The proposed distinguished panel brings together the powerful voices of women of color who are transforming STEM education through stewardship, leadership, and advocacy. Anchored in the forthcoming book Partner and Leverage: Stories of Stewardship and Leadership from Women of Color in Engineering and Computing, the session explores strategic partnerships, mentorship models, and leadership practices that drive inclusive excellence in engineering and computing.

Throughout history, women of color leaders have spearheaded large-scale transformations in the makeup of STEM higher education (McGee et al., 2022; Nixon, 2017). However, existing scholarship fails to capture the change efforts produced by women of color in STEM higher education (Patton & Haynes, 2018). As a consequence, women of color’s change efforts are ignored, hindering STEM higher education and aspiring women of color leaders from accessing the knowledge and unique contributions of women of color change agents (Dotson, 2011; Patton & Haynes, 2018). The goal of this distinguished lecture is to bridge this gap by bringing together women of color professionals who have led change efforts in engineering and computing education. Panelists will share personal narratives from academia and industry, highlighting themes such as authentic leadership, navigating systemic barriers, and building supportive networks. These stories offer actionable insights for cultivating inclusive environments, expanding access, and preparing the next generation of STEM leaders.

The featured authors represent the most underrepresented population of faculty and administrators in higher education, a wide range of engineering disciplines (including aerospace, biomedical, and computer engineering) along with additional expertise in education, humanities, and the sciences. Their collective achievements include roles as university presidents, deans, vice presidents, department heads, and leading researchers with extensive publications and funding success.

As demographics in higher education continue to change, diverse leadership is an imperative (Evans, Shonekan, and Adams, 2023). Active in national professional organizations, these leaders are committed to advancing equity through inclusive mentoring and institutional change. This session aligns with ASEE’s mission to promote diversity, equity, and excellence in engineering education. Join us for an inspiring conversation on how women of color are reshaping the future of STEM fields through visionary leadership and community-driven change.

Possible Questions
1. Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that illustrates the importance of collaborative stewardship among women of color in STEM?
2. How have your experiences shaped your understanding of the concept of ‘Onlyness’ and what it means for leadership?
3. What strategies have you found effective in leveraging support systems, such as mentors and allies, to advance your career?
4. In what ways can institutions improve the environment for women of color in engineering and computing?
5. How do you define success in your leadership journey, and what principles guide you in that pursuit?
6. In the context of today’s challenges in access and equity in STEM, what advice would you offer to aspiring women of color leaders?
7. Can you discuss an example of how you’ve had to navigate the "double bind" in your professional journey?
8. What impact do you believe storytelling has in fostering solidarity and resilience within underrepresented communities in STEM?
9. How do you envision the future of STEM fields for women of color, and what role do you see ourselves playing in shaping that future?

Possible Panelists
Those with ** are ASEE Fellows and many of the other authors regularly attend ASEE. At this point and time, no author has been invited.

Stephanie G. Adams**– University of Texas at Dallas
Dean of the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and Lars Magnus Ericsson Chair
An accomplished scholar and educator, Dr. Adams serves as a catalyst for change in engineering education. Her research emphasizes student engagement and the importance of diversity within academic environments.

Stephanie Y. Evans – Georgia State University
Professor of Black Women's Studies (Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies & African American Studies); Former Director, the Institute for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
In her research, Dr. Evans centers Black women’s intellectual history, mental health, and wellness, and she is a prolific author and editor of works exploring memoir, social justice, and empowerment education.

Christy L. Pichichero – George Mason University
Associate Professor of History, French, and African and African American Studies; Director of Faculty Diversity Diversity in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
A public intellectual and award-winning scholar, Pichichero combines her expertise in research with her dedication to fostering supportive communities for underrepresented groups. Her interdisciplinary work explores race, empire, war, and the African diaspora through the lens of early modern French history, critical theory, and inclusive pedagogy.

Shirley Malcom – American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Senior Advisor and Director of the SEA Change Initiative
As a prominent figure in STEM education, Dr. Malcom has championed diversity in STEM, co-authored the landmark report The Double Bind, and served on influential boards including the National Science Board and President Clinton’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Evelynn Hammonds – Harvard University
Barbara Gutmann Rosenkrantz Professor of the History of Science and Professor of African and African American Studies
Dr. Hammonds is a trailblazing scholar and former Dean of Harvard College, her interdisciplinary research explores the intersections of race, gender, science, and medicine, with a focus on the history of health disparities and African American women's experiences in STEM.

Monica F. Cox** – The Ohio State University
Distinguished Professor of Engineering in the Department of Engineering
Dr. Cox is a trailblazer in STEM and founder of STEMinent LLC and the Stop Playing Diversity brand, her research employs mixed methods to examine faculty experiences, institutional culture, and student development across the engineering continuum. She focuses on developing rigorous assessment tools to promote inclusive excellence in STEM.

