I am keen to give my recognition to this marvelous grassroots initiative!

Over 20,000 women of STEM and supporters from more than 100 countries have signed in support of 500 Women Scientists, pledging to build an inclusive scientific community dedicated to training a more diverse group of future leaders in science and to use the language of science to bridge divides and enhance global diplomacy.

500 Women Scientists is a grassroots organization started by four women who met in graduate school at CU Boulder and who maintained friendships and collaborations after jobs and life took them away from Boulder. Immediately following the November 2016 election, we published an open letter re-affirming our commitment to speak up for science and for women, minorities, immigrants, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA.

It is a first step in committing to each other and to taking action for our science, our country, and the health of our planet. Just as science is built on evidence, observation, and ongoing evaluation, we are building this movement on the same tenets.

— Dr. Kelly Ramirez