Empowering Local STEM Leaders: UTRGV Hosts Public Latina THRIVE Summit on South Padre Island

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) will host the second Latina THRIVE Summit on May 16-17, 2024, at the Courtyard by Marriott South Padre Island. For the first time, this event is open to the public. It aims to support Latina and other underrepresented faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The summit is part of the THRIVE Partnership, funded by a National Science Foundation grant titled 'ADVANCE Partnership: Transforming HSI STEM Departmental Climate for Faculty Success.'

Nearly 150 participants are expected at the summit, including Latina STEM faculty, department chairs, and their teams, along with THRIVE Partners. They aim to create healthy work environments that support all faculty members. Dr. Ala Qubbaj, the NSF grant's principal investigator and dean of the UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science, noted the summit's key role in increasing Latina representation in STEM fields, which enhances U.S. research and global competitiveness.

Dr. Teresa (Paty) Feria Arroyo, associate dean for Faculty Success in the UTRGV College of Sciences, pointed out the underrepresentation of Latina faculty in STEM. She emphasized the summit's role in resource sharing, knowledge production, and networking to help underrepresented groups transition from students to researchers.

The event will include keynote speeches focused on transforming STEM environments and cultures. Speakers such as Dr. James Moore from the NSF and Dr. Susan Elrod, chancellor of Indiana University South Bend, will discuss systemic changes in higher education. Yvonne Gonzalez, a THRIVE cultural advisor and change coach, will also provide insights.

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