The Power of Belonging with Drs. Hemerda, Lewis, and Artenant

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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

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