The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) returned to Saint Mary’s College this semester with a renewed mission to support women and minorities in STEM. On Thursday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the group welcomed students with their social event, “Conchas and Crafts,” featuring pan dulce, crafts and drinks in Science Hall 115.
The purpose of the event was to give students a chance to relax, build connections and learn about the mission of SACNAS. After a period of inactivity, SACNAS is reestablishing itself on campus.
Junior Ayline Arvizu, president of the SMC SACNAS chapter, explained the challenges of restarting the club.
“Last spring semester is when we finally started to come back together and do meetings and other activities,” Arvizu said. “It’s been a little difficult to get the club started back up, just because we are all juniors and none of us have ever really been on a board like this. So, we all have just kind of been figuring out on the way. Our advisor, Dr. Paetkau, has been a great help. He’s very supportive.”
Arvizu added that this is the first year that the group has operated with a fully verified student board.
The organization’s leadership hopes to create a space where women and minorities in STEM fields feel encouraged and supported, especially at a time when they feel underrepresentation remains a challenge. Outreach coordinator junior Yazmin Reyes highlighted the importance of connection outside the classroom.
“So we’re super excited to be outreaching, and getting more people involved and more hands-on,” Reyes said. “Some events that we plan on having are making a periodic table, decorating and talking about what it is to be a woman in STEM. I feel that community is something we really need to dive into, get out of our books for a little bit and just kind of enjoy each other’s presence.”
Junior Madison Weaver, treasurer of the organization, spoke about the group’s broader mission to uplift women of color in science.
“I want to use my privilege as a non-POC woman to help women who maybe don’t have as loud of a voice as I do,” Weaver said. “Being a woman is already hard as it is and being a minority on top of that, it just adds to the struggle. So I just want to help in any way I can and I love to see women of color in positions of power and just doing well in STEM.”
While the evening was centered on community building, it also provided students with a chance to unwind. Sophomore Ryan Stalker, who attended the event, said it was a welcome break.
“I like events like this, where there is a good fun craft where you get to come in, maybe get a little snack,” Stalker said. “It’s really relaxing after a long week.”
Leaders of the organization emphasized that this is just the beginning. They plan to host more events throughout the semester, including study groups, collaborative projects and outreach initiatives for cultural connection and academic support.
