About the Author & Book
“I wrote First STEM Scholars: 8 Keys to Excel & Advance in Your Pre-Career Milestones out of a deep desire to share the guidance I wish I had when I was a young person navigating college and career decisions.
In 2021, I began serving as a STEM Transfer Counselor at Evergreen Valley College while teaching career development and college success courses for the counseling department. The following year, I became the primary counselor for the Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Program at Mission College, and in 2023, I expanded this role to Foothill College’s MESA Program.
Early in my counseling career, I saw firsthand the lack of representation in the STEM workforce and the challenges first-generation, low-income students faced in reaching their early career milestones. I searched for literature that could help me guide first-generation Latino STEM students, but I found very little and none that reflected the realities my students were experiencing. This gap inspired me to create a resource that empowers future doctors, engineers, scientists, and researchers not only to enter their fields, but to excel in them.
Throughout this book, I share eight key strategies to help students jumpstart and accelerate their STEM careers. These strategies offer practical tools, insider knowledge, and actionable steps for preparing, advancing, and thriving in STEM professions. Along the way, I weave in my own experiences as a first-generation student and professional, offering both personal insight and proven career guidance.
My mission is to guide students to not only believe they belong in STEM, but also to equip them with proven strategies that foster their growth as both scholars and emerging professionals. I want them to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel and lead in the STEM workforce. This book was written to help increase representation, empowering people from diverse backgrounds to claim their place and make an impact in STEM careers. Above all, I hope to inspire students, especially those from first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented communities, to pursue their dreams with confidence, courage, and a clear path toward success.”
-Paty Villegas
The Mission
To foster personal growth and career readiness through career development programs Our goal is to equip participants with the resources, skills, and confidence needed to achieve success in their academic journey and future careers in STEM.
The Vision
Empowering high school and college students from disadvantaged backgrounds to turn their potential into career success.
Who Do We Serve?
Our programs help youth and college students explore careers, achieve key planning milestones, and prepare for success, especially in STEM fields.
DEIDI A. SANCHEZ
CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER
UNITED WE LEAD FOUNDATION
Paty Villegas led a series of career readiness workshops for dozens of underserved/first-generation high school students across the Central Valley and Northern California in partnership with United We Lead Foundation. She is a great role model, motivational speaker, and career readiness consultant. Her curriculu,m “Career with Purpose'' helped our aspiring young professionals identify their values, skills, and natural talents to pursue their career endeavors. Paty certainly contributed to the success of our distance learning summer programming.``
MARTIN MARES, CEO
THE IVY LEAGUE PROJECT
Paty was an inspiring speaker and great role model for the Ivy League Project first-generation students. Her passion is transparent and her ability to resonate with students was amazing to witness. She empowered and equipped our students with the tools and knowledge to succeed in college and in their careers. Paty’s optimistic personality is a plus for a fantastic speech and workshops!”
LEENA MENDOZA M.S
FOUNDER OF INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP
I highly recommend Patricia Villegas, MSW, as thought-leader, motivational speaker, and career consultant. She has the ability to lead a team with confidence and competence. She has a natural gift to guide others by identifying their strengths and skills. Her training modules on career development and career transition are people oriented and growth centered. She is the person to hire to consult your organization on learning and development, career advancement, and leadership coaching.
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