Rooted in Purpose: 5 STEM Society Professionals Define Purpose in Their Work
As the ACCESSE26 conference takes shape, we asked members of the ACCESSE26 Program Committee to share what individual purpose means in the STEM society profession. Their responses offer a practical reminder that purpose is not abstract. It shows up in the day-to-day work of building structure, making decisions, supporting volunteers, and connecting achievements to service and impact.
Their insights will inform the first installment of CESSE’s three-part blog series exploring this year’s conference theme: Rooted in Purpose. Below are five perspectives from STEM society professionals across roles and organizations.
Note: The responses below are reproduced as submitted. Minor grammar and style variations reflect each author’s voice.
In your experience as a STEM society professional, what is one way individual purpose shows up most powerfully in your work?
1) Purpose as building the structure that enables others to lead
“Individual purpose shows up most clearly in my work when I can help create the structure that allows others to contribute their ideas and expertise. In supporting AMS governance and committees, and through my work on the Joint Mathematics Meetings and Field of Dreams, much of my role is organizing the details and building the framework that allows volunteers and mathematicians to collaborate and move ideas forward. When those efforts help bring people together and lead to something meaningful for the community, that is when the work feels most purposeful to me.”
Dezmarie Doyle, Senior Meeting Specialist, American Mathematical Society
Purpose is often strongest when staff work enables others to contribute at a higher level. For example, many STEM societies rely on staff who create the conditions for volunteer leadership and collaboration.
2) Purpose as staying anchored to impact during complexity and change
“Individual purpose shows up most for me in staying anchored to impact. In a STEM society, it’s easy to get caught up in programs, products, and processes, but when I’m clear on why the work matters, it helps me make better strategic decisions and stay energized even during complex change.”
Toni Kervina, Director of Content and Learning, American Society for Nondestructive Testing
When priorities compete and change accelerates, purpose becomes a stabilizing lens. It helps leaders and staff make decisions that protect mission and momentum.
3) Purpose as helping professionals advance in their careers
“I work to ensure that each initiative I have works to elevate participants s to the next level of their careers and applies to their goals.”
Robert Morowczynski, Director of Professional Development, Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
Individual purpose often shows up as a commitment to outcomes for members. In this case, purpose is expressed through professional development that is aligned with real career needs.
4) Purpose as how leaders engage volunteer leadership
“How I interact with and engage volunteer leadership”
Frank Krause, Former CEO, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Why this matters: For CEOs and senior leaders, purpose can show up most clearly in leadership approach. How leaders engage volunteers influences culture, trust, and the effectiveness of governance.
5) Purpose as connecting achievement to service and broader impact
“One way that individual purpose shows up in my work is connecting an individual’s achievement with the importance of giving back to the profession. Tau Beta Pi recognizes students with high achievement and excellent character, but that is the starting point for asking, “How will use your talents to make a difference?” I enjoy seeing how purpose comes alive when our students’ alumni begin to serve as volunteers and take on leadership roles to serve something larger than themselves. I cherish the fact that our members realize they are not just part of an honor society, but part of a community that values character, service, and impact.”
Curt Gomulinski, Executive Director, Tau Beta Pi - The Engineering Honor Society
Purpose becomes tangible when organizations connect recognition to responsibility and help members see themselves as part of something larger than individual achievement.
The Pattern Across These Perspectives
Across roles, organizations, and career stages, these responses point to a shared reality for STEM society professionals. Purpose is:
- Operational: It shows up in decisions, structures, relationships, and outcomes.
- Relational: It is reinforced through collaboration, volunteer engagement, and community.
- Directional: It helps leaders and staff prioritize impact over activity.
This is exactly why ACCESSE this year is built around Rooted in Purpose across three levels: individual, organizational, and global. This year’s program is designed to support leadership clarity that translates into action.
If you are navigating questions of leadership, alignment, and impact in your role and at your STEM society, ACCESSE26 is the place to be this summer.
