Support Women Innovators in STEM and Health-2026 STEM Award

Support the Next Science and Health Innovator — 2026 STEM Award

Help fund a $2,500 merit-based award for a Latina graduate student in science, health, or biotech innovation.

Why This Matters to Me

I’m a PhD-trained scientist with over 15 years of experience in translational pathology, assay development, and spatial biology. I’ve led labs and developed methods in histology, tissue-based assays, and multiplex imaging across academic institutions, biotech companies, and CROs. I’ve also validated advanced tools and AI-driven software used in pathology and image analysis.

Over the years, I’ve mentored students, research associates, and early-career scientists—many of whom went on to graduate programs, biotech roles, and research careers. That work has focused on building strong technical foundations and helping others gain real experience in fields that are often difficult to access without formal support.

Although I’ve lived in California for just a few years, I’ve come to see the Bay Area as a global biotech and innovation hub. At the same time, I’ve noticed how few Latina and Latino scientists are represented in leadership, innovation, and decision-making roles—especially in specialized areas like translational pathology and spatial biology.¹ (See below for sources.)

Some of these disciplines are expanding rapidly and reshaping how we understand disease. Others—like traditional pathology—are facing workforce shortages as experienced professionals retire. To keep pace with innovation and clinical application, we need more scientists equipped to drive discovery and build the tools that support patient care.

This award is one way to expand access—not by excluding anyone, but by supporting students who are ready to lead and may not yet have the resources or recognition to take the next step. While the focus is on Latina students in Northern California, the broader goal is to contribute to a scientific community reflecting the full range of talent shaping the future of science and medicine.

Your contribution supports that mission.

Fundraising Goal - $2,750

Note: The $2,750 goal includes a small buffer to help cover processing and administrative costs, ensuring that the full $2,500 scholarship can be awarded to the recipient.

Now Accepting Support for the 2026 Award Cycle

The 2025 STEM/Innovation (Pathway to Pathology) award was fully funded thanks to 38 generous donors. This next campaign will support a $2,500 merit-based scholarship for a Chicana or Latina graduate student in STEM, to be awarded during the 2026–2027 cycle in partnership with the Chicana/Latina Foundation.

The award will provide access to mentorship, technical skill-building, and leadership development through the CLF Leadership Institute. Applicants from a range of science and health-related disciplines are encouraged, including fields such as molecular biology, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, and related life sciences.

If no eligible graduate student applies, the award may be offered to a rising undergraduate with strong merit and leadership potential.

We’re currently seeking both individual donors and co-sponsors who share our vision for opportunity, innovation, and inclusive leadership in STEM.

With your help, we can equip future innovators with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to build careers that advance science and improve human health.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sources

1. Latino representation in life sciences workforce

Latinx individuals make up 18.5% of the U.S. population, but only around 8.4% of the life sciences workforce.¹ en.wikipedia.org +8 biospace.com +8 mcknightsseniorliving.com +8

2. Leadership diversity data

In biotech and biopharma, Hispanics/Latinos hold only about 3.8% of management roles and ~1.7% of C-suite or board level positions.² massbio.org

3. Industry management stats

Among biotech companies surveyed in Nature Biotechnology, Latinos/Hispanics held only ~4% of leadership roles and ~2% of board seats.³ time.com +15 nature.com +15 bls.gov +15