Latinas hold only 2% of STEM jobs. For many, cultural and social stigmas and even economic factors play a major role in the discouragement of pursuing a STEM related career.

Past generations of the Latin community have always viewed STEM related careers as more masculine. This factor drives Latinas away from doing careers that involve mathematics or science. These same conservative values have remained intact, and continue to assert the idea that, "men won't marry a girl who studies science."

Nativist movements can be dated back to the early 20th century with the introduction of the Know Nothing Party. By first objecting to the entrance of German and Irish immigrants and by creating the Chinese Exclusion Act, they were widely known for their intolerance of immigrants. Later, when Mexican immigrants began to cross the border, nativists also urged government officials to fix the problem, all meanwhile Mexicans were racially exploited and discriminated against.

Although this particularly doesn't pertain to the topic of Latinas in STEM, this movie showcases a mom, who illegally crosses the border in hopes of offering a better life for her son. This is one of the many struggles that a large percentage of the Latin community has had to face. From leaving family members, to risking their lives and later facing injustice and blatant racism.

Along with discrimination, most Latinas are considered first-generation students. First- generation students tend to lack resources simply due to the fact that their parents didn't attend college. Many of these students are also faced by the immense pressure to make their family proud. Feelings of guilt and being a burden are also oftentimes involved, creating a psychological challenge.

Initial disadvantages stem from the parents of Latin students. The fact that most Latin students have parents that never received a post secondary education explains why many of them don't support a college education for their children. They also have limited access to quality education, which oftentimes creates an underrepresentation in the STEM workforce. This underrepresentation further discourages other Latinas to pursue a STEM related degree, creating a never ending cycle.

Many women throughout history have been proponents of women rights, and active fighters of machismo. They've spoken out about the toxicity of Latin culture while simultaneously advocating for women's rights in education.

Famous playwright who wrote poetry, often challenging societal values. She also defended women's rights to educational access, and became known as the first published feminist of the New World.

Famous writer who wrote Las Medias Rojas, in which she discusses the harsh reality that many young women face on a day to day basis. She also showcases the limits culture places on women.

Famous writer who categorized herself as a raging feminist from an early age. She rejects the belief that women should be more like men to be seen as equals. Instead she believes that women whom are educated and work together, are so much stronger.

Efforts to increase and encourage Latinas to finish a STEM related degree have been part of an ongoing process for several years. The Latinas in Stem Foundation touches on subjects of family, culture, and economic backgrounds, and inspires young Latinas to not only pursue but also thrive in STEM careers.

Co Founder of the Latinas in Stem Foundation and focuses mostly on urban communities. As an MIT graduate, she tries to encourage Latinas with struggling socioeconomic backgrounds to seek a career in STEM.

As a first generation student, myself, and as a Biology major, it can definitely get difficult. Oftentimes, I experience Imposter syndrome, and feel that I don't belong. I can definitely see why Latinas get discouraged. Whenever, I get stressed and talk to my parents, they don't understand, and although they're supportive, they can't offer as much help as they would like. I feel overwhelmed most of the time, solely because I feel so much pressure from my family to do good.

Half of women working in a STEM related field have experienced some type of discrimination, while at work. Minority women are even more at risk and are oftentimes looked at as incompetent and therefore less hireable.

Oftentimes referred to as the "Next Albert Einstein." She is a theoretical physicist and a first generation Cuban American. She is an advocate for Let Girls Learn, which was a foundation launched by Michelle Obama, and basically focuses on helping women, who are oftentimes locked out by their community and culture, to attain a quality education.