2025 Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute

A new cohort of 20 STEM professionals joins the country's largest community of emerging STEM leaders.

The  Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute (LPSLI) is the premier leadership training program provided by the SACNAS. 

Established in 2009 by Clifton Poodry, Ph.D. (Seneca; SACNAS founder) and Marigold Linton, Ph.D. (Cahuilla-Cupeño; SACNAS founder), LPSLI is the country’s premier training for motivated scientists, laying the foundation for them to lead institutional transformation.  The institute began when Poodry and Linton made an astute observation – as Linton described, “I was concerned that SACNAS’ PhDs were not going on to high-level leadership positions.  We created the LPSLI to produce leaders who will change the face of science.” Fast forward to 2025 and nearly 15 years later, the original efforts of these institute founders have drastically transformed the leadership in the STEM enterprise. Poodry adds, "We are delighted and thankful for the large number of LPSLI alumni who have taken on leadership positions in industry, academia and philanthropic organizations." 

Of the 440+ LPSLI alumni, many are leaders in their field and serve as executive directors, program directors, assistant deans, department chairs, entrepreneurs, senior scientists in industry, and emerging science policy leaders.  

“The LPSLI sessions were highly informative and engaging, offering valuable insights into leadership and personal development. I appreciate the diverse range of topics covered and the expertise of the speakers. Continued support and opportunities for networking with fellow participants would be beneficial for maintaining the momentum and implementing the lessons learned.” – 2024 LPSLI Participant

LPSLI is an intensive five-day course featuring small group exercises, distinguished speakers, leadership development planning, and extensive community building among selected participants. This year’s institute is being held June 9 - 13, 2025 and is hosted by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in Chevy Chase, Maryland. 

“For the first time in my career, I was in a room full of people that could empathize with my personal journey through STEM education and career pursuits, that looked like me and like the people and students I want to serve. And we all had PhDs - what an incredible experience!” - 2024 LPSLI Participant

LPSLI is the first in a suite of three leadership opportunities offered yearly by SACNAS. These programs are dedicated to building the capacity of students and professionals with the necessary leadership skills to advance their education, excel in their careers and to lead change at the highest levels.  

Other SACNAS Leadership Opportunities: 

Follow the Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute on social media using: #2025LPSLI   

2025 LPSLI is hosted by:

With support from:

ABOUT SACNAS 
For over 52 years, SACNAS has been committed to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American individuals in STEM—from students to professionals—by supporting their pursuit of advanced degrees, meaningful careers, and leadership positions. SACNAS welcomes everyone to join as members and participate in its programs. Today, SACNAS supports a vibrant and expanding community of approximately 8,000 members and more than 150 student and professional chapters across the United States, including Puerto Rico and Guam. The organization strengthens the STEM workforce through outreach, leadership development, and career advancement opportunities—highlighted by its flagship event, the NDiSTEM Conference. Discover more about SACNAS and how to get involved at sacnas.org or connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and X.