This week I had an opportunity to participate a virtual career chat for Kent Intermediate School District in Grand Rapids, MI on their first ever “Professional Pop Up Panel (P3) –Virtual Career Chat” . Their goal is share stories for students in grades 7^th-12^th that would benefit from hearing authentic experiences of individuals of diversity that have careers in STEM or Cybersecurity.  

During our discussion, an important point was made that resonated with me as a woman and a Latina in a STEM career. The comment was made that children need to see representation Black and Brown people in STEM careers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into a room and was the only woman, let alone Latina. Which left me often many times feeling underrepresented and looking for role models or mentors to learn how they paved their way into technology or STEM careers. 

According to a 2018 article by the Pew Research Center, Black and Hispanics are severely underrepresented in the United States (U.S.) STEM workforce. The article stated in 2018 that Blacks represent 9% of STEM careers, while Hispanics only represent 7% of all STEM workers in the U.S. If this isn’t alarming to you, it should be. 

The answer isn’t simple, but it is possible. Involvement for those of us that are diverse in STEM careers, means showing up as mentors, having the tough discussions, and letting children hear our voices. Back to my commenters point, children need to see our representation in the STEM workforce in order to emulate it.

As always, thank you for visiting.  Next week we’ll feature resources for Latinos to find STEM careers. 

Stay tuned! 

Check us out weekly at www.jadexstrategic.com to see more features on prominent Latinos paving the way in STEM.

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