Send us a text - your number will not show, so if you want a response include an email

In Episode #139 I chat about BELONGING  with Dr. Hemerda, Lewis, and Artenant

Highlights

• Defining Belonging: The operational definition, based on Allen et al. (2021), includes competencies, opportunities, motivations, and perceptions that foster connection and affiliation within ecosystems.
• Academic Belonging: Building a sense of connection with peers during the doctoral program, particularly through remote engagement during COVID, which fostered mentorship relationships.
• Unexpected Community: Dr. Lewis discovered a "tribe" of women in technology through her research, creating lasting professional and personal connections.
• Findings on Mentorship: Many underrepresented women in STEM lacked formal mentorship but succeeded through sponsors who recognized their work ethic, prompting them to pay it forward.
• "Shoes That Fit": Dr. Artenant shared a powerful metaphor for her journey—navigating life with "tight shoes" until research and mentorship gave her the confidence to find a better fit.
• Reflections in Early Experiences: Dr. Hemerda spoke about overcoming self-exclusion based on early experiences of feeling like she didn’t belong in male-dominated spaces.
• Importance of Vulnerability: All participants emphasized that vulnerability is key to fostering belonging, whether through self-reflection or creating psychologically safe spaces.
• Role of Mentorship: Mentors, whether formal or informal, were highlighted as critical in creating opportunities and fostering inclusion.
• Practical Tips: Suggestions for fostering belonging included simple actions like introducing yourself, showing empathy, and being considerate of others’ needs.
• Creating Safe Spaces: Dr. Hemerda emphasized the role of leaders and educators in building psychologically safe environments where people can take risks and connect authentically.

Hemerda, J., Lewis, J., Artenant, C. & Frederick, H (2024). The Power of Belonging for Career and Academic Progression. Podcast presented at the UAGC Teaching and Learning Conference. Virtual

SHOW ME SOME LOVE 

Donate with PayPal (Expand Your Happy!)

Donate with Venmo

Donate using a credit card 

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at: http://Expandyourhappy.com

Want to make my day? Rate, review, subscribe & share with someone you love.