Our aim is to educate,

empower and create

new frontiers by building

on the undaunted spirit

of women in the

mathematical sciences

What is it?

The Infinite Possibilities Conference (IPC) is a national conference that is designed to promote, educate, encourage and support minority women interested in mathematics and statistics. The 2005 IPC was hosted by Spelman College and in 2007 IPC was hosted by Building Diversity in Science, North Carolina State University in Statistical and Applied Mathematical Sciences Institute. The next IPC will take place in April 2010.

Why is it important?

African-American, Hispanic/Latina, and American Indian women have been historically underrepresented in mathematics.  In 2002, less than 1% of the doctoral degrees in the mathematical sciences were awarded to American women from underrepresented minority groups. Even professionals who have succeeded in completing advanced degree programs in science and engineering fields can face inequities within their professional lives with respect to advancement and salaries. What is being envisioned through this conference is that in order to increase and support diversity in the mathematics community, a paradigm shift needs to occur in the way we think about the image of a mathematician and about the role a mathematician plays in society. Although some workshops and conferences have been created to address race/ethnicity or gender in the context of mathematics, no conference or program has been specially designed to address both. 

What kind of activities take place at IPC?

Highlights of conference activities include: Professional development workshop series; Panel discussion on graduate studies in mathematics; Research talks given by professionals; Student poster sessions, special activities for high school students; Roundtable discussions on experiences with mathematics; Awards banquet in honor of the late Dr. Etta Z. Falconer that will highlight special achievements in mathematics.

Interested in learning more?

Learn about the history of IPC

Read quotes from past IPC participants

Click here to view the 2005 IPC proceedings.

Meet the IPC 2007 Steering Committee