Recognizing the Women Serving on the AAFS Board of Directors

With March being Women's History Month, we would like to recognize the women who currently serve on the AAFS Board of Directors. Women in leadership roles often face unique challenges, such as balancing authority with likability, overcoming imposter syndrome, and navigating gender biases. Despite these obstacles, the contributions of women on the AAFS Board significantly shape the future of the AAFS and the broader forensic science community.

Their presence helps ensure that diverse perspectives are included in decision-making processes, which can lead to more comprehensive and inclusive policies. It also shows other women in forensic sciences they can be leaders, thus inspiring them to pursue leadership roles and demonstrating that such positions are attainable.

Thank you all for your contributions and dedication to serving the Academy.

Continue reading to hear from women on the AAFS BOD:

The AAFS is a professionally diverse organization, with representation from a myriad of forensic science disciplines and membership from over 70 different countries. The multidisciplinary nature of AAFS is what attracted me to join this organization and is what has kept me renewing my membership for over 22 years. The networking and collaborative opportunities, along with the professional relationships (and friendships) developed, are a few of the exceptional and unmatched benefits. I am proud to be a part of AAFS and encourage others to join our community.

— Joanna Collins

As a long-time international member, I have made lifelong friendships and professional connections through the Academy, which are invaluable to me. They say it is a good idea to attend AAFS conferences to network – this is such an understatement. I cannot overemphasize the usefulness these connections have been and continue to be throughout my 30+ year career, to my professional development, my day-to-day work, my  satisfaction with my career choice, and even my mental health. People at the AAFS get me!

— Samiah Ibrahim

As a young member of AAFS, I recall attending the Academy Business Meeting and noting that the officers' table on stage was predominantly male, despite women being the majority in forensic science educational programs and in many disciplines the workplace. During my 25 years in AAFS, I have been delighted to see the shift in leadership to better represent the workforce and college graduates in forensic science. 

Being on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) is a significant role, involving responsibilities such as guiding the organization's strategic direction, overseeing financial management, and ensuring the implementation of policies and procedures.

— Claire Shepard