STEM is a difficult environment to navigate and succeed in for minoritized individuals, and this is not just due to the nature of the work itself which is inherently challenging. It turns out that despite the notion that “science is apolitical” (a phrase that colleagues throw about when topics of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation are discussed in the realm of science), the STEM experience proves time and again to stymie the access and retention rates of scientists who identify as part of a minoritized group. If we are successful, it is despite having to overcome hurdles that would otherwise not burden our white, cis-hetero, male counterparts. It is with my personal journey, along with the experiences of other Black scientists and trainees in my network, that we founded Black In Neuro and are inspired to eliminate the difficulties the next generation of diverse scientists may face. In this talk, I will highlight my personal journey as an example of how systemic injustices in STEM have impacted my career as a future scientist and how Black In Neuro has positively shifted the trajectory of my work.