The meeting is the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the country

The Hawai‘i Convention Center is hosting 2019 SACNAS – The National Diversity in STEM Conference from Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 2019, the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the country.

SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science) is an inclusive organization that for more than 46 years has fostered the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans – from college students to professionals – in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM.

Climate change research and indigenous knowledge are featured tracks of this year’s National Diversity in STEM Conference with sessions led by scientists of color and indigenous scientists across an array of STEM disciplines with a special focus on the science of climate change on island communities. (Learn more about how SACNAS is working to make the 2019 conference as sustainable as possible.)

Speakers will include Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine; Dr. Pualani Kanakaʻole-Kanahele, University of Hawai’i and the Community College System, and Past President, Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation (EKF); Dr. Esteban Gonzalez Burchard, Professor, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF); Dr. Cliff Kapono, Creator and Innovator, Vissla, Ambassador, OluKai; Dr. Danielle N. Lee, Assistant Professor, Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, Network Blogger, Scientific American, Research Associate, Sokoine University of Agriculture (Morogoro, Tanzania); Dr. Pamela E. Harris, Assistant Professor, Williams College, and Dr. Karletta Chief (Diné), Associate Professor & Extension Specialist, University of Arizona.

The conference will also feature a Graduate School & Career Expo Hall, a Community College Day for Hawai‘i’s community college students, and multicultural celebrations including a Pow Pow, a Dia de Los Muertos community alter, and a short film festival.

“The SACNAS conference will bring over 4,000 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) college students and professionals to Hawai‘i for the first time in its forty-six year history.  As a scientific society that sits at the intersection of science and culture, we offer each attendee the opportunity to shape their own STEM story, inspired by their ancestors, mentors, and peers – nourished by diversity and fueled by a passion for discovery,” said SACNAS President Sonia Zárate.

The conference includes participation and exhibits by major sponsors such as the University of Hawai‘i, as well as involvement from leading local community leaders and researchers, among other organizations. With more than 4,000 attendees, the conference is expected to have a statewide economic impact of over $14 million.

“Hawai‘i is an ideal location to host this groundbreaking conference, with participation from numerous local organizers in STEM fields, as well as a multicultural community with a rich history of leadership in science and technology,” said Teri Orton, general manager, Hawai‘i Convention Center, managed by ASM Global. “We are pleased to welcome SACNAS – The National Diversity in STEM Conference to Hawai‘i for the first time in its 46-year history.”

Registration is available through 2019SACNAS.org. Attendees will have the opportunity to offset the carbon footprint of their travel through Jet-Set Offset by participating in a pledge to donate 1 cent per mile to organizations such as the nonprofit Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI), a Hawai‘i Convention Center partner that reforests native and endemic trees on Oahu and the Island of Hawai‘i.

About SACNAS
SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science) is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM. The organization serves 6,000+ members and has 115 student and professional chapters throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. SACNAS influences a larger STEM community of 20,000+ through outreach, advocacy, and production of The National Diversity in STEM Conference. For more, visit 2019SACNAS.org.

About the Hawai‘i Convention Center

“Where Business and Aloha Meet,” the 1.1 million-square-foot Hawai‘i Convention Center provides a spacious, modern and flexible meeting space in the heart of Honolulu – all with an award-winning team and renowned aloha spirit. Conveniently located between East and West, the Center is a global leader for a diverse array of meetings and events, just steps from 30,000 hotel rooms in iconic Waikiki. The Center is a state-owned facility opened in 1998, and is managed by ASM Global. For more, visit HawaiiConvention.com.

 

About ASM Global

ASM Global was formed from the merger of AEG Facilities and SMG in October 2019, creating a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries and more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues. To learn more about ASM Global and the exciting new ways we can serve you, visit ASMGlobal.com.

 

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