WEST is a new organization, the first of its kind, being tested here in Massachusetts for nationwide replication. Founded in 2000 by two physicists and an astronomer, its mission is "to foster the entrepreneurial spirit within women in the scientific and engineering communities" through entrepreneurship training and networking opportunities. Careers in science and engineering have been successfully promoted to women since the '80s, but today only 2% of technology executives are women. This not only underutilizes talent, but also forecloses to women the personal and professional benefits of high-tech entrepreneurship. Major obstacles seem to be inadequate exposure to the entrepreneurial environment, to appropriate t raining, experience, and necessary networks, and family responsibilities. WEST tries to bridge the gap between the technical and entrepreneurial worlds.

WEST reaches out to women interested in entrepreneurial possibilities, builds networks with women entrepreneurs, provides training, mentoring and coaching in how to start high tech businesses, to communicate and "sell" ideas, and to make deals. It helps women find jobs in start-up and entrepreneurial companies, locate venture capital, allies and partners, and identify advantageous licensing arrangements. WEST already has 180 core members and partners throughout New England, and a mailing list of 2,000. We are talking about cultural change here, so this is important and you can help.