Mentoring and Supporting Our Next Generation of Women Toxicologists

Abstract

Career success of women toxicologists requires intentional strategies designed to encourage and support their professional and personal growth. Key among these are mentoring approaches which should be initiated early in their academic careers and continue as their careers progress. While undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows, women engaged in all STEM fields benefit from one-on-one mentoring experiences offered by both their peers, near-peers and faculty. Here, they not only receive encouragement and lessons on “how to be a good mentee”, but also gain scientific and life skills. Networking opportunities and career planning advice are also important benefits. As woman scientists progress in their careers, they continue to benefit from one-on-one mentoring and structured career development programs adapted to meet their changing needs ultimately culminating in leadership coaching as they reach the pinnacles of their careers. While mentoring success is best facilitated by structured programs that match mentees with mentors and offer training, support and programming, the availability of these programs to women toxicologists is limited. Opportunities for women to participate in structured mentoring programs should be enhanced by institutions, funding agencies and scientific societies as a component of accelerated diversity and inclusion efforts.

How do gender attitudes influence the relationships between perceived desirability, perceived feasibility and social entrepreneurial intentions?

“…Another challenge is access to mentoring and support networks. Women may have fewer opportunities to connect with experienced entrepreneurs who can offer guidance and advice (Swanson, 2022; Rosca et al. , 2020).…”

“…Another challenge is access to mentoring and support networks. Women may have fewer opportunities to connect with experienced entrepreneurs who can offer guidance and advice (Swanson, 2022;Rosca et al, 2020). This can limit their ability to learn from others and develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the social enterprise sector.…”