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Awakening: Losing then finding myself in STEMM.
1Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120(th) Street, New York, NY 10027, USA; Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Dr. Calderón-Spencer shares 25 years of experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEMM). Her personal journey as an Afro-Latina woman highlights challenges faced by underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in higher education.
Area of Science:
- Sociology of Science
- Higher Education Studies
- Diversity and Inclusion in STEMM
Background:
- Dr. Elsie Calderón-Spencer has over 25 years of experience observing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within STEMM fields.
- Her extensive background provides a unique perspective on the long-term impacts of these initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To share personal experiences as an Afro-Latina woman navigating STEMM higher education.
- To reflect on how these experiences illuminate broader challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in STEMM.
- To offer insights into the effectiveness and impact of DEI efforts over time.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative narrative analysis of personal experiences.
- Reflective storytelling.
- Case study approach focusing on an individual's journey within higher education.
Main Results:
- The narrative illustrates persistent systemic challenges for BIPOC individuals in STEMM.
- Personal experiences highlight the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, and gender in academic and professional settings.
- Observations suggest a gap between DEI intentions and their tangible effects on underrepresented groups.
Conclusions:
- Individual experiences of BIPOC scholars are crucial for understanding the real-world impact of DEI policies.
- Sustained and systemic changes are needed to address the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in STEMM.
- Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of DEI initiatives and inform future strategies.
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