What’s the club called? Women in Natural Resources Club.
How did it all begin? The natural resources industry has been, and still is in some ways, male dominated. We wanted to give women in the industry a space where they could come together to network and professionally develop. We want to uplift women and show that they are just as valuable as their male counterparts.
What’s the mission? Our mission is to unite like-minded women in a supportive and inclusive community focused on the conservation and protection of our natural resources. Through active student involvement, professional development opportunities, volunteer work and environmental advocacy, we empower one another to grow as leaders, stewards and change makers in the field of natural resources.
Why should students join? Members gain the opportunity to network with professionals in the natural resources industry. We go to several conferences every year to really hone in on this, such as the National Association for Interpretation conferences and the Iowa Association of Naturalists conference. Putting yourself out there to professionals may feel uncomfortable at first, but members will gain so much confidence through doing this.
How can new members get started? Follow our social media. We can be found on Facebook at Kirkwood Women in Natural Resources Club and on Instagram @kccwinr.
When and where do you meet? We meet every Tuesday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. in the Horticulture building, Room 127. We are always open to new members joining.
What happens at meetings? Typically, our meetings feature a guest speaker who is a professional in the natural resources industry. Speakers range from a communications director for a state parks system to a graduate student studying marine geology. We have offered resume workshops, planned for future conferences and have even hiked with llamas.
If I had to pick one, I would say the National Association for Interpretation was our most meaningful event as a club. So many of the students showed much more confidence in their networking skills after this event. We also had a ton of fun together exploring Virginia Beach.
Anything else students should know? We are getting ready to wrap up for the year, as our program’s classes finish on April 10 to allow students to get started at their internships for the summer. But next year, expect some fun events from the club’s new committee. They are eager to expand the club’s reach and would love for students across campus to join. You do not have to be a Parks and Natural Resources major to join.
Information submitted by Kandace Odekirk, president of Kirkwood’s Women in Natural Resources Club.
Categories: Club Corner, Feature
