International Women’s Day: Embracing Equity with the First Women of ASPET

This International Women’s Day, the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) pledges to continue embracing equity via an inclusive culture and mindset. As a prominent and well-respected scientific organization that advances the science of drugs and therapeutics, we support equal opportunities for women in the sciences. Today, we honor and commemorate the women leaders of ASPET who paved the way for future leaders in pharmacology.

In 1973, Dr. Eva King Killam — a researcher and professor of pharmacology and neuropharmacology —became the first female Councilor of ASPET. Having been formed in 1908, it took 65 years for ASPET to reach this milestone. Although female membership had been steadily increasing since 1970, women had not been previously elected to leadership positions in the Society.

Dr. Killam would later be elected ASPET President in 1989. Before then, other women were also elected to prominent roles within the Society. Namely, Dr. Ruth Levine was elected as the first female Secretary/Treasurer in 1975; Kay Croker in 1981 was appointed as its first female Executive Officer; and Dr. Marjorie Horning served as ASPET’s first female president from 1984-1985. While it clearly took too long before this shift in ASPET leadership occurred, it’s important to recognize these individuals as the foundation of female stewardship for ASPET. ?

In the succeeding decades, the idea of a scientific organization led by female governance has rightly become normalized. It is now commonplace for women scientists to hold positions on ASPET’s Council and Division executive committees. These opportunities helped to establish an era of greater gender equality and inclusion.

It also set the tone for future women who will lead at ASPET - for example, the Society’s incoming President, Dr. Namandjé N. Bumpus, and President-Elect, Dr. Carol L. Beck. Under their leadership, ASPET will aim to cultivate a diverse and inclusive community that creates a sense of belonging, engagement, and harmony within our interdisciplinary pharmacological community. ?

ASPET celebrates its women leaders — past, present, and future. Happy International Women’s Day!

Dave Jackson is the Executive Officer of ASPET