Building a wisdom community through femtoring/mentoring: Latinx faculty and students at a Hispanic-serving institution

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose is to gain insight into the benefits of mentoring and using femtoring as an inclusive approach for minoritized and underrepresented students and faculty, who are often challenged in feeling welcomed, included and valued at higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative inquiry design, in which focus groups, interviews and participant testimonios were collected throughout spring and fall 2022. Testimonio and plática (dialogue) techniques were employed to allow participants to describe their journeys in college and as members of the femtoring/mentoring program.FindingsUndergraduate students as mentees/femtees enjoyed finding a place and space to develop meaningful and positive relationships with other students and Latinx faculty. Faculty and graduate students as femtors/mentors perceived their relationships with students as enriching and energizing, practicing values like transparency, honesty and care.Research limitations/implicationsThe study included participants of a specific mentoring program whose experiences and opinions might differ from others. Additionally, persons from other minority groups could experience inequities and unfair practices in college in different ways and find other forms of support.Practical implicationsHispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) must create programs that promote student–faculty community and collaboration. It is also critical to inform international faculty about Latinx students’ characteristics and needs. Training sessions for graduate students and faculty in leadership and mentoring at HSIs are equally significant in fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on mentoring practices to support Latinx students in their college journeys and prepare faculty of color for their mentoring and coaching roles. Femtoring and communities of wisdom concepts were applied to a specific femtoring/mentoring program.