Holmes Scholars Mayra Marquez-Mendez, Ph.D., and Anel Rojas (Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education) presented their work titled, "Unveiling the Labyrinth: Lived Experiences and Mentorship Needs of Latina Doctoral Students" at the 2025 Annual American Educational Research Association (AERA) conference.

Their research explores the unique challenges and mentorship needs of Latina doctoral students, an underrepresented group in higher education. Despite being the fastest-growing demographic, Latinas face barriers like financial constraints, family obligations, and navigating academia as first-generation students. Using pláticas methodology and grounded in Yosso's Community Cultural Wealth model, the study captures the narratives of Latina doctoral students at a large urban public university.

Dr. Mayra Marquez-Mendez brings her expertise in mentorship dynamics, support-seeking behaviors, and motivation in academic contexts to this research. Her work examines how targeted mentorship initiatives can create transformative educational experiences for culturally and linguistically diverse students, focusing on how authentic relationships between mentors and mentees promote knowledge development and networking opportunities.

Anel Rojas contributes her knowledge of community cultural wealth (CCW) frameworks and pláticas methodologies to the project. Her research focuses on how educational institutions can better leverage students’ cultural backgrounds as assets rather than barriers, emphasizing culturally centered approaches that honor students’ lived experiences.

Their findings highlight the critical role of social and navigational capital, with peer networks and supportive mentorship being vital for success. This research underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve mentorship and support systems, enhancing the doctoral journey for Latina students.

For more information on the Holmes Scholars Program, please visit its webpage.