Minority Women in STEM Fields: Increasing Capacity by Developing STEM Identity

• In Event: Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Navigating STEM Trajectories From School to Professional Fields

Abstract

The STEM gap emerges early for both women and underrepresented minorities (URM) and is generated by various societal and individual challenges. If we are to address tomorrow’s challenges, all students must have access and support, specifically URM and women interested in STEM. This study explores challenges and assets of first generation minority women in STEM majors through an institute intended to build positive STEM identities. The twenty-one young women participants serve as mentors to incoming STEM female students. Given their role as mentor and leader, facets of STEM identity are explored through personal narratives, interviews, participant artifacts, and reflective practice. Emerging themes of self-efficacy, performance in STEM and acceptance are explored within the context of larger societal and personal constructs.

Authors

• Imelda Nava, University of California - Los Angeles

• Marco Nava, Los Angeles Unified School District

• Sandy Chávez, Mount Saint Mary's University