GEOLATINAS MENTORING PROGRAM: THE PROCESS OF CREATING A SAFE SPACE TO GROW PROFESSIONALLY BY CO-LEADERSHIP

Navarro-Pérez D.; Rondón-Rivera D.; de Santa Anna M.B.; Morales C.; Arismendi G.G.; Yupa-Incalla P. · Advancing Latinas in STEM Academic Careers (2026) · DOI: 10.1108/978-1-80592-991-820261006

Resumen

GeoLatinas is a nonprofit organization based on members volunteering and Co-Leadership, which conduct initiatives to foster skills and knowledge trans- ference collectively. This chapter describes GeoLatinas mentoring program design and workflow, which is aimed at building a tailored mentoring program focused on Latinas in geoscience careers. The program design involved a lit- erature review, webinar organizations, surveys, and feedback from the GeoLatinas members, and shared experiences from our liaisons and advisers. GeoLatinas designed mentoring program is focused on younger genera- tions of Latinas in STEM disciplines, particularly in geosciences. The mentor- ing program is rooted in Latina sisterhood, which is focused on creating a safe place for Latinas to grow professionally. Also, peer mentoring accelerates lead- ership skills among members who undertake initiatives. Here, we discuss les- sons and challenges that mentors, mentees, and program coordinators overcame, which resulted in a successful mentoring experience in a formal program. We recognized the coordinators’ significant role, especially demands regarding volunteering and commitment. We strongly believe that our work- flow may aid other non-profit organizations for mentoring purposes.