When Kim Kennedy-White, senior acquisitions editor, ABC-CLIO/Greenwood
contacted us in early 2014 to write The Latino Student’s Guide for STEM Careers,
we were both expecting and experiencing significant career changes. Knowing how
important and valuable this book could be for Latinx students and families, espe-
cially from first-generation and low-income backgrounds, who were exploring col-
lege and STEM disciplines, we were unsure if we would be able to dedicate the
necessary time and caring effort needed to bring this idea to life and hesitated to
commit to writing this book. Kim was relentless and persuasive. In the midst of
Laura’s impending retirement from the University of Texas at San Antonio’s fac-
ulty, and Vijay’s exciting new beginnings as an assistant professor at the Univer-
sity of Vermont, we accepted the invitation to write this book. We immediately
commenced the work of putting together this important resource for Latinx high
school and college students. As the book project progressed, we experienced unex-
pected twists and turns. However, one thing remained constant: Kim’s unwavering
and unconditional support to us. She emailed us weekly and made periodic phone
calls to check in with us about the progress we were making on the book. She sup-
ported us with designing the book cover, managing author contracts, coordinated
production schedule, and sent gentle reminders when we missed deadlines. Through-
out this process, our common belief that this book was invaluable and a much-
needed resource for Latinx students aspiring to enter STEM careers guided our
dedication to complete this book. We appreciate you and your commitment to our
work and this book, Kim!
Our own life experiences guided us in writing this book. A first-generation Latina
from a low-income background, Laura has championed issues of access and suc-
cess for first-generation students from low-income background, especially Latinx
students. A generation 1.5 immigrant, Vijay is passionate about the educational
Acknowledgments
