The Intersection of Science and Social Justice: A Former Astrophysicist on Finding Community

Get "Liberate Your Business" by Becky Mollenkamp https://liberateyourbusiness.com/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 EpisodeThe intersection of science and social justice and why it mattersBreaking barriers in STEM as a Latina and the reality of DEI in scienceHow trauma shapes leadership and overcoming perfectionism as a leaderWhy asking for help is radical and the importance of community in businessThe truth about pre-compliance in activism and how fear is used for controlResisting capitalist norms in business and why science needs diversityThe role of marginalized communities in driving innovationResources MentionedMovement Consulting with Dra. Nicole Cabrera-SalazarDra. Nicole Cabrera-Salazar on Instagram“Don’t Believe Him” by Ezra Klein“On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder