Every Drop Counts: How we can all contribute to efforts towards DEI in our research communities

Contributing in DEI initiatives in-person or remotely can be a satisfactory endeavor and make a difference in the lives of young students, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities. During my career as an engineer and researcher, I have participated in multiple initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion both as a mentee and a mentor. As a Puerto Rican from a small-town community, I have been the target audience for these initiatives while also trying to be involved as a mentor. Participating in many programs while while also not compromising my research work which as a graduate student was at times difficult to balance, which is also true for other researchers and faculty. For this presentation, I will showcase the initiatives I have been a part of both as a mentee and a mentor and highlight the effects these kinds of programs can have through my lived experience. Most importantly, I want to drive the message that everyone can get involved in their own communities (in-person or online) in initiatives that may exist, and that no effort is too small when it comes to impacting others, particularly from historically marginalized communities, through mentorship and getting involved in whichever way works best on an individual capacity.