Simons Foundation Presents – Journeys through Ciencia

Simons Foundation, 160 Fifth Avenue, Gerald D. Fishbach Auditorium, 2nd Floor, New York, NY, 10010

While Hispanic people account for nearly 20 percent of the total United States population, a 2021 report released by the National Science Foundation showed that Hispanic STEM faculty represent only 4.6 percent of full professors across all science disciplines. Traditionally underrepresented students and professionals face great barriers when it comes to representation and retention in formal STEM settings. How do we change that? Tonight we’ll spotlight what these challenges are by talking with working scientists, with the goal of understanding how their experiences have led to new programs and initiatives to help eliminate barriers. As the saying goes, “It takes a village,” so we will also be discussing the role communities and families play in helping to effect change. Pilar Cossio is a physicist who recognizes that there are not many people who look like her in the field and often asks, “Why? Robert W. Fernandez was undocumented for 20 years, which made pursuing higher education difficult. He is currently a neuroscientist at Columbia University; he also co-founded Científico Latino, an organization that supports underrepresented students in science, to ensure that other young people don’t face the same difficulties he did. Delia Meza works at the New York Hall of Science in Corona, Queens, with predominantly Spanish-speaking families, to create room for children and their caretakers to learn and be inspired by science together. All three are committed to creating space for people to continue on their STEM journeys for as long as they choose to do so. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, they’ll be joined by Alice Bodón, co-chair of the Latine Employee Resource group at the Simons Foundation, to discuss the unique ways they’re each contributing to building a more robust and equitable ecosystem of STEM opportunities in New York City. To attend this in-person event, you will need to:

• Register in advance
• Provide valid photo ID upon entering the building
• Present your digital or printed Eventbrite ticket confirmation; make sure it is for the correct event and that the name on it matches your ID
• Wear a mask while in the auditorium and restrooms

At this time, all guests at the Simons Foundation must be over the age of 18.

Please note that when you enter the Simons Foundation buildings, you are attesting that you are not experiencing COVID symptoms and are not knowingly positive for COVID.