Dear NRMN,
It has been an honor to serve this truly amazing community for nearly 4 years. As this project has evolved, there are countless moments of strength, challenge, innovativeness, talent, and perseverance. As I depart to embrace change in this next phase of my professional career, I challenge you with these questions.
Mentors; what does it mean to mentor the next generation of future scientists? What did you need as you navigated your scholastic journey? What resources where available to you then, as compared to now? How can you be a foster of change?
Mentees; what support are you looking to receive as you pursue your scholastic journey or professional path? What guidance or questions would you ask for if you had the power to connect with leaders in this community?
How has culture impacted the way we collaborate and innovate? How can we improve and continue the work that is needed so badly? There are countless questions that arise within next steps of navigating a path of fighting for diversity and representation in a system that was not designed to be so welcoming to people of color. The GINTHER Report detailed the systematic racially discriminatory structure that has been the societal norm for years within grant funding mechanisms, and the higher educational system overall. This concept is now being challenged with the National Research Mentoring Network- (NRMN). The mission of NRMN is to diversify the biomedical, research, and STEM fields. There is never a day when the work will end, as we each need to take an active role in implementing steps to systematic change.
The power of a diverse community not only sprouts innovative perspective, but it also inspires new and contemporary ways of thinking; ultimately shifting the paradigm to be more representative of our population, and not only those who receive the societal upper hand. The potential of diverse thought is infinite. The National Research Mentoring Network has over 15,000 members nationwide that sign up with this dedication in mind. There have been countless resources developed by leaders of diverse thought through NRMN. Our most recent program that launched this past week is more relevant now than ever, and is available in a virtual, self-paced guided format. The NRMN Unconscious Bias Course consists of 5 online modules designed to help you intake perspective. Not only your perspective; but opening your mind to diverse thought, and those who represent them.
I challenge you to dedicate a few moments of your time, filling out your profile and connecting, so that others in need of perspective may converse, learn from you, and each other to grow the next generation of future scientists.
Sincerely,
NRMN Digital Communication Strategist
NRMN Career Development Webinar Manager
NRMN Newsletter Editor in Chief
#NRMNmentoringMatters
If you have additional questions on navigating the network, or would like a personal demo, please contact info@nrmnet.net. The amazing team is ready to collaborate and support to foster positive change.
Magical NRMN moments
