The Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS) promotes the professional growth of women in journalism, with the aim of furthering journalism's mission of more accurately portraying society as a whole. The nonprofit grew out of discussions at a 1984 gathering at the Missouri School of Journalism about how women were — and were not — represented in the news media. Since then, JAWS has blossomed into an organization of more than 900 journalists and educators, who range from brand-new journalists to longtime leaders. We are broadcasters, reporters, editors, teachers, new media entrepreneurs, and authors. We work in newspapers, online, magazines, TV, and radio. We share a dedication to our work, a commitment to excellence in journalism, a desire to help and mentor women in the news industry, and a determination to foster diversity both in the newsroom and in journalism's portrayal of the world. We bring together working journalists and journalism educators and researchers from across the country to share resources, support, training and information about issues that affect women in our field. JAWS members meet in person and online in an atmosphere of mutual support and allow each other a chance to exercise the tongue instead of biting it. Our mission: JAWS supports the professional empowerment and personal growth of women in journalism and works toward a more accurate portrayal of the whole society.