Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

5-1-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Curriculum & Instruction

First Advisor

Miryam Espinosa-Dulanto

Second Advisor

Joseph Rene Corbeil

Third Advisor

Andres Figueroa

Abstract

Latina women remain significantly underrepresented in computer science, and limited research centers their lived experiences within the field. This qualitative narrative inquiry examined how Latina women who completed computer science degrees and secured employment persisted in predominantly male and non-Latina environments. Guided by Yosso’s (2005) Community Cultural Wealth framework, the study explored how participants leveraged forms of capital to navigate structural, relational, and psychological barriers. Data were collected through narrative interviews with five Latina graduates and analyzed using thematic and cross-case analysis. Findings indicate that underrepresentation shaped participants’ sense of belonging while persistence was supported through aspirational, familial, social, navigational, and resistant capital. Key themes included collective support, resistant identity, strategic navigation, and reframing struggