Women in STEM Society (WISS)

Welcome to WISS: Empowering Women in STEM

The University of the South Pacific (USP) proudly marked a pivotal moment with the launch of the Women in STEM Society (WISS) Mentorship Program, officially inaugurated by USP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia along with senior university representatives.

The event, held on April 11th, 2025 at the Laucala Campus, celebrated the power of mentorship and female leadership in STEM fields across the Pacific. This groundbreaking program aims to empower high-achieving women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by connecting them with experienced mentors and providing access to essential academic and professional resources.

With WISS, USP reaffirms its commitment to fostering inclusive excellence and supporting the next generation of women leaders in STEM

Celebrating Excellence and Opportunity

As part of this exclusive program, 35 exceptional first-year female students from 12 member countries were selected to embark on a year long journey of growth and empowerment. Through personalized mentorship, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and hands-on exposure to real-world STEM applications, the WISS Support Program fosters academic excellence and builds a strong, inclusive community celebrating women’s contributions to STEM.

A Platform for Growth

Under the guidance of Professor Bibhya Sharma, Head of the School of STEMP & SAGEONS, and other distinguished mentors, the program aims to bridge gender gaps in STEM by equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive. Workshops, career development sessions, and professional networking events are central components of the program.

A Moment of Pride and Progress

• One of the highlights of the event was a heartfelt speech by Brianna Lois Motokula, a first-year Geospatial Science student. Representing her village, Noco, in Rewa, with maternal ties to Moata’a, Samoa, Brianna shared her journey, filled with ambition and resilience.

“Adjusting to university life was daunting at first,” Brianna said, reflecting on the transition from high school. But her experience changed when she joined the WISS Support Program. “During the first meet, I was inspired by women faculty specializing in their fields and encouraged by my peers’ bright and determined minds,” she continued.

Brianna emphasized how the program has guided her academic journey: “We’ve been introduced to tools like Scopus and learned about AI technologies to support tasks and presentations. These workshops have been empowering and transformative.”

Her words encapsulate the spirit of the WISS initiative—a space where women rise, lead, and thrive.

Attendees also heard from another mentee, Shelina Swastika Kumar, a Marine Management student. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in a coastal village, Shelina shared how her passion for the ocean led her to USP and the WISS Program. Her journey reflects the program’s transformative impact. “This is more than just a support system,” Shelina said. “It’s a platform for growth, inspiration, and leadership.”

A Vision for the Future

As the event concluded with a group photo symbolizing unity and strength, the attendees left inspired and excited for the journey ahead. The WISS Mentorship Program promises to nurture its participants with workshops, career development sessions, and networking events, paving the way for their success in STEM.

This initiative is more than an opportunity—it’s a commitment to transforming lives and empowering women to shape the future of STEM in the Pacific and beyond.

Stay connected as WISS continues to celebrate and support the achievements of these remarkable young women.

Voices of Inspiration: Student Stories

These heartfelt quotes from participants capture the spirit of WISS and may be shared across media platforms to inspire and engage broader audiences.

Quotes from Divansheeta Diya Devi

1. “For me, STEM is not just about science and technology—it’s about breaking barriers and showing the world what women can achieve when given the chance.”
2. “The WISS Support Program is more than an initiative—it’s a testament to how far we’ve come and how much more we can accomplish together.”
3. “I stand here today proud not only as a student but as a woman who knows that opportunities like this pave the way for future generations.”

Quotes from Brianna Lois Motokula

1. “The WISS Program introduced me to a world of possibilities, surrounded by inspiring minds and innovative tools that guide us through our academic journey.”
2. “This program has shown me that support and collaboration are key to overcoming the challenges of university life—and I’m excited to learn more with each workshop.”
3. “The Women in STEM Support Program is a space where ideas flourish, passions are ignited, and young women are empowered to achieve greatness.”

Quotes from Shelina Swastika Kumar

1. “Through the Women in STEM Support Program, I’ve gained confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose—it’s more than support, it’s transformation.”
2. “Being surrounded by other motivated women has been a powerful experience—this program is about rising and thriving together.”
3. “I am immensely grateful to be part of this journey and to contribute meaningfully to a field that connects deeply with my heart and heritage.”

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