Quebrando Barreras: Breaking Barriers in STEM

Day 1

Breakfast and Registration

(CNSI Lobby)

7:30am - 8:30am

Session 1

8:30am - 10:30am

Quebrando Barreras in Chemistry

(This panels will be held in CNSI Auditorium)

Prof. Miguel Garcia-Garibay (UCLA)

Prof. Sandra Encalada (Scripps Research)

Prof. Karina Carneiro (U of Toronto)

Prof. Braulio Rodríguez-Molina (UNAM)

Latina Futures Quebrando Barreras in STEM

(This panels will be held in Young Hall Auditorium, Room 4222)

Identity and Intersectionality in STEM

This panel will explore how intersecting identities shape experiences in STEM. Panelists will reflect on how being a woman of color has influenced their access to opportunities, sense of belonging, and overall well-being. Through their personal stories, they will discuss navigating multiple identities, overcoming challenges, and how to not just survive but thrive within STEM.

Prof. Natalia Gonzalez Pech (Wesleyan)

Prof. Laura Sanchez (UC Santa Cruz)

Prof. Crystal Reynaga (UC Riverside)

Denyz Melchor (UC Los Angeles)

Transition/Break

10:30am - 10:45am

Session 2

10:45am - 12:45pm

Quebrando Barreras in Chemistry

(This panels will be held in CNSI Auditorium)

Latina Futures Quebrando Barreras in STEM

(This panels will be held in Young Hall Auditorium, Room 4222)

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Krishna Foster (CSULA)

Dr. Monica Medina (UCLA)

Lunch in CNSI Lobby

12:45pm - 2:00pm

Session 3

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Quebrando Barreras in Chemistry

(This panels will be held in CNSI Auditorium)

Prof. Claudia G. Lucero (CSU Sacramento)

Prof. Elias Picazo (USC)

Prof. Gerardo Andrés Cisneros (UT Dallas)

Prof. Nathan Ariel Romero (UC San Diego)

Latina Futures Quebrando Barreras in STEM

(This panels will be held in Young Hall Auditorium, Room 4222)

Identifying and Building Mentor Relationships

Mentorship can transform your STEM journey. This panel will break down how to identify mentors, build meaningful relationships, manage expectations, and address challenges. Panelists will share practical strategies for navigating mentorship as women of color and create networks that uplift and sustain you.

Prof. Sylvia Hurtado (UC Los Angeles)

Dr. Diana E. Azurdia (UC Los Angeles)

Prof. Loralee Larios (UC Riverside)

Dr. Estela Gavosto (UC Riverside)

Transition/Break

4:00pm - 4:15pm

Session 4

4:15pm - 6:15pm

Quebrando Barreras in Chemistry

(This panels will be held in CNSI Auditorium)

Prof. Kelly N. Chacón (Reed College)

Prof. Eusebio Juaristi (CINVESTAV)

Prof. José Villegas (UIC)

Prof. Hosea Nelson (Caltech)

Latina Futures Quebrando Barreras in STEM

(This panels will be held in Young Hall Room 4222)

Navigating Graduate School as a Woman of Color in STEM

Thinking about grad school? This session offers a real look into what to expect. Panelists will share how they chose programs, secured funding, and navigated research, mentorship, advisor dynamics, and bias. They’ll also discuss how to make and take space, self-advocate,maintain well-being, and succeed while staying grounded in who you are.