2025 Theses Doctoral

Latinas en STEM: Mujerismo and Culturally Affirming Mentorship within the Academy

Vera, Tatiana Marie

Despite the increased number of Latinas in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) academic fields, support and retention remain persistent concerns, reflecting systemic barriers along educational and career pathways. Culturally affirming mentorship, which is highlighted here as mujerista mentorship, may be a pathway to enhance the continuation of this pipeline.

This study posed four research questions examining 1) the general effects of mujerista mentorship, and mujerista mentorship on 2) mental health, 3) self-efficacy, and 4) definitions of success among Latina doctoral students. Employing mujerista and Latine Critical Theory (LatCrit) frameworks, this research highlighted testimonios (personal stories) from Latinas in doctoral STEM programs that address the intersectionality affecting Latinas.

Using a thematic analysis approach, findings were derived from the qualitative testimonios. The six themes that emerged from these interviews were (a) Community and Belonging, (b) Mujerista Mentorship (Culturally Affirming Mentorship), (c) Navigating the Structural Barriers of Academia, (d) Self-Efficacy and Academic Identity, (e) Definitions of Success, and (f) Acculturative Stress, Mental Health, and Values Alignment; there were also fifteen subthemes.

This study elucidated how culturally affirming mentorship and values alignment can mitigate factors pivotal to Latina students’ mental well-being and perceived academic achievement. The study further underscores the unique experiences of Latinas in predominantly White institutions (PWI) while providing insights for educational and professional settings to support these scholar using their own words.