About AWIS San Francisco
The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is a national organization dedicated to achieving equity and full participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Since its founding in 1971, AWIS has served as a network, a resource, and a voice for women in STEM.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to advance equity and full participation of women in STEM by fostering community, leadership, and advocacy.
We are so excited to relaunch the AWIS San Francisco chapter and invite you to help us build a vibrant community that empowers women in science across the Bay Area.
Our vision is to create a chapter that focuses on:
Networking & Mentorship – Connecting professionals at all career stages to foster growth and collaboration.
Outreach & Advocacy – Promoting STEM opportunities and championing equity in science.
Leadership Development – Offering hands-on opportunities to lead committees and shape impactful programs.
AWIS-SF is a volunteer-driven organization, and your involvement is key to our success. Joining a committee is a great way to gain leadership experience, expand your professional network, and make a meaningful impact in the community.
Whether you’re a student, early-career professional, or established leader, AWIS-SF offers opportunities to:
Organize events and programs.
Mentor and support future and current scientists.
Advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM.
Together, we can create a strong, supportive network in the Bay Area that advances women in science and inspires the next generation.
Empowering Women. Transforming Science.
Meet the Board
Laharika Katamoni
President
Laharika Katamoni is a scientist with a multidisciplinary background spanning neuroscience, immunology, and molecular biology. As a Scientist at BioCheck, her work focuses on translating complex biology into clinically relevant tools and applications. As Founder and President of AWIS San Francisco, she leads the chapter’s growth, partnerships, and initiatives focused on mentorship, professional development, STEM outreach, and creating opportunities for women in science. She is passionate about building communities that connect science, leadership, and make meaningful impact.
Ashley Lynch
Secretary
Ashley Lynch is Senior Research Associate at Nosis Bio. As Secretary of AWIS San Francisco, Ashley supports the chapter’s operations and works alongside the leadership team to strengthen programming, community engagement, and opportunities for women in STEM. She is passionate about building an inclusive and collaborative scientific community where women can connect, grow, and lead.
Bethany Zhao
Treasurer
Bethany Zhao is the Board Treasurer of AWIS-SF. She founded and led an advocacy coalition that secured the support of 30+ California legislators, met with 20+ congressional offices around the country, and served as one of seventeen advisors to the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. She is a student at Northwestern University.
Parmi Thakker
Co-Secretary
Parmi Thakker is an Associate Scientist at Noetik, where she works at the intersection of spatial biology and machine learning to make sense of high-dimensional cancer data. She holds an MS in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins. As co-secretary of AWIS San Francisco, she's passionate about building a community where women in STEM are mentored, championed, and encouraged to ask big questions out loud. Outside the lab, you'll find her on a trail or working through her reading list.
Policies & Guidelines
AWIS-SF Conduct & Safety Guidelines
Describes expected standards of professional, respectful, and inclusive behavior at all AWIS-SF events and activities, aligned with the AWIS National Code of Conduct.
Provides clear procedures for event safety, reporting concerns, and appropriate responses to misconduct.
AWIS-SF Event Conduct & Safety Certificate
Provides a concise summary of participant expectations and prohibited behaviors to support a safe, respectful, and harassment-free event environment.
Serves as a quick-reference acknowledgment of safety practices and reporting pathways available during AWIS-SF programs.
AWIS-SF Event Participation & Liability Disclaimer
Clarifies that participation in AWIS-SF events is voluntary and that attendees are responsible for their own safety and personal belongings.
Explains the scope of AWIS-SF’s liability limitations while reinforcing adherence to chapter conduct and event guidelines.