SACNAS Launches Inaugural CareerCon, 1st of its Kind Talent Matching

130+ Early Career Participants Will Connect With Industry Partners Looking For Diverse STEM Talent

SANTA CRUZ, CA —Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) has spent the past 50 years creating belonging through the artful blend of science, culture, and community. In 2022, SACNAS will extend that same intentionality and commitment to connecting members and private industry through CareerCon, a talent matching experience designed to fundamentally reimagine the traditional career fair. 

For STEM students and jobseekers, CareerCon is an free opportunity to engage in cohort-based, fully immersive, talent development that draws out, lifts up, and celebrates their strengths, while building fluency in the language and customs of industry. In keeping with SACNAS’ culture, heritage, and practice, CareerCon will be grounded in events and activities that affirm participant’s cultural identities and create an atmosphere that fosters belonging. Strengths-based, culturally rooted approaches and activities form the foundation of this event. CareerCon culminates in curated connections with best-fit industry partners.  

“CareerCon will provide students, job seekers, and professionals alike with innovative tools, all centered in a culture of inclusion and intersectionality. If you are just starting to consider a career in industry, this is the event for you,” said Past-President and Board Member Dr. Sonia Zarate, “Our industry partners are coming to CareerCon with opportunities for internships, as well as permanent positions.” 

Thank You To Our Partners:

For industry partners, CareerCon presents the chance to connect with hard working diverse talent to fuel their workforce and stay true to their DEI commitments. The event complements the National Diversity in STEM Conference by giving SACNAS members an event solely focused on curated connections to private industry. 

“At CareerCon, I’ll be looking for all scientific majors from undergrad and graduate to postdoc level,” said Lamont Terrell, Inclusion and Diversity Lead, Pharma R&D at GlaxoSmithKline, “Some of the skills that come to mind are problem solver, innovator, and most importantly, I’m looking for someone who wants to bring their whole self to STEM.” 

SACNAS has chosen to hold the first CareerCon digitally due to the continuing spread of the coronavirus, which has had dramatic and disproportionate health consequences for our two priority populations, Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, and in response to our community’s stated desire to prioritize the health and safety of members.  

The inaugural CareerCon kicks off February 22, 2022. For more information about CareerCon, including the event agenda, please visit sacnas.org/careercon/. 

About SACNAS 

For over 48 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 positions of leadership within STEM. Today, the organization serves a growing community of over 28,000 supporters including 8,200+ members and 133 student and professional chapters throughout the United States, including Guam and Puerto Rico. SACNAS influences the STEM diversity movement through STEM outreach & advocacy, promotion of STEM leaders, and The SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference.  Learn more about SACNAS at sacnas.org, Facebook, or Twitter.