To Be the Change We Wish to See: A Commentary by Holly Jiogo
Author: Emily Nguyen
It’s February, which marks the start of Black History Month! This month, we will celebrate the achievements of Black Canadians in STEM fields and hear their insights.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Holly Jiogo, a 2nd year life sciences student double majoring in Fundamental Genetics and its Applications, and Cell and Molecular Biology. After discovering the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in her first year at the University of Toronto (U of T) clubs fair, Holly has since joined the organization as their Assistant Treasurer.
This NSBE is an international organization with many university chapters that seeks to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who succeed both academically and professionally. The NSBE U of T chapter’s main goal is to create a space where students identifying as minorities or as Holly defines, “people who don’t often see others that look like them,” can feel supported and loved. Additionally, the NSBE holds academic, professional and social events to not only make sure that underrepresented students get a chance to excel in their fields, but also to ensure that their university experience is enjoyable.
Similar to the NSBE, Women in Science and Engineering aims to empower minorities, specifically women, to pursue STEM fields. I asked Holly how she thinks we can encourage these groups to consider higher education in these fields which currently lack diversity. She highlighted some barriers that are in place for certain ethnic groups and provided some suggestions for mitigating these obstacles.
“When it comes to STEM, I think something to remember is that your future success is arguably highly dependent on the connections you make, and the career-related experiences you’re able to have. I think that as a young student still figuring out their career path, it’s discouraging to know that pursuing a career in STEM means a future full of racial discrimination. This is often present in the hiring process, or even just in the evaluation of one’s potential worth. These factors have the potential to hinder one’s growth. Certain groups are visibly underrepresented in STEM fields. For instance, the chances of having a black supervisor is lower than in most other fields. However, other academic fields also experience this level of misrepresentation. I think the most impactful thing we can do is to remind the current generation of students that changing the consistent underrepresentation is up to us. If we want the next generation of black students to succeed in STEM, then we, as minority students currently in STEM, need to work hard, and become the next generation of professors, researchers and leaders. We will ultimately serve as their mentors and guide them through the struggles they are bound to face, without any bias or judgement.”
When asked about a pivotal figure she looks up to, Holly emphasizes that her mother who she “cannot imagine a life without,” is her number one role model. She raised Holly and her brother by herself for the most part, while pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing, making her the first in her family to finish post-secondary education. Holly states that her mother “has been such a huge inspiration throughout [her] academic career, and is the biggest example of the power of hard work and resilience.” The most important lesson she has learned is to never let other people’s actions define her intelligence, potential, or sense of self-worth.
Holly’s powerful words serve as inspiration, motivating our generation of STEM students to continue striving towards their goals. If we do not wish to perpetuate the endless cycle of underrepresentation, we must realize our full potential as leaders, mentors, and learners.
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