Just checkin in...it's been a minute

So it's been about a month since the panel discussion of supporting students of color in academia (if you haven't read the summary of it, check out the blog post), so I wanted to just fill everyone in on what's in store next for The Student For Life community, as well as myself.

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So what's happening next for The Student For Life?

Well, I have two events in the making, one for an academic setting focusing on being a person of color in the STEM field, and the other being a work project on how we can do better on diversity and inclusion in my overall group.

Supporting Students of Color in Academia - STEM Edition

For those who attended the very first Supporting Students of Color in Academia event, our panel focused on applied behavior analysis, education, industrial/organizational psychology, and more. But I really wanted to focus on how better support can be provided to our friends, family, peers, colleagues that are in the STEM field but identify as a member of a racial minority group. The event is expected to take place in late September. If you or anyone you know that would like to participate, please feel free to send me a message on The Student For Life Instagram page or comment on the site.

D&I Work Project

Myself and a peer were contacted on developing an event to talk about the many issues the country is facing currently, whether it be diversity and inclusion, racial inequality, social injustice, equal pay, you get the idea. I, essentially, was reached out to based on my research focus for my dissertation and could assist in analyzing the written responses and more for the target audience. We've gotten full support from the group manager, as well as our HR business partner, in order for us to move forward. As we presented this event to the different teams, many individuals expressed a huge interest in participating or helping in any way they can.

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I am so excited to share these events with so many people and having the dialogue while using it as a learning opportunity as well. I'm excited that the senior leadership felt very strong in myself and my peer in taking the lead on this, plus this is only the beginning!

What I can suggest is if you have an idea that you think others can benefit from, regardless of the setting, I say go for it, make those avenues for yourself, speak up to leadership, and have those conversations on why your idea is needed.

I'm looking forward to sharing my experience on making these events beneficial and resources.

• Candace (@TheStudentForLife)