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STEMpowerment Conversation Cards

Image by Patrick Tomasso

Glossary

Helpful Definitions - click on word

SLGBTQIA+ stands for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and additional identities.

2SLGBTQIA+

Accessibility refers to the design of products, services, environments, and experiences so that they can be used by all people, regardless of ability or disability. It ensures that everyone has equal access to opportunities, information, and resources.

Accessibility

Unfair inclination or prejudice against one person or group. Bias, in the context of science careers, refers to the unfair favoritism or prejudice that can influence decisions about hiring, promotion, or recognition, often disadvantageous to minorities and women in STEM. These biases – whether conscious or unconscious – can create systemic barriers that limit diversity and inclusion in scientific fields.

Bias

BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and people of colour. The term is used to highlight the unique experiences of racism and systemic inequality faced by Black and Indigenous communities, while also acknowledging the broader experiences of all people of colour.

BIPOC

Discrimination is the unfair or unjust treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, or other protected attributes. Treating someone unjustly, on the grounds of ethnicity, age, sex, disability, etc.

Discrimination

EDI stands for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (sometimes abbreviated as DEI - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). It refers to the practice of ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals while striving to eliminate barriers that have historically marginalized certain groups.

EDI

Imposter syndrome is when you doubt your own skills and successes. It is the internal experience of doubting one’s abilities or feeling like a fraud, despite evident success or competence. It is common among high-achieving individuals, especially in competitive fields like STEM, and can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and a fear of being “found out”.

Imposter
Syndrome

Inclusivity is providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who could be excluded or marginalized for belonging to minority groups. It is the practice of actively creating environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Inclusivity

Intersectionality defines a framework for understanding how various aspects of a person’s identity - such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and disability - intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege. It highlights how systems of inequality are interconnected and cannot be fully understood in isolation from one another.

Intersectionality

Marginalized refers to individuals or groups who are pushed to the edges of society, often facing limited access to resources, opportunities, and rights. This exclusion can result from factors like race, gender, socioeconomic status, or disability, leading to reduced social, economic, or political power.

Marginalized

Misogyny is the dislike, prejudice, or hatred directed specifically toward women. It often manifests as discrimination, belittling, or violence that reinforces gender inequality and undermines women’s rights and dignity.

Misogyny

Neurodivergent describes individuals whose brain functions differ from what is considered typical or “neurotypical,” often including conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. This concept recognizes and values diverse ways of thinking and processing information rather than viewing these differences as deficits.

Neurodivergent

Prejudice is a preconceived opinion or judgment about a person or group, often based on stereotypes rather than actual experience or facts. It can lead to unfair treatment and discrimination, limiting opportunities and fostering social divisions.

Prejudice

Pronouns are words used to refer to people in place of their names, such as "he," "she," or "they." Sharing and respecting a person’s pronouns is important for affirming their gender identity and promoting inclusive communication.

Pronouns

Protected attributes or protected characteristics refer to personal traits or identities that are universally safeguarded (https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) from discrimination under human rights or employment laws. These often include race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects such as marital status or national origin.

Protected
attributes

Self confidence is the belief in one’s own abilities, skills, qualities, and judgement. If enables individuals to face challenges with assurance and take risks without excessive fear of failure.

Self confidence

Self esteem is a person’s overall sense of their own worth or personal value. It reflects how much individuals appreciate and accept themselves, influencing their confidence, motivation, behaviour, and emotional well-being.

Self esteem

Self sabotage occurs when a person has thoughts or behaviors that hinder their own interest, development, success, or well-being. It often involves behaviours or thoughts that create obstacles, despite their desire to achieve positive outcomes.

Self sabotage

Undermines refers to actions or attitudes that weaken or diminish a person’s confidence, credibility, or achievements. This can happen through subtle biases, exclusion, or dismissive behaviour that negatively impact an individual’s success and opportunities.

Undermines

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