THE ROOT AND HUE OF SCIENCE: BLACK FEMALE STEM PROFESSIONALS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY

Research shows that the United States of America is losing its competitive stance in the area of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) relative to other countries. One strategy that could solve this problem would be to diversify the field of STEM to include more women of color. The purpose of this narrative, qualitative research study was to explore the lived experiences of Black women with advanced/terminal degrees who are current STEM professionals in Palm Beach County.
Fourteen Black women participated in this study, which yielded four major findings that included early exposure to education’s value. importance of a strong sense of self/self-identity, challenges, and discrimination.
The hope is that these findings will provide local administrators and elected officials/decision-makers (e.g., the school district, higher education, and government agencies) with information that could advise future practices and policies to close the gap of under-represented Black women in STEM industries.