Science, Culture, and Community Unite at the 2025 NDiSTEM Conference in Columbus

STEM education and workforce success is the focus at the leading multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM event.  

(Columbus, OH) Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is bringing its annual NDiSTEM Conference to the Greater Columbus Convention Center on October 30-November 1, 2025.  

This unique event is a true celebration of science, culture, and community that serves, equips, and energizes all participants for their academic and professional paths in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Over the course of the event, college-level through professional attendees are immersed in STEM research, professional development sessions, motivational keynote speakers, an Academic and Career Expo, intercultural celebrations and traditions, and a welcoming community of peers, mentors, and role models.  

In a rapidly changing landscape, SACNAS carries on its proud tradition of hosting its annual conference, bringing together thousands of students, professionals, and leaders in STEM. Our goal is to make a meaningful impact on the STEM workforce, advancing STEM to meet the needs of our country, and supporting innovation in STEM research and education.  

“Our focus remains on meeting the needs of our members, our community, and continuing the mission of our organization,” said Juan Amador, SACNAS Executive Director. “Our conference is about standing together, supporting one another in the pursuit of STEM excellence, and celebrating our successes.”  

For 52 years, SACNAS has fostered the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, in attaining advanced degrees, building careers, and serving as leaders in STEM. Born out of a lack of opportunities for our community during the civil rights movement, SACNAS stands firm in its mission and continues to thrive because of the strength and resilience of its members. The strength of our community allows us to persevere. In the face of unprecedented challenges, we remain steadfast and ready to lead. There is no way around, only through, and we will forge that path forward.  

The annual conference is a place for professional growth, and a space where community, culture, and science come together. In the face of obstacles, SACNAS remains nobly committed to honoring the legacy of its founders. Its mission is grounded in inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to join and thrive together.  

“Our community knows how to rise above adversity and come out stronger,” Amador said. “We’ve always had the ability to be seen and valued, and together, we will persist.”  

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:  

• Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, PhD – Professor of Soil Biogeochemistry & Ted and Jan Falasco Chair in Earth Sciences and Geology | University of California, Merced 
• Donna María Blancero, PhD – Professor | Bentley University 

• Joshua F. Tenorio – Lieutenant Governor | Guam  

Featured Speakers:  

• Kevin M. Alicea-Torres, PhD – Assistant Professor, Advancing Cancer Immunology and Science Communication Research Lab | University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Humacao 
• Nicole Cabrera Salazar, PhD – Founder and CEO | Movement Consulting 
• Jessica Hernandez, PhD (Binnizá & Maya Ch'orti) – Founder | Earth Daughters 
• Tim Ryan, Eminent Scholar (Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes) – Chair, Culture and Language Studies and Indigenous STEM Instructor | Salish Kootenai College, Native American Studies Division 

Emcee:  

• Priscila Nieves-Otero, PhD – Manager of Innovation Readiness within Corporate Affairs | Eli Lilly and Company 

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

Conference registration, full agenda, and speaker information can be found on SACNAS.org/conference.  

About SACNAS For 52 years, SACNAS has fostered 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 5,500+ members, and 150 student and professional chapters throughout the United States and territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. SACNAS influences the advancement of STEM through higher education, outreach, the promotion of STEM leaders, and the SACNAS NDiSTEM Conference. Learn more about SACNAS at sacnas.org, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube.