal – Accelerate systemic, intersectional gender equity in STEM by equipping societies with tools, peer support, and actionable strategies.

‍