The pressure and power of being first, with Dr Leticia Márquez-Magaña

Dr. Leticia Marquez-Magaña, a trailblazer in the science community shares her inspiring journey from being the first in her family to attend college to becoming the first Latina faculty member in the Department of Biology at San Francisco State University. Dr. Marquez-Magaña discusses her transition from microbiology to research on health equities, her efforts to make biomedical research more inclusive, and the challenges and strategies she's encountered in advocating for diversity in science. We delve into her upbringing, family life, and the motivations behind her career shift. It highlights the importance of representation, mentorship, and resilience in facing systemic barriers within academia and beyond.

TIME CODE OF MAIN EVENTS:

02:00 Leti's Childhood: Navigating Challenges and Discovering Science

04:47 Overcoming Adversity: Leti's Journey Through Academia

06:41 The Power of Data and Resilience Against Bias

07:35 Navigating the Academic World: Strategies and Insights

18:57 The Impact of Family and Cultural Identity on Leti's Career

20:21 The Importance of Diversity in Science and Leti's Legacy

22:37 Leti's Personal Strategies for Relaxation and Well-being

CREDITS: This episode is produced and edited by Maribel Quezada Smith. Sound Engineering by Keagan Stromberg. Production Coordinator, Marissa Alcantar. A Diferente Creative Production.