SCIENCE, CULTURE and COMMUNITY to be Celebrated in Downtown Phoenix

SCIENCE, CULTURE and COMMUNITY to be celebrated by more than 5,000 attendees at the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM event.

(Phoenix, AZ) The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is bringing its annual National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference to Arizona's Phoenix Convention Center on October 31-November 2, 2024.

This unique and inclusive event brings together a community of thousands of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) students, from community college through graduate school, and professionals from historically marginalized backgrounds together for three days of cutting edge research, cultural celebrations and community events such as our Intertribal Powwow and Pachanga dace events. This community comes together each year to put on the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the country.

"Simply put, our SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference is unlike any other scientific meeting you can attend. At NDiSTEM we encourage our attendees to bring their whole selves to the conference and to STEM. We recognize that by putting culture and community at the center of the STEM experience we help students complete their educations and grow professionals into STEM leaders.” said Juan Amador, SACNAS Executive Director.

Phoenix was selected to host the #2024NDiSTEM due to its vibrant and inclusive community, which provides an ideal setting for fostering collaboration and celebrating diversity. The city offers the opportunity to partner with major academic institutions dedicated to advancing STEM education and research at all levels. Additionally, the presence of local tribal communities and strong existing communities of SACNISTAs (SACNAS Members) further enhances Phoenix's appeal as a host city, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for conference attendees.

Attendees can expect cutting-edge science, mentoring, leadership training, and cultural activities during the three-day event. This includes a community college focused pre-conference event, professional development sessions, inspirational keynote and featured speakers, and access to the Academic and Career Expo Hall with over 500 exhibitors from higher education, government, industry, and nonprofit organizations.

Each year, SACNAS hosts Keynote and Featured speakers to share their research and personal journeys in STEM. These speakers are nominated by the community and serve as role models for students and professionals alike.

Keynote Speakers:

• Minerva Cordero, PhD – Vice Provost for Faculty Success at the University of Texas, Arlington
• Joan Y. Reede, MD, MPH, MS, MBA – Dean for Diversity and Community Partnership, Professor of Medicine, Harvard medical School
• Donald Warne, MD, MPH (Oglala Lakota) - Co-Director of the Center for Indigenous Health and Professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at John Hopkins University

Featured Speakers:

• Abigail Echo-Hawk, MA (Pawnee) - Executive Vice President of Seattle Indian Health BoardJorge Jimenez, PhD (Akateko) - Staff Engineer at Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) and CEO of Mayan Bioengineer LLC
• Naomie Lee, PhD (Seneca) - Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Northern Arizona University
• Desiré Delia Whitmore, PhD – Staff Physicist Educator at the Teacher Institute at the Exploratorium in San Francisco

SACNAS executives, including Juan Amador, FASAE, CAE, SACNAS Executive Director, and Charla Lambert, PhD, SACNAS President, are available for comments.

Registration information can be found on the conference website and varies in price. Find the full agenda, event description, speaker information, and registration links at SACNAS.org/conference.

About SACNAS
For 50 years, SACNAS has served as an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanics & Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and leadership positions within STEM. Today, the organization serves a growing community of over 28,000 supporters, including 9,000+ members, and 150 student and professional chapters throughout the United States and territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. SACNAS influences the STEM diversity movement through STEM outreach and advocacy, the promotion of STEM leaders, and The SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference. Learn more about SACNAS at sacnas.org, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, or YouTube.