How mentors can support LGBTQ+ students and help them succeed

Other, Roundtable, Sustaining a Team (Intermediate)

Presenter: Rae, Rainbow STEM Alliance

With more students identifying as LGBTQ+, mentors need to understand the unique challenges these students face and how they can support LGBTQ+ students who participate in FIRST and help them succeed. FIRST is committed to identifying opportunities, increasing awareness about them, and providing resources to address the unmet needs of LGBTQ+ youth. This panel discussion, led by the Rainbow Stem Alliance, hopes this session can help provide resources, answer questions, and connect mentors with the tools they need to support and affirm LGBTQ+ youth.

About Rae

Rae joined the FIRST community in 2008 as a student when they joined FRC #1255 “Blargerfish.” Later, in the 2012 season, they started volunteering in Texas. Rae is currently a Head Referee for FRC and FLL in Texas. Rae is a software engineering manager pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration specializing in Leadership and Management. As the President of the Board of Directors for the Rainbow Stem Alliance, Rae’s mission is to help the FIRST community become a safe space for all. Rae hopes to inspire the next generation of compassionate engineering leaders who understand that building great technology comes with great responsibility.