SACNAS, the organization that works to advance Hispanics/Chicanos & Native Americans in Science, has announced that applications are OPEN for the annual Chapter Officer Leadership October Retreat at the NDiSTEM 2025 Conference.
According to SACNAS, the one-day experience is built to equip and inspire SACNAS chapter leaders with leadership techniques, offer fresh perspectives, a space to talk about what’s working—and what’s not—with other chapter officers, as well as strengthen their SACNAS network while discovering what leadership looks like for them.
SACNAS has recognized its members of the Class of 2025 on its website for completing their degrees in various science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. The graduates featured in the gallery include a neuroscience major from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Perla served as the public outreach chair and an officer of her chapter. She stated that SACNAS helped her succeed academically and instilled in her a deep commitment to supporting others in the STEM field. Perla plans to conduct research at UT Southwestern over the next two years.
Cecilia graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Rollins College and plans to attend graduate school at the University of Central Florida.
She found a supportive community at the SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference, where she met other Mayans working in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Cecilia looks forward to serving as a guest speaker for the “Navigating Disabilities in STEM” session at the 2025 NDiSTEM Conference, having initially started as a poster presenter.
Lori majored in geology at Oklahoma State University and served as chapter vice president of the Oklahoma State University SACNAS chapter.
She attended the NDiSTEM Conference, where she presented her research, participated in leadership development, and took part in Native American programming sessions, earning travel scholarships along the way.
Lori plans to attend graduate school at Portland State University. Throughout her education, she faced significant personal challenges, including the loss of both her parents and family members, as well as mental and physical health issues. Despite feeling overwhelmed at times, she persevered and is now looking forward to studying volcanoes.
Vivian graduated with a master’s degree in life sciences from California State University, Fullerton.
As a first-generation college student and the child of immigrants, she credited SACNAS with helping her thrive in STEM. Vivian intends to join the workforce as a California Sea Grant State Fellow with the Delta Stewardship Council.
Anahi graduated with a degree in Computer and Information Science from Gavilan College and will be starting her career at Cisco.
Visit the SACNAS website to read more inspirational stories about members who graduated in spring 2025.
SACNAS Chapter Awards celebrate the work that chapters do to champion science, education, and professional development. This year’s winners will be honored at the 2025 NDiSTEM Conference in Columbus, Ohio.
Fellows are recognized for celebrating culture, community building, innovative science, leadership in science, and long-term sustainability, among other key areas.
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