PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear CMC Family,

May brings an exciting opportunity to celebrate the incredible contributions of women in mathematics! On May 12th, we join the global mathematical community in honoring Women in Mathematics Day, a day chosen to coincide with the birthday of the renowned mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani.

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Celebrating Achievements and Inspiring the Next Generation

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Women in Mathematics Day celebrates women's remarkable accomplishments and breakthroughs in a traditionally male-dominated field. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in mathematics and the need to recognize and support women's achievements.

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An example is Maryam Mirzakhani, the first and only woman to win the prestigious Fields Medal. Her groundbreaking contributions inspire mathematicians worldwide, particularly in studying geometric structures on surfaces. As Mirzakhani herself once said, "I like crossing the imaginary boundaries people set up between different fields—it's very refreshing. There are lots of tools, and you don't know which one would work. It's about being optimistic and trying to connect things” (CDE 2023, 27). This quote beautifully captures Mirzakhani's innovative spirit and belief in the power of collaboration and exploration in mathematical discovery.

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California Mathematics Council's Commitment

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At the California Mathematics Council (CMC), we firmly believe in the significance of Women in Mathematics Day and the need to celebrate women's achievements in mathematics. As an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in mathematics education and fostering diversity within our field, we are committed to highlighting the contributions of women mathematicians and inspiring future generations of mathematicians, regardless of gender identity. 

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I encourage the CMC community to honor women mathematicians in our organization by nominating educators for the various awards CMC offers. Access nomination forms HERE.

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Addressing Challenges and Creating Opportunities

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Women in mathematics face unique challenges and barriers, including stereotypes, unconscious bias, and a lack of representation. By celebrating Women in Mathematics Day, we aim to:

• Honor the accomplishments of women mathematicians.

• Raise awareness of these challenges.

• Advocate for greater inclusivity and equality within the mathematics community.

 

Let us use this occasion to reflect on the rich history of women in mathematics, celebrate their ongoing contributions, and pave the way for a future where all mathematicians can thrive.

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Beyond Numbers: Faces of Women in Math

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Mathematicians come in all shapes, sizes, and genders! Today, we celebrate the brilliant women shattering stereotypes and shaping the future of mathematics. Their groundbreaking discoveries echo in classrooms where they inspire a new generation. Are you ready to explore your own mathematical story? So are your students!

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Here are some reflection questions you can ask yourself: How can we showcase women's diverse backgrounds and experiences in mathematics? How can we challenge any lingering stereotypes? Most importantly, what steps can we, as the California Mathematics Council (CMC), take to ensure all students feel welcome and empowered to pursue the joy of mathematics, regardless of gender or background?

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Below are valuable resources for some engaging activities for classrooms:

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• Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM): https://awm-math.org/ (Provides extensive resources, programs, and information about women mathematicians)

• AWM On Women in Math: https://awm-math.org/resources/womeninmath/ (Features biographical information on notable women mathematicians)

• Women in Math Project: https://around.uoregon.edu/content/celebrating-marion-walter-and-other-female-mathematicians (Curates biographies of prominent women mathematicians)

• Girl's Angle Bulletin: https://www.girlsangle.org/page/bulletin.php (Offers a variety of resources for engaging girls in mathematics)

 

Thank you for your dedication to creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and enriching mathematics education for all students in California and beyond!

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Sincerely,

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Dr. Ma Bernadette Andres-Salgarino, NBCT

President, California Mathematics Council (CMC)

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Reference

California Department of Education (CDE). 2023. “California Mathematics Framework, Chapter 1” (27).