Latinx Heritage Event Spotlights Latinx STEM Professionals and Opportunities

"So often when you envision a scientist, you think of a white man in a white coat, but that doesn’t have to be the norm. This event created a larger vision for what it means to be in the sciences,” says SLCC student Peter Doust, who attended the Latinx in the Field event last week (Oct. 5) at the Tracy Aviary’s Jordan River Nature Center. Peter, who calls himself a “Latin ally,” attended with his wife who is Latina.

Emmanuel Santa-Martinez, SLCC assistant professor of Biology, helped organize the event with SLCC’s Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs (ODMA) in recognition of Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month. “One of the goals of this event was to raise the visibility of Latinx and Hispanic professionals in conservation and science fields, where often people don’t see this type of representation. We want students and prospective students to know these are career paths they can take,” says Emmanuel.

He added that the theme of this year’s heritage month certainly was part of the event’s purpose: “Nuestra gente y sus historias. Poder, progreso y Prosperidad”—“Our people and their stories. Power, Progress & Prosperity.

Five panelists from various fields (i.e., conservation, medicine, cultural anthropology) answered questions from Emmanuel, the moderator, and from the audience that ranged from “How has being Latino(a) been an advantage in your career? What are some of the challenges you face?” to “How can Latinx allies support more Latinx in these fields?

A half dozen STEM-related organizations, as well as a number of SLCC groups, set up tables to share information with students, including possible internships and jobs. “It felt like a safe space, and it was calming for me to know that there were internships for someone like me so I can earn experience and find a path forward in the fields of biology and environmental sustainability,” says SLCC Biology student Evelyn Acosta, who talked with several organizations including the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) and the Sageland Collaborative. “I’m hoping there will be more inclusive events like this—the whole idea of representation is so important especially in certain fields that lack it.”

Based on the positive feedback and the attendance at the event (between 80-100 people), Emmanuel is hopeful that the event, which was open to the public, will return. “We are a community college and we’re trying to create community and opportunities around these events and that is exactly what happened.”