Exploring the Role of Shared Identity-Based Adversity for Fostering Connections and Belonging among Black Women
Speaker
Dr. Evava (Eva) PietriInfo
Black women are underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and they report facing unique challenges and belonging concerns in STEM majors and classrooms. Working to address these disparities while acknowledging intersectional identities, during my talk, I will examine who acts as role models for Black women and encourages their belonging and identity-safety in STEM classrooms. I will begin by demonstrating that Black female students identify more strongly with an instructor and role model sharing race than their gender and higher identification promotes belonging in STEM classrooms. I also will show that Black female students struggle to identify with a White woman because they believe she does not face similar identity-based adversity. Extending this finding, I will examine how situational and societal contexts can influence perceptions of shared identity-based adversity. Finally, I will discuss practical solutions for ensuring Black female students can learn about their most inspirational role models.
