In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown are joined by Dra. Nicole Cabrera-Salazar, a former astrophysicist turned social impact consultant, to discuss the challenges women of color face in STEM, the problem with DEI in science, and the complexities of leaving academia for activism. Dra. Cabrera-Salazar shares her experience as a Latina scientist navigating systemic barriers, her transition from astrophysics to social justice work, and why marginalized communities drive innovation.

The conversation explores perfectionism, self-sabotage as self-protection, and the radical act of asking for help in leadership. They also dive into how fear and confusion are used to control progress, why academia needs more diversity, and how resisting capitalist norms in business can lead to meaningful change.

Discussed in This Episode

• The intersection of science and social justice and why it matters
• Breaking barriers in STEM as a Latina and the reality of DEI in science
• How trauma shapes leadership and overcoming perfectionism as a leader
• Why asking for help is radical and the importance of community in business
• The truth about pre-compliance in activism and how fear is used for control
• Resisting capitalist norms in business and why science needs diversity
• The role of marginalized communities in driving innovation

Resources Mentioned

• Movement Consulting with Dra. Nicole Cabrera-Salazar
• Dra. Nicole Cabrera-Salazar on Instagram
• “Don’t Believe Him” by Ezra Klein
• “On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder