Women in Science Luncheon

Dr. Sera Young, 2025 keynote speaker.

The Field Museum is dedicated to broadening opportunity and equity in the sciences. Field Museum scientists impact their disciplines not only by conducting groundbreaking research but also by providing meaningful opportunities to women pursuing scientific careers. The Women’s Board of the Field Museum, founded in 1966, raises funds for Women in Science programs at its annual luncheon celebrating female STEM leadership.

Sponsorships are available now.

Keynote

On May 21, 2025, the Women's Board of the Field Museum will welcome Dr. Sera Young  as its annual Women in Science Luncheon speaker.

Dr. Young is a Professor of Anthropology and Global Health at Northwestern University, and she has dedicated her career to understanding how women work to preserve their health and that of their families. Her research focuses on maternal and child undernutrition in the first 1,000 days of life, particularly in low-resource settings.

Notably, Dr. Young led a large team in the development of the first globally equivalent way of measuring water access – the WISE (Water InSecurity Experiences) Scales. These scales have been used by 100+ organizations in 50+ countries to tackle some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

She has authored more than 170 peer-reviewed publications, and her work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, and National Geographic. Recent accolades include the Margaret Mead Award for her book Craving Earth, an Andrew Carnegie Fellowship, and the Norman Kretchmer Memorial Award in Nutrition and Development.

​For questions about the event, or how you can get involved with the Women’s Board, please email womensboard@fieldmuseum.org

Sponsorships

The 2025 Women in Science Luncheon is made possible by our generous sponsors.

$50,000— Premier Sponsor

• Name and logo on all event communications, including invitations, program, and signage
• Premier sponsor luncheon and lecture seating for up to 10 guests
• Opportunity for an executive to participate in the morning program with CPS students
• Opportunity to host a Women in Science Fellow, Women in Science Postdoc, or Field Museum scientist at your table
• Verbal recognition from podium and opportunity for an executive to offer welcome remarks

$25,000— Presenting Sponsor

• Name and logo on all event communications, including invitations, program, and signage
• Presenting sponsor luncheon and lecture seating for up to 10 guests
• Opportunity for an executive to participate in the morning program with CPS students
• Opportunity to host a Women in Science Fellow, Women in Science Postdoc, or Field Museum scientist at your table
• Verbal recognition from podium and opportunity for an executive to offer welcome remarks

$15,000— Lead Sponsor

• Name and logo on the luncheon invitation, program, and signage
• Lead sponsor luncheon and lecture seating for up to 10 guests
• Opportunity for an executive to participate in the morning program with CPS students
• Opportunity to host a Field Museum scientist at your table

$7,500— Benefactor

• Name and logo on the luncheon invitation and program, and text listing on signage
• Benefactor sponsor luncheon and lecture seating for up to 10 guests
• Opportunity for an executive to participate in the morning program with CPS students

Thank you to our Luncheon Leadership

2025 Luncheon Co-Chairs

Donna La Pietra

Karen Washington

Women's Board President

Dr. Lynda Williams, Ed.D

Women in Science at the Field Museum

Since the inception of the Women in Science initiative in 2000, the annual luncheon has supported more than 500 young women through internships, fellowships, post-doc positions, salary support for female scientific staff, and a robust series of lectures and networking events. In addition, the luncheon makes possible annual science outreach programming for young women from three Chicago Public Schools – Orr Academy, Solorio Academy, and ITW David Speer Academy – whom we welcome to the Field Museum to join the luncheon, meet the keynote speaker, and network with female STEM leaders.