Select SACNAS chapters will be honored at the annual diversity in STEM conference as role models for their work and outreach.

For immediate release:
October 25, 2022 
Contact:Natalie Chamberlain – SACNAS Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing 
natalie@sacnas.org, Tel: 831-296-4220 

Select SACNAS chapters will be honored at the annual diversity in STEM conference as role models for their work and outreach.

San Juan, PR — The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) will recognize SACNISTAs from the the University of Vermont and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus with the 2022 Chapter of the Year Award at 2022 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference, which will take place at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan from October 27 to October 29.

Additionally, four other chapters will be honored for outstanding achievements at the Chapter Awards Ceremony & Reception on Friday, October 28th, 2022.

OUTSTANDING CHAPTERS

Indiana University School of Medicine
Outstanding Chapter: Professional Development

University of California Los Angeles
Outstanding Chapter: Sustainability

University of Houston
Outstanding Chapter: STEM Diversity

Northwestern University
Outstanding Chapter: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

“We are thrilled and honored to receive this award! It is a recognition to our community and the importance of group effort. It is also a motivation to continue to work to empower our members.” said University of Vermont Chapter President Natalia Aristizabal.

“This award signifies the resiliency of our chapter despite the challenges faced during the pandemic. It is a reflection of our spirit and commitment to our mission and community,” said University of Colorado Chapter President, Betzaida Maldonado. “We are both humbled by this recognition and energized to continue to foster the success of historically excluded scientists. We receive this award not only on behalf of our chapter leadership and members, but also to all the individuals and organizations that have made our efforts possible. We also hope that this award inspires other organizations that work hard to increase diversity and inclusion, thus, inspiring and motivating the next generation of leaders. We will continue to build a community where everyone feels welcomed, celebrated, and supported.”

Each SACNAS chapter develops programming on its respective campus focused on networking, professional development, scientific engagement, and community service. As part of its mission, SACNAS supports this nationwide network largely through direct outreach and year-round contact with individual chapters. Every year SACNAS recognizes a handful of chapters at its National Diversity in STEM Conference that demonstrate outstanding achievements throughout the past twelve months. This recognition serves as a platform to share best practices across the entire network of SACNAS chapters.

“Our chapters are a critical source of community, professional development, and inspiration for college students across the country, creating a space for them to advance their education in STEM while honoring their culture, supporting one another, and creating True Diversity in STEM” said SACNAS Associate Director, Member Services Daniela Bernal. “We are excited to recognize The University of Vermont and The University of Vermont as leaders in this work.”

For nearly 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 positions of leadership within STEM. Today, the organization serves a growing community of over 20,000 supporters including 9,000+ members, and close to 130 student and professional chapters throughout the United States 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.