[U-03] Progress towards Gender Equity in Geosciences

[U03-03] Progress Towards Advancing DEI in the Geosciences: Perspectives and Lessons Learned from the American Geophysical Union

*Billy M Williams¹, Lisa D White², Margaret Fraiser¹, Pranoti Asher¹, Erik Hankin¹, Susan Lozier¹, Brooks Hanson¹, Raj Pandya¹ (1.American Geophysical Union, 2.University of California at Berkeley)

Keywords:DEI, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Gender Equity

The American Geophysical Union (AGU), a scientific society of >60,000 members worldwide, has recently established a major strategic goal to promote and exemplify an inclusive scientific culture throughout its programs and activities. These program and activities impact global Geoscientists and other members of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) community at all career stages. This presentation will discuss the foundations for that AGU strategic goal, plus share progress on specific initiatives towards achieving these broad DEI cultural change objectives. The work of the AGU Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, the AGU Ethics and Equity Center, and the AGU Education and Career and Student Programs will be highlighted along with discussion of metrics used to measure progress. Key challenges and lessons learned along the way will also be discussed on specific initiatives, to include: the newly established AGU Indigenous Action Sub-Committee, advancements in AGU Bridge Program (part of the Inclusive Graduate Education Network or IGEN), expansion of AGU Mentoring365 program, progress towards the AGU Eight Action Areas to Combat Systemic Racism, a recently established joint AGU/GSA Working Group to address Ethics in Field Research, the AGU LANDInG (Leadership Academy and Network for Diversity and Inclusion in the Geosciences) initiative, and an update on the 2021 AGU Annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dashboard. This presentation will also highlight the value of partnerships in advancing DEI objectives across the Geosciences.