To Be Seen and Heard:: The BIPOC Experience in STEM.

Abstract

Over the course of several decades, there has been an overall improvement in health outcomes and access to healthcare for Black Americans and yet, they still face major disparities relative to their White counterparts. From life expectancy to chronic disease burden to maternal mortality, the disparities that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) face are disturbing. However, such stark contrasts do not stop with healthcare and health outcomes. BIPOC are exceedingly underrepresented in most academic disciplines, most notably science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Unsurprisingly, disproportionate representation becomes more prominent among higher levels of leadership. As women of color who are engaged in public health and health outcomes research, we have firsthand knowledge of why representation matters, not only as researchers but as healthcare consumers as well. The issue of racial disparities in health outcomes and research is built upon an archaic foundation steeped in systemic racism. We all have a duty and responsibility to be a part of dismantling systemically unjust structures and policies, and rebuilding a new construct. As healthcare researchers and scientists, it is our duty to address systemic racism and subsequent impact on BIPOC communities. Furthermore, it is critical for us to engage in transparent conversations about implicit bias and representation at all levels of leadership.