SACNISTAS and STEM Diversity Advocates to Speak at March for Science New York City

Speakers will underscore the critical importance of equity and inclusion as part of the national conversation on science

NEW YORK CITY — On Saturday, May 4, science advocates and educators, scientists, concerned citizens, students, and members of SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) will be participating at the March for Science’s flagship event in New York City to highlight the important role of science in public policy. Participants will also advocate for open access to scientific information, the use of science for the common good and the preservation of an informed democracy, and the protection of human and environmental rights.

The March for Science New York City event will kick off in Foley Square, adjacent to City Hall, and march down Broadway, ending at Pace University’s Student Center. At Pace, March for Science will channel the energy of activists, curious minds, and concerned citizens to engage with the causes and speakers that propelled them to participate in the march.

This year’s speaker lineup features scientists, activists, community leaders, and SACNISTAs, including Micah Savin, director of Inclusion and Diversity for March for Science New York City, and Dr. Lemanuel Lee Bitsóí, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Expert and Critical Ethnographer and Bioethicist.

“I am humbled and honored to be gifted with the opportunity to serve. As my ina (mother) always says: Live to love and love to serve. We are proud to host a diverse panel of scientific speakers responsible for catalyzing change in some of the most pressing social issues we face today, including Latinx migrant abuse, ethnoracial equity, and representation within science and politics, Trans & Queer rights, failures of the justice system, and stigmatization of mental health,” says Micah Savin, Director of Inclusion and Diversity for March for Science New York City, Clinical Neuropsychology PhD student at Fordham and member of SACNAS.

As the nation’s leading STEM diversity organization, SACNAS is working to ensure diversity in STEM is central to this national conversation. SACNAS also wants to highlight how underserved communities are the first and worst impacted by non evidence-based policies.

WHAT: March for Science New York City

WHEN: Saturday, May 4, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: March for Science New York City kicks off at Foley Square, adjacent to New York’s City Hall, march down Broadway, and end at Pace University’s Student Center.

ITINERARY:

11:00 a.m. – Gather at Foley Square

12:00 p.m. – Keynote Speakers

1:30 p.m. – March for Science commences

3:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Science Expo at Pace University Student Center (1 Pace Plaza)

WHO:

Micah J. Savin, Director of Inclusion and Diversity for March for Science New York City, Clinical Neuropsychology PhD student at Fordham and member of SACNAS

Micah (Two-Spirit: They/Their/Them; Native American: Lakota) is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow (NSF-GRF) in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at Fordham University where they advance the field to better understand the factors of brain and behavior that may predispose individuals to, and result in, neurocognitive disparities among sexual, gender, and ethnoracial minorities- especially LGBT2Q People of Color and Indigenous People. In hopes of enriching available opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse scientists, Micah continues to serve as an Organizer, Speaker, and Chair of Diversity and Inclusion for the March for Science. Based on their contributions to scientific communication and leadership in diversity, Micah was recognized as Trainee of 2018 for Scientific Advancement by the Society for Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and later served as a SACNAS Representative at the United Nations on discussions surrounding the preservation of traditional knowledge.

Dr. LeManuel Lee Bitsóí, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Expert and Critical Ethnographer and Bioethicist

Dr. Lee Bitsóí is a critical ethnographer and bioethicist who currently serves as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consultant. Prior his current position, Dr. Bistói served as Chief Diversity Officer at Stony Brook University, Long Island and in diversity leadership roles at Dartmouth, Harvard, Georgetown and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. At the national level, Dr. Bitsóí is a member of the National Research Advisory Council for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Advisory Council for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE).  As an advocate for indigenous scientists and scholars, Dr. Bitsóí also serves as the Chair for the Native American Affairs Committee for the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Latinos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). Dr. Bitsóí is an indigenous scholar whose research and publication portfolio includes social justice topics, access and equity issues, bioethical concerns, and understanding the impact of intergenerational trauma for indigenous people and communities. Admirably, Dr. Bitsóí has devoted his career to enhancing opportunities for underrepresented minority students to become scientists, science educators and scientifically-informed community members.

About SACNAS

SACNAS is an inclusive organization with over 45-years of experience fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers and positions of leadership in STEM. SACNAS serves approximately 6,000 members, a larger community of 20,000, and with 115 SACNAS student and professional chapters throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

ABOUT MARCH FOR SCIENCE NEW YORK CITY

Founded in 2017, March for Science New York City is a non-partisan platform formed by the greater scientific community. We stand for:

1. The open access of scientific information to the general public
2. The use of science for the common good and in the preservation of an informed democracy
3. The protection of human and environmental rights