Echémonos Flores: A Mentoring Model for Latina Bilingual Doctoral Students

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 10:50 am
  In Roundtable Session: Power of Relationships (Table 25)

Abstract

This paper presents a mentoring model for Latina bilingual doctoral students, Echémonos Flores Mentoring Model (FEMM). FEMM is rooted in Anzaldúa's post-borderland work and the praxis of pláticas. Five principles make up the fundamental underpinnings of FEMM: 1) compartiendo conocimiento or epistemological kinship; 2) academic scholarship focused on a shared commitment to social change; 3) critical self-reflexivity; 4) rejection of the split between bodymindspiritsoul; and 5) dialogue using pláticas to express vulnerability, courage, and change. FEMM centers Latina bilingual doctoral students as holders and co-creators of knowledge and challenges White supremacy and the illusion of meritocracy, objectivity, and individuality. As such, FEMM provides an alternative to traditional mentoring models by supporting productive and validating mentoring relationships for Latina bilingual doctoral students.

Authors

• Cynthia C. Teran Lopez, University of Texas - El Paso

• Christina Convertino, University of Texas - El Paso