Executive Summary
January 2026 marked a constructive and steady start to the year for the Women in STEM Network. Activity during the month focused on strengthening ambassador leadership, expanding international representation, progressing local chapter development, and maintaining strong engagement across digital platforms. The Network continues to demonstrate sustainable growth, a widening global footprint, and
increasing maturity in its governance and community engagement structures. Key priorities for the coming months include piloting local chapters, strengthening member feedback mechanisms, and maintaining connection across a growing international membership.
Ambassador Update
An online Ambassadors Meeting was held in January, chaired by Dr Shara Cohen, bringing together ambassadors and regional representatives to review priorities, share updates, and support coordinated growth
across the Network.
The meeting reinforced the central role of ambassadors in maintaining engagement, visibility, and regional relevance, while also recognising the professional and personal commitments many ambassadors balance alongside their voluntary roles.
Ambassador Engagement and Coordination
Ambassadors were encouraged to continue active engagement within their regions, sharing Women in STEM Network initiatives, events, and professional development
opportunities. The importance of consistent communication, feedback, and visibility was reiterated.
Shared coordination tools continue to support information gathering and structured communication, enabling more effective collaboration across regions.
The Network reaffirmed its flexible and inclusive approach to participation, recognising that ambassadors contribute in different ways and at different times depending on professional and personal
commitments.
Leadership Update: Volunteer Deputy Director
Ann Park, based in Madrid, Spain, was formally introduced as Volunteer Deputy Director.
In this role, Ann supports internal coordination, ambassador engagement, and leadership continuity as the Network continues to scale. Over the next two months, Ann will work closely with Dr Shara Cohen to design and pilot the local chapter framework, ensuring it is
sustainable, regionally appropriate, and aligned with the Network’s overall governance model.
Ambassador Representation at International Events
In January 2026, Women in STEM Network Ambassador Dr Taisiia Mukii represented the Network at BETT UK 2026, the world’s largest EdTech event. BETT UK brought together more than 37,000 educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, alongside over 700 EdTech organisations and 400 speakers from 130
countries.
Dr Mukii took part in the Women in EdTech Mentorship Circle, a dedicated forum designed to support dialogue, peer learning, and professional growth for women working across education, technology, and STEM-related fields.
During the session, discussions focused on: The role of mentorship in supporting women’s progression in STEM and EdTech. The development of both soft skills and technical competencies essential for professional
growth
Shared challenges and opportunities within global education and technology ecosystems.
This representation strengthened the Network’s international visibility and reinforced its presence within influential global forums.
Member Feedback and Testimonials
Ambassador Rim El Harchi, based in China, is leading the collection of member testimonials and structured feedback from across the Network.
This initiative
will:
- Inform strategic decision making
- Help assess how effectively the Network is meeting member needs
- Guide future priorities and improvements
Selected testimonials will also be used on the Women in STEM Network website and in marketing materials to reflect authentic member experiences and demonstrate impact.
Community Engagement and Annual Member Gathering
Work is underway to organise an annual informal Zoom gathering
for all members and ambassadors.
The aim of this event is to:
- Strengthen connection across the global community
- Encourage informal networking and relationship building
- Maintain engagement and visibility between formal programmes and events
Further details will be shared once timing and format are confirmed.
Acknowledgement and Transition
The Network would like to formally thank Maimoona for her outstanding
contribution to social media and digital engagement. Maimoona is stepping back from this work following the start of a full-time role.
Her contribution has been greatly valued, and the Network is sincerely grateful for the time, commitment, and expertise she brought to the role.
Local Chapter Development
Local chapter development is progressing as a strategic priority for 2026. Over the next two months, Ann Park and Dr Shara Cohen will
finalise the chapter model and governance approach.
The pilot phase will begin with three countries:
Qatar – led by Dr Shilu Mathew
Kenya – led by Rose Mutende
Germany – led by Vasiliki Kalodimou
These pilot chapters will inform future expansion and ensure the model supports both local relevance and global alignment.
CME and
Partnership Developments
Discussions led by Vasiliki Kalodimou are ongoing regarding Continuing Medical Education opportunities:
Further updates are expected in the next reporting cycle.
Marketing and Audience Growth
The Women in STEM Network continues to experience strong and sustained growth across its digital platforms, supporting visibility, engagement, and community building.
Digital Reach as of January
2026
- Facebook: 46,000 followers
- Instagram: 6,026 followers
- Twitter: 4,724 followers
- LinkedIn Company Page: 2,791 followers
- Women in STEM Network LinkedIn Newsletter: 2,791 subscribers
- Dr Shara Cohen Personal LinkedIn Newsletter: 5,299 subscribers
This multi-channel presence supports both organic growth and direct
engagement with members, partners, and stakeholders.
Strategic Positioning
The combination of ambassador leadership, international representation, growing digital reach, and early local chapter development continues to position the Women in STEM Network as a credible and globally relevant platform. The Network remains focused on sustainable growth, meaningful collaboration, and delivering value to members through professional development, mentorship, and
connection.
Looking Ahead
Key priorities for February and March 2026 include:
- Finalising and piloting the local chapter framework
- Progressing CME and partnership discussions
- Analysing member feedback and testimonials
- Delivering the annual informal member and ambassador gathering
- Continuing audience and engagement growth
