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Primary Submission Category: Race/Ethnicity

The Black, Indigenous and People of Color Exit Counternarrative Project

Authors:  Tomas Zurita, Adri Jones,

Presenting Author: Tomas Zurita*

Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students face systemic challenges in predominantly white institutions despite institutional commitments to diversity. Students encounter microaggressions, lack of representation, and insufficient support, leading to isolation and racial battle fatigue. This project explores the experiences of BIPOC students in their graduate programs at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, focusing on how they navigate institutional structures and address equity gaps. Using critical race theory and grounded theory approaches, I conducted 24 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with recent graduates. Thematic analysis revealed insights on community building, advocacy, and the need for institutional transformation. The project highlights community cultural wealth, perseverance, mentorship, and systemic change, centering the voices of these students throughout their journeys. The counternarrative investigates three main questions: (1) How do BIPOC students navigate institutional structures within their graduate programs? (2) How do their experiences differ based on their background/positionality? (3) In what ways do BIPOC students contribute to addressing equity gaps within the institution? Preliminary findings reveal that BIPOC students draw strength from peer networks and mentorship, find belonging in student-led groups, and engage in advocacy and leadership to foster inclusive changes. Their resilience and perseverance radiate as they overcome challenges in a predominantly white institution. The students envision a more equitable and inclusive future in higher education by reclaiming narratives and pushing for systemic change.