Holmes scholar and doctoral candidate Mayra Marquez-Mendez (Education) and Holmes scholar Anel Rojas (Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education) recently presented their research at the 2025 American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE). Their poster, "Voices of Resilience: Exploring the Mentorship Needs of Latina Doctoral Students,”  highlights the importance of mentorship and its impact on motivation for Latina doctoral students, who remain an underrepresented group in higher education.

Using pláticas methodology and Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth model, their research highlights how social and navigational capital - through peer networks and mentorship - are vital for academic success. Findings emphasize the need for targeted mentorship support that addresses financial barriers, family obligations, and first-generation challenges, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.