Professor/Director DIVAS/ co-Director Center for Inclusive Teaching & Learning University of Puerto Rico at Humacao Humacao, Puerto Rico
Program Abstract: Our project aims to create a hybrid community of Latinas and analyze the impacts on self-efficacy beliefs with emphasis on mathematics in two universities of Puerto Rico. We will also measure persistence of first and second year female students who participate in this community of practice after been mentored and empowered by a strong STEM community of female professionals. Empowering activities include one to one mentoring and attendance to conferences on how to chose the right mentor and how to develop your self-confidence in STEM. We will also provide visits to local industries and storytellings synchronous sessions with other female Latinas to speak about real life challenges they have encounter and how to overcome them. Data collected in this pilot project will be used to develop culturally sensitive interventions to increase retention and graduation rates of Latinas in STEM all over the United States.
