Intersectionality in National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE Program

Abstract Drawing from their experience with the NSF ADVANCE program, the authors discuss the role of intersectionality theory in the ADVANCE program design and the operationalization of intersectional thinking in ADVANCE projects. The authors provide insights from the development of an institutional proposal in response to the NSF ADVANCE program’s requirement for an intersectional lens in all projects. They highlight how intersectional perspectives are particularly important for Latinas in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exposing often hidden inequities, building on their presentation at the 2021 NSF INCLUDES Advancing Latinas in STEM Academic Careers symposium. Since this interview was written, the context of this work has dramatically changed. After nearly 25 years, the NSF ADVANCE program was archived by NSF in 2025 and is no longer accepting proposals. In addition, the US Department of Justice declined to defend the unique status of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) in a court case against the US Department of Education (2025). However, the underlying research and logic of intersectionality theory and the need for systemic change to ensure everyone can pursue educational and career opportunities in STEM has not changed.