Credit:
Courtesy of Partha Basu
As my term as chair of the American Chemical Society Committee on Chemists with Disabilities (CWD) comes to an end this December, I find myself looking back on the past 3 years with a deep sense of gratitude. What a ride it has been! I am proud of what the committee has accomplished together, grateful for the people I have had the privilege of working alongside, and mindful that there is still much more to do.
There is a familiar proverb, often attributed to African tradition: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Whatever its precise origin, the sentiment captures the spirit of CWD beautifully. Our progress has never been the work of one person. It has come from people working together, sharing ideas, challenging assumptions, advocating for change, and continually asking how we can make chemistry more accessible. That spirit of collaboration has guided us through an especially productive 3 years.
