The earth science women's network (ESWN): Community-driven mentoring for women in the atmospheric sciences

A grassroots organization, the Earth Science Women's Network (ESWN), has contributed to the mentoring of women in the atmospheric science. In 2014, ESWN was formally established as a nonprofit organization. While atmospheric scientists are the largest group in the ESWN membership, women from many disciplines in the Earth sciences are members. ESWN has traditionally focused on providing support for early career women scientists; however, the membership includes women at all career stages. To address mentoring gaps for women in the Earth sciences, the ESWN has taken aspects of peer mentoring, multiple mentoring, and collective mentoring to create a network that aims to address some of the mentoring gaps for women in the Earth sciences. The online network provides a place for women to post questions, concerns, solicitations for advice, and successes to all members. The online discussions are open to a wide range of voices, which leads to diverse feedback and a greater likelihood of mentoring effectiveness. In addition to the online activities, the ESWN has supported in-person networking events that reenforce online mentoring and bring new members to the ESWN.