CATA PROVOCA 2026 mentoring program

We invite you to participate in a special mentoring series organized by CATA and NRAO’s PROVOCA initiative. Dedicated to the professional development of students and postdocs, this series will take place from August through October. Please note that the first two sessions will be held in Spanish and the third in English.

Session Schedule:

The following program is based on the work and lessons learned from the PROVOCA initiative. This series of three sessions is intended as a brief introduction to the basics of mentoring, complementing the knowledge and prior experience participants already have regarding STEM mentoring. We will collaboratively discuss various topics that often arise in the context of mentoring students and working with colleagues in the STEM field. In all sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to actively participate and practice different aspects of communication, the principles of mentoring, and mentoring tools.

About the speaker:

Sonia Duffau is a Ph.D. in Astronomy and a certified corporate coach and mentor. Sonia participates in numerous projects focused on creating a more diverse, collaborative, and locally engaged scientific community. She is in charge of outreach initiatives and mentoring programs for AUI/NRAO in Chile. Her mission is to reach more people by bringing science to the entire country and fostering interest in science at all educational levels. In addition, Sonia conducts skill-building workshops and motivational talks focused on promoting and retaining interest in STEM fields nationwide, supporting the efforts of various institutions to create their own mentoring programs.

About the sessions:

Session 1: Self-Esteem, Impostor Syndrome, and STEM Identity
In this session, we’ll discuss how we shape our identity as STEM professionals and the impact that the phenomenon known as impostor syndrome has on this identity and on self-esteem. We’ll discuss how to identify and address it in the context of STEM. (Impostor syndrome: the feeling of inadequacy in the context of study or work experienced internally or externally by more than 75% of students and professionals in STEM fields.) Maximum capacity: 50 people.

Session 2: Behavioral Profiles and Teamwork
In this session, we’ll discuss different communication styles and behavioral profiles, and how they influence workplace dynamics. We’ll identify some useful tools for connecting with people of different styles. Maximum capacity: 50 people.

Session 3: Storytelling and Elevator Pitch – 360-Degree Communication (2026 CATA’s Annual Meeting)
In this in-person session, we’ll discuss 360-degree communication, ranging from the brief and effective professional elevator pitch to the personal and unhurried approach of storytelling.

How to Register?

Registration is available exclusively through the following form: Mentorías – CATA PROVOCA.

You can register for one, two, or all three sessions. Please note that Sessions 1 and 2 will be held remotely via Zoom, while Session 3 will be in-person at the CATA Annual Meeting 2026.

Registration deadline: August 24 at 4:00 p.m.