Traveling from California to the unfamiliar streets of Washington DC, my heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I was set to embark on a unique experience representing the Association of Women in STEM (AWIS) at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (AAAS CASE) Workshop and AWIS Advocacy Day. Little did I know that this journey would not only shape my understanding of science policy but also reaffirm my commitment to advancing STEM fields.
The evening of April 6 marked the beginning of our intensive workshop. Over the next two days, we heard from expert speakers who shared insights on effective communication strategies, the nuances of the legislative process, and the art of crafting compelling narratives. Each session peeled back layers of complexity, revealing the impact that scientists can have on shaping public policy. As a black woman in STEM, I felt a growing sense of responsibility to amplify not only my voice but also the voices of countless others who have been historically underrepresented in our field.
The culmination of our workshop experience came on April 9, 2025, AWIS Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. Feeling a mix of nerves and determination, I made my way to the office of Senator Adam Schiff from California, supported by the AWIS CEO, Meredith Gibson, and fellow AWIS member, Dr. Eleni Bachlava, PhD. As I sat across from his staffer, I realized that this was my moment to make a difference.
Drawing a deep breath, I began to share my story. I spoke of the challenges I faced as a Black woman pursuing a career in STEM, the doors that seemed perpetually closed, and the dreams that felt just out of reach. But then, I recounted how the NIH Diversity Supplement had changed everything. This crucial funding support had opened doors, allowing me to join my dream lab. NIH-funded research supports numerous vital fields, all aimed at creating positive real-world impact. In my specific area of reproductive endocrinology, NIH funding not only supports my lab but also other primary investigators, collectively seeking answers to daunting questions.
As I articulated the urgent need for continued support of NIH-funded research and supplemental programs, I hoped my personal narrative would transform abstract budget numbers into a tangible story of impact and potential. In that moment, I felt the weight of responsibility not just for my own journey, but for all the aspiring scientists who deserved the same opportunity to pursue their passions.
Leaving Capitol Hill that day, I was filled with a profound sense of empowerment. The AAAS CASE Workshop and AWIS Advocacy Day had not only equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge but had also reinforced the importance of diverse voices in shaping science policy. As I reflected on this experience, I realized that my journey was far from over – it was just beginning.
This transformative experience has added crucial knowledge to advocate for STEM policies and inspire others to raise their voices. As I look to the future, I am filled with hope and determination, knowing that every step forward brings us closer to a more equitable and innovative scientific landscape.
As a third-year PhD candidate at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), Kiara Dominique Wiggins’ research focuses on the gut microbiome’s influence on reproductive health and Type 2 diabetes, conditions that disproportionately affect minority communities. Being the first in her family to pursue an advanced degree, she sees her work as honoring past sacrifices while creating opportunities and serving as a role model for future generations of diverse scientists. Beyond the lab, she advocates for STEM through policy engagement. As an AWIS/AAAS Advocacy Scholar and a National Science Policy Network Leader, she works in collaboration with others to bridge the gap between science and policy. Kiara is the co-founder and Vice President of Scientists of Color and Ally Leadership (SoCAL) at UCI, creating inclusive environments for underrepresented scientists. Her long-term career goal is to become a professor at an R1 institution, where she can conduct groundbreaking research and influence policy to address both scientific challenges and systemic barriers in STEM.