Online Session Locator

Session Description

Free ticketed event
Who’s in your corner? This interactive session introduces a research-informed Mentor Mapping activity designed to help students, faculty, staff, and professionals recognize, visualize, and strengthen their mentoring networks. Grounded in asset-based and belonging-centered frameworks, this session encourages participants to identify key individuals who serve as emotional supports, skill-builders (e.g., academic or career guidance), and role models both inside and outside of engineering. Participants will engage in a sequence of reflective and collaborative activities, including guided questions cards, a personalized mentor mapping exercise, and network growth planning, that illuminate the diverse forms of support individuals rely on throughout their educational and professional journeys. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how these relationships function as forms of social capital, expanding access to opportunities, resources, and guidance. Through small group discussions and scenario-based networking practice, participants will explore strategies to initiate, sustain, and diversity mentoring relationships. All attendees will leave with a personalized mentor map and actionable steps to broaden their networks of support, empowering them to more intentionally cultivate connections that foster persistence, inclusion, and belonging in engineering education. With the support of the Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI) of ASEE, this workshop is designed for students, faculty, staff, industry professionals, and anyone seeking to identify and grow their mentor networks.

Speakers

1. Rachelle Pedersen

   Texas Tech University

   Dr. Rachelle Pedersen is an Assistant Professor in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Engineering Education at Texas Tech University. She received her Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction, with a focus in Engineering & Science Education from Texas A&M University. Her research line focuses on broadening participation in STEM fields through motivation and social influence, particularly for women and historically underrepresented students. As a former engineer, STEM teacher, and deep believer in equity-driven education, she is passionate about fostering learning environments where all students can thrive and belong.

2. Dr. Olukemi Akintewe

   University of South Florida

   Dr. Akintewe is an Associate Professor of Instructor at the University of South Florida, where she received her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. She teaches biomedical engineering courses and her work focuses on increasing the retention of women in STEM fields. Currently, she is investigating the underlying factors that impact female attrition rate and assessment instruments that measure the progression of first-time in college (FTIC) and first-generation females at the USF College of Engineering. She is aiming to develop a three-tiered mentoring circle for female students in the first-year undergraduate engineering program that supports learning, inclusivity, and the preparedness needed for academic progression.