We identify problematic areas throughout the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pipeline that perpetuate racial disparities in academia. Distinct ways to curtail these disparities include early exposure and access to resources, supportive mentoring networks and comprehensive training programs specifically for racially minoritized students and trainees at each career stage. These actions will revitalize the STEM pipeline. ll

Mentoring is a developmental experience intended to increase the willingness to learn and establish credibility while building positive relationships through networking. In this commentary, we focus on intentional mentoring for underrepresented mentees, including individuals that belong to minority racial, ethnic, and gender identity groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields. Intentional mentoring is the superpower action necessary for developing harmony and comprehending the purpose and value of the mentor/mentee relationship. Regardless of a mentor's career stage, we believe the strategies discussed may be used to create a supportive and constructive mentorship environment; thereby improving the retention rates of underrepresented mentees within the scientific community.

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While it is commonly thought that microaggressions are isolated incidents, microaggressions are ingrained throughout the academic research institution (Lee, et al., 2020; Young, et al., 2015). Persons Excluded from science because of Ethnicity and Race (PEERs) frequently experience microaggressions from various academicians, including graduate students, postdocs, and faculty (Asai, 2020; Lee, et al., 2020). Here, we elaborate on a rationale for concrete actions to cope with and diminish acts of microaggressions that may otherwise hinder the inclusion of PEERs. We encourage Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) departments and leadership to affirm PEER scholar identities and promote allyship by infusing sensitivity, responsiveness, and anti-bias awareness.