Lola Rodríguez Vargas, PhD, Project Director for the Women of Color in Engineering Collaborative (WCEC)

Through this role, Lola leads the implementation of the WCEC’s work, including stakeholder engagement, communications, and data collection and analysis. Her work supports the WCEC’s vision for women of color to feel a sense of belonging and to be fully included in engineering; for them to thrive and be valued as their authentic selves, empowering them to fully use their strengths to lead in positions of influence, innovate in their field, and mentor and champion others.

As a Boricua scientist from Jayuya, Puerto Rico, her career has centered on engaging culturally responsive and sustaining practices to inform systems to advance the interests of historically excluded groups.

Dra. Rodríguez Vargas earned her bachelor’s degree in Industrial Microbiology, and a master's in Biology with a focus on Microbial Ecology, both from the University of Puerto Rico- Mayagüez campus. Her Ph.D. in Higher Education focused on diversity and social justice.