Community of Catalysts

At the heart of WISEST is a vibrant, inclusive community — our Community of Catalysts. In chemistry, a catalyst accelerates a reaction without being consumed. Our donors and volunteers are just that: sparking momentum for change in STEM while staying energized themselves. WISEST simply would not exist without their support.

Simple ways to Get Involved

  • Sign up for our
  • Follow us on social media
    •  @UֱWISEST on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook
  • Volunteer - Current Opportunities
    • Join our listserv to be notified of short-term opportunities like grant writing, program evaluation, special projects and event support.
  • Display a poster.
    • Request a free Community of Catalysts poster to display in your office or lab.
    •  to receive free posters.
  • Explore WISEST
    • Learn more about our initiatives and resources across our site.
  • Share our story
    •  Help us spread awareness and connect more people with WISEST’s mission.

 

 

Designing for Impact: A Statement by Muna Jama

“I am excited to be collaborating with an impactful organization like WISEST. My name is Muna, a ֱ alum who worked in STEM and also has a passion for art and design. The process of creating the posters was truly a collaborative effort. It began with understanding the essence of the organization, determining the key message of the design, and through feedback, they came to fruition. 

Our goal was to create something that captures people's attention and conveys the message of women in stem. Designing the two posters, I considered colours that draw people in and relatable settings for those in STEM. Representing the wide range of disciplines under the umbrella of STEM is impossible. Therefore, I chose two that I felt were most relatable to students. My hope is that these posters not only attract people's attention but also spark curiosity, encouraging students to learn more about WISEST and its mission.

I thoroughly enjoyed this creative process and hope these designs reach a broad audience, connecting them with this incredible organization.”

 

 

Donors: Fuelling WISEST’s Mission

Contrary to common belief, WISEST does not receive core or operational funding from the ֱ. Our programs are made possible entirely through generous donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and public sector partners.

Each year, we raise over $500,000 to keep WISEST running — thanks to a network of long-standing supporters. In total, donors have contributed millions of dollars, ensuring we continue to empower future leaders in STEM.

Ways to Give:
  • One-time or monthly donations
  • Support a student through our SRP Program
  • Join the

We are deeply grateful for in-kind support from the U of A, including access to campus resources and administrative assistance from the Dean of Students.

 Donate Now

Volunteers: The Heart of WISEST

WISEST thrives because of a passionate, multi-generational network of volunteers. Many are past participants who give back to the programs that helped shape their STEM journeys.

Each year, more than 700 volunteers contribute over 10,000 hours of their time to our initiatives — over 80% of whom are current U of A STEM students, staff, or faculty.

Over the past four decades:

  • 25,000+ individuals have volunteered
  • Together, they’ve donated over 350,000 hours — worth more than $7 million in time and talent.

This community of support ensures that every generation helps build the next.

Volunteer Opportunities