57th OWSD National Chapter established in Costa Rica

In December 2024, Costa Rica became the 57th country to establish an active OWSD National Chapter. 

The Costa Rica National Chapter is the 7th chapter to be established in the Latin America and the Caribbean region. It is hosted at the Costa Rican National Academy of Sciences - Academia Nacional de Ciencias (ANC) . 

The new Executive Committee of the National Chapter is formed by:

Chair: María Estelí Jarquin Solis, OWSD Vice-Chair: Karla Barrantes-Chaves, Universidad de Costa Rica Secretary: Mariela Arias Hidalgo, Universidad de Costa Rica Treasurer: Gabriela Cuadrado-Quesada, IHE Delft Responsible for Communications: Carolina Sanchez Hernández, Universidad Nacional Networking Coordinator: Doina Solís Jiménez​, University of Chile Responsible for Career Development and Learning: María Gabriela Campos, Andrés Bello University  

The newly established chapter plans to implement a range of activities, including awareness initiatives highlighting the contributions and challenges of Costa Rican women scientists, fostering connections between the scientific diaspora and policymakers, encouraging STEM education partnerships, expanding membership, establishing working groups, and promoting the representation of women scientists through initiatives like Wikipedia content creation and leadership renewal within the chapter.

"A National Chapter in Costa Rica is essential to strengthen the presence and impact of women scientists nationwide, fostering a network of support, collaboration, and mentorship while raising awareness of their contributions and challenges." mentioned the chair María Estelí Jarquin Solis,

At the time of establishment, OWSD had 34 members in the country. Women scientists from or living in Costa Rica who are not already members of OWSD can become members here. Members who are interested in joining the National Chapter are invited to contact owsd.costarica@gmail.com​.