Fund iDigTRIO Biology Career Conference Honoraria

iDigTRIO Biology Career Conference Background:

The Mission of the iDigTRIO Biology Career Conference is to provide opportunities to explore careers and graduate programs in the biological sciences to first generation, limited income, and underrepresented students (Black, Latinx, Indigenous, other students of color, and students with disabilities). Through intentional programming and networking, we seek to support our future leaders in science and build a sense of community for their academic, personal, and professional journeys. As the name suggests, iDigTRIO is targeted to TRIO program students but all high school and undergraduate students are welcome.

 

iDigTRIO initially came from a collaboration among staff and students from the University of Florida Office of Academic Support, iDigBio, and the Florida Museum (cofounders are Dekendrick Murray, Molly Phillips, and Adania Flemming). This is a completely free event taking place the week of February 21st 2022, that includes career shadowing and mentoring, an opportunities fair on the University of Florida Campus, and a 3-day virtual conference. Find out more information at our website: https://www.idigtrio.org/

 

Black In Natural History Museums Background:

Black In Natural History Museums (BlackInNHMs) is a community developed to harness the power of the collective. We help individuals find mentors, mentees, and wellness while navigating through the sometimes harsh, isolating world of being Black in NHMs. We want to diversify our natural history museums. We want the voices, opinions, and stories of Black people to be heard, reflected, and respected in natural history museums. And we want you to help us make it happen. Find out more at our website: https://www.blackinnhms.org/

 

One of the initiatives we have partnered to create to work towards these goals is the iDigTRIO Conference – in fact both projects share Adania Flemming as a founder!

 

Currently, the Black in Natural History Museums group is fundraising to support the iDigTRIO Biology Career Conference.

 

As part of our mission to diversify the stories told in science and showcase the vast number of career options within natural history museums and related fields, we are fundraising to help support the iDigTRIO Biology Career Conference. BlackInNHMs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so donations will be tax deductible.

 

What will the funds be used for?

These funds will be used to provide honoraria for our conference speakers. We believe that if we want to make progress in creating more diverse, inclusive, and equitable (DEI) spaces in science we need to elevate the people that offer knowledge, experience, and skills in these areas, as well as offset some of the negatives of working in DEI (emotional labor, and academic penalties) by compensating people for DEI labor.

 

Date of campaign:

December 16th - March 5th