What I've Learned from the panelists of Support Students of Color in Academia event

First and foremost, let me thank the panelists: Ashtyn Frye, Camille Morgan, BCBA, Mara Lopez-Godoy, Dr. Melissa Abeyta, and Shannon Thomison. If you missed this event, you missed hearing the passion behind these women's responses on various topics ranging from why representation matters and is so important to holding the institution accountable on their responses to the racial tensions occurring. If you're curious about their work and populations they serve, I encourage you to read the blog post that presents the panelists of this event.

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So if you missed it, don't worry, there will be more events like this taking place. But I wanted to speak on what I felt were key points made by the panelists to further support students of color, especially those in a predominantly White academic institution.

1. Learn of the demographics of your academic institution(s) If the institution speaks on being "big" on diversity and inclusion, do your research! Learn what percentages students of color make at the institution, different academic levels, and programs (including undergraduate majors), as suggested by Mara. This information is made public, so definitely utilize it. If you have questions or are curious about the experience of someone of color at that institution, there's no harm in asking if they want to say what their experience has been. Many will be open to discussing it with a prospective student, so ask! For those who are already attending and question diversity, equality & inclusion at their respected institution, again, look at the data of students, faculty, and staff of color, and compare years to determine if the population increased, decreased, or has stayed the same.

2. Learn where the funding is being allocated (or applied) to As suggested by Melissa, educate yourself on where the funding is going. Learn if those funds are being allocated to the appropriate groups and populations. Ask questions, do research, educate yourself so you can have an educated debate with the officials of the institution.

3. Representation is extremely important, as well as mentorship, "paving the way" in academia and corporate settings A key topic of conversation was representation. The conversation wasn't solely on representation in faculty and staff, but the higher-up positions as well. All panelists spoke on why representation matters in the classroom, but also spoke on why mentorship is important as well. What I was able to retrieve as a takeaway was, representation should not stop at the faculty/staff level, but should continue on in dean, director, board, executive, and president positions. This is where mentorship comes in as well, by showing the next generation, group, leaders, etc. that we are more than just being faculty for minority studies or represent diversity and inclusion, but we are equipped and capable to take on and make changes to focus on inclusivity of minorities. We need people who look like us, understand our experiences, good and bad, along with challenges we may experience as students of color. Which is why as we progress up the "ladder," we mentor those who are determined to be in those positions and show them it is possible to be in this position, it is possible to make changes to the policy, curriculum, faculty, staff, managers, senior managers, executives, and more.

4. If you feel a resource, tool, and/or space is need for students of color, do not wait to get someone's "blessing" or "approval," just do it! An attendee asked about advice on developing a space for students that looked like them and how to start this space. We all stated to just do it! If you recognized a gap or lack of support for a population that you are a member of, don't wait for anyone's blessing, just go for it!

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So there you have it, my key takeaways from the conversations the panelists had during the Supporting Students of Color panel discussion.

If you missed this event, the next event will be taking place in late September/early October, so be sure to follow @TheStudentForLife on Instagram to know the date of when that will take place.

If you attended the event, please let me know what your takeaways were!

• Candace (@TheStudentForLife)