Hispanic Career Forum: Mathematics

The second Hispanic STEM Career Forum was held on Wednesday September 21, 2011 at the Campus Vista Conference Room with approximately a dozen STEM students in attendance.  Three mathematics professionals addressed the students with messages of encouragement and a call to self-determination.

Crispin Zamudio is the director of e-Institute Charter Schools where he supervises six charter schools.  He traced his personal drive to succeed back to his days as a “campesino” (farm worker) at the age of four until his teenage years, along with his family.  He explained that the harsh conditions and the difficulties associated with this life motivate young Hispanics to aim higher and to be successful professionals.  He described his years in high school when he participated in the Joaquin Bustoz Math and Science Honors Program (MSHP) and how this was pivotal in his going on to study math at Arizona State University.  Mr. Zamudio said that it was through individuals who believed in him like Dr. Bustoz (who became his mentor) and his elementary teachers, who encouraged him to pursue a math career, that he completed his math degree.

The second presenter, Cinday Barragan, MSHP Senior Coordinator and math faculty at South Mountain Community College, shared her experience of navigating to and through college and her beginnings with MSHP also.  She noted that Mr. Zamudio was her counselor and that she, in turn, was the counselor for Laura Torres (who is the organizer of the Forum and also the Title V Interim Math and Science Specialist who oversees the STEM Scholars program) when Laura participated in MSHP.  Ms. Barragan echoed Mr. Zamudio’s sentiments and stressed the importance of support networks.  “Collaborate to graduate” and get connected with programs that will support your professional goals.  Ms. Barragan also recounted earlier experiences in which “well-meaning” instructors tried to dissuade her from pursuing her goals to study astronomy.  Ultimately, through a NASA internship, she determined for herself to shift from astronomy to mathematics.  Ms. Barragan conveyed to attendees that they, themselves, ought to decide their own future and not to allow anyone to dictate to them what they can or cannot do.

The third guest presenter was Cleopatria Martinez, math faculty at Phoenix College.  Ms. Martinez shared a few sections of her life story, which is depicted in the book she wrote along with nine other Ph.D.-level Chicana professionals.   She described how, throughout her schooling, she noticed much of the cultural differences but did not let them become a barrier in her success.  She said that she is very proud of her culture and she encouraged attendees to not let anybody put them down and to strive to do their best work.

Mr. Zamudio advised the attendees (as he does his students) to network “because it is not what you know, but who you know.”  He added, “if by the end of the forum you have not obtained a business card from me, you are at a disadvantage [because you are one person short from reaching your goal].”  Naturally, he distributed his business card to the students attending.  The aim of the Hispanic STEM Career Forum series is to provide students the opportunity to meet and network with inspiring Hispanic professionals.  Two more forums will continue in October 2011.