About the Program

PLI is a three-part workshop; Wednesday is dedicated to developing participant leadership competencies and skills, Thursday through Friday participants will have opportunities to practice their leadership at the SACNAS Annual Conference, and Saturday will be dedicated to finalizing a leadership action plan. PLI is for postdocs looking to develop their ability to bring their whole selves – including their culture – to their leadership practice. Participants will access a customized curriculum, mentoring opportunities, and both leadership attributes and practical skills training focused on team leadership, discernment, identity, and cultivating community. Participants will end the conference having gained essential leadership competencies and skills and be a part of a strong and diverse network of fellow STEM leaders for year-round support.

Accepted participants will be equipped with:  

• Leadership competencies (knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes)

• Discernment – Ability to know yourself and navigate any space, from your research to your relationships with colleagues and potential employers

• Identity as a strength – you bring insight others may not have

• Skills to set values-based priorities  

• Skills to lead teams in a culturally responsive manner

• A network of fellow diverse STEM leaders for year-round support.

Program Details

Program Dates & Location:  October 29 – October 31, 2026.

PLI is a pre-conference event held during the SACNAS Annual Conference in Long Beach, CA, October 29 – October 31, 2026.

Eligibility:

• Must be a postdoc having begun the position no later than April 2026 [i.e., have been a postdoc for at least six (6) months or more].

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (subject to funding requirements).

Program Investment: Up to $750

• Participants must work with their company/institution to support up to a $750 cost share. If institutional funding cannot be secured, SACNAS will fully support the participation of accepted candidates.

Questions? Contact Programs Director, Elizabeth Aguilera, PhD