MISSION & HISTORY
Mission statement
F.E.M.M.E.S. is dedicated to closing gender and racial divides in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Working specifically in diverse and underserved communities, F.E.M.M.E.S. creates collaborative teaching and learning environments to promote leadership development, technical skills, and self-confidence among women* of all ages.
*We support inclusive definitions of “women” and welcome all people who identify as women, including transgender and non-binary women. Additionally, although our programs are targeted toward girls, they are open to students of any gender identity.
F.E.M.M.E.S history
F.E.M.M.E.S. was founded in 2006 at Duke University by undergraduate student Vicki Weston. As a medical student at the University of Michigan in 2011, Vicki established the University of Michigan chapter. F.E.M.M.E.S. also has chapters at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and the University of Illinois.
A Non-discrimination organization
F.E.M.M.E.S. at the University of Michigan is dedicated to empowering girls and young women as students and practitioners in STEM fields. While F.E.M.M.E.S. strives to provide mentorship opportunities through women-led programming primarily geared towards girls, the organization will not turn away interested volunteers or participants on the basis of sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. Additionally, F.E.M.M.E.S. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.