Dr. Shirley Leyro, Criminal Justice Professor at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY), has been awarded $284,940 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to establish the Latina/O/X Researchers Support Network (LRSN). This one-year grant will support research and planning to create a nationwide community of Latina/o/x researchers committed to advancing health equity through interdisciplinary and innovative methodologies.
In collaboration with Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Anthony Peguero from Arizona State University, the LRSN will build a professional and emotional support network for Latina/o/x scholars. The project follows the legacy of the former Latina Researchers Network, aiming to foster research that addresses the health challenges faced by the Latina/o/x population, which is projected to double by 2050.
This RWJF grant is BMCC’s first in nearly a decade, marking a significant achievement. The LRSN will focus on the social drivers of health, including the impact of race and racism on U.S. Latina/o/x communities, while offering critical support to researchers at various stages of their careers.
Dr. Leyro emphasizes the importance of this network in reducing the isolation many Latina/o/x scholars face in academia. The LRSN will provide opportunities for networking, regional and national meet-ups, and crucial emotional support for scholars working in environments where they may be underrepresented.
RWJF Program Officer Dr. Isabel Cuervo expressed her excitement, stating that this initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to dismantle structural inequities in health and well-being. Dr. Cuervo praised the network’s potential to transform health outcomes for the Latina/o/x population.
Dr. Shirley Leyro, Criminal Justice Professor, Receives Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant to Support Latina/O/X Researchers Network
Follow Me
Shirley P. Leyro, Ph.D.
Professor Shirley Leyro