Whitney Gaskins – University of Cincinnati
Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, College of Engineering and Applied Science
A dynamic leader in education and organizational development, Whitney Gaskins focuses on empowering diverse voices in engineering through advocacy and transformative practices. Her efforts are aimed at creating pathways for future generations.

Pamela Holland Obiomon – Prairie View A&M University
Dean of the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering
Dr. Obiomon is an accomplished engineering educator known for her commitment to diversity and inclusive pedagogy. She actively engages in mentorship practices that uplift women and minorities in engineering.

Maria Mayorga – North Carolina State University
Goodnight Distinguished Chair in Operations Research and Director of the Operations Research Program
Dr. Mayorga’s interdisciplinary research focuses on predictive health models and optimizing resource allocation in healthcare and emergency response systems using advanced analytical methods.

Bevlee Watford** – Virginia Tech
Retired Associate Dean for Equity and Engagement and Professor of Engineering Education, National Science Board
An esteemed leader in engineering education, Dr. Watford champions diversity and is known for her work in outreach programs that encourage underrepresented minorities to pursue STEM careers. Her leadership promotes inclusive excellence.

Christine S. Grant** – North Carolina State University
Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Former Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement
Dr. Grant is recognized for her contributions to diversity initiatives in academia and her research in surface and interfacial science informs applications in electronic materials and biomedical systems.

Yvette E. Pearson** – University of Texas at Dallas
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Associate Dean for Effectiveness and Accountability, Jonsson School of Engineering & Computer Science
As a prominent scholar and administrator, Dr. Pearson is an internationally recognized leader in engineering education and inclusive excellence. Her work focuses on sustainability, accessibility, and opportunity in STEM and supports initiatives that advance equitable outcomes in engineering education and practice.

Sharnnia Artis – George Mason University
Vice President for Access, Compliance, and Community
Dr. Artis is dedicated to advancing access and equity in engineering and computing through research, program development, and institutional transformation.

Araceli Martinez Ortiz – University of Texas at San Antonio
Microsoft President’s Endowed Professor and Professor of Engineering Education
A passionate educator, Martinez Ortiz directs graduate programs and the PREP initiative. Her research centers on culturally responsive STEM education and K–12 engineering interventions that expand access and engagement for underserved communities.

Lesia Crumpton-Young – Former President of Texas Southern University (2021–2023); current President & CEO of Greatness Gurus Corporation
Dr. Young has held leadership roles at multiple institutions and received national recognition for mentoring and advancing diversity in STEM and a specialist in industrial engineering and human factors.

Felecia Nave – Former President of Alcorn State University (2019–2023);
President & CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation. As a dedicated advocate for diversity in engineering, Dr. Nave emphasizes creating inclusive environments and mentorship opportunities. Via her leadership roles
she advanced academic program development, faculty success, and STEM education initiatives, earning national recognition for her contributions to diversity and institutional transformation.

Sylvia Wilson Thomas – University of South Florida
Professor, Electrical Engineering and former Vice President for Research & Innovation and President & CEO of the USF Research Foundation

Dr. Wilson Thomas leads the Advanced Membrane and Materials Bio and Integration Research (AMBIR) lab. Her research focuses on bio and nanoelectronic device integration using advanced membrane and material systems, with applications in healthcare, energy, and sustainable technologies. Her passion for advocacy drives her efforts to promote equity and inclusion in academic spaces and building networks that support women of color in STEM.

Renetta Tull – University of California, Davis
Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A leader in STEM education, Dr. Tull works on initiatives that empower underrepresented students in STEM through culturally responsive mentoring, graduate education initiatives, and international advocacy for equity in science and engineering.

Fay Cobb Payton – Rutgers University–Newark
Executive Director of the Institute for Data, Research and Innovation Science (IDRIS) and Special Advisor to the Chancellor for Inclusive Innovation

Dr. Payton is a nationally recognized expert in AI ethics, health IT, tech inclusion and intersectionality. She champions initiatives that advocate for equitable access to STEM opportunities for all students.

Note: We highly anticipate the new book out by this time and this could also serve as a book launch and signing.

Citations
Dotson, K. (2011). Tracking epistemic violence, tracking practices of silencing. Hypatia, 26(2), 236-257.

Evans, S., Shonekan S., and Adams, S. (2023). Dear Department Chair: Letters from Black women leaders to the next generation. Detroit, MI: Wayne State University Press.

McGee, E. O., Jett, C. C., & White, D. T. (2022). Factors contributing to Black engineering and computing faculty’s pathways toward university administration and leadership. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 15(5), 643.

Nixon, M. L. (2017). Experiences of women of color university chief diversity officers. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 10(4), 301.

Patton, L. D., & Haynes, C. (2018). Hidden in plain sight: The Black women's blueprint for institutional transformation in higher education. Teachers College Record, 120(14), 1-18.