Blog Post #2 Spring 22' 

        I would be lying if I said my capability as a woman wasn't challenged on an often enough basis, but within my academic career I have been pleasantly surprised (give or take a few egotistical men). Throughout my time in community college and with ASU, I would say that I could count all the male STEM professors I've had on one hand. My mindset has been slowly peeling tough layers back with every introduction of a new woman in STEM with the title "Dr.".  That not to say that I turn my nose up to men who have the same titles or work in the same STEM fields, but at the end of the day, our social culture within STEM has been built on a foundation of wealthy, privileged men. Many might read that sentence and immediately feel attacked or irritated, but I feel it's 100% true. That doesn't necessarily mean it is a negative thing, but a factual thing to some degree, and with that comes the challenge of being a woman (especially BIPOC) trying to fight their way into a world where they have to do double the work just earn half of the respect.

        With that being said, my identity plays a huge part of knowing that I deserve a spot in the STEM world. It's becoming more normalized seeing woman in any type of field whether it be STEM, a trade, business, or education. We are everywhere and we don't plan on leaving, besides, we came this far so why stop now? My childhood was not full of nudges in the STEM direction, but they were always pointed in the direction of unapologetic willpower and independence. My mother spent most of my childhood working at a drug and alcohol recovery center as a probation officer, counselor, and at the end of her career shot right up to the top within the juvenile justice system. I remember her coming home from work after spending the day in a defense training, and she would practice her maneuvers on me. It wasn't as scary as it sounds and I definitely had fun practicing right alongside with her. The biggest thing I remember about my younger years that could be applied to the STEM world is my desire to be like the mom I knew so many years ago. She was limitless and not afraid to challenge the challenger.

        When it comes down to role models, I have a CVS receipt sized list that still isn't long enough. My past professors have helped clear a path for my success and I will always be thankful for that, but biggest influence as of late has been my wife Dani. She's the one who helped me hit that submit button for school enrollment when I couldn't bring myself to take the last step. She graduated with her degree in biomechanical engineering, and the best way to describe her is that she's a silent killer, and a good one too. Some people find inspiration in the statement "I'll prove them wrong", but to Dani that implies that you've already let them win by thinking that you need the respect of a person who had no intention of giving. I think of her as a silent killer because she sees no need to butt heads with those that stand in the way. She's given a task (target) and she sweeps in and handles it before anyone can even turn their heads to look. After all this time together she still manages to help me lift my head a little higher everyday, even when it feels as heavy as iron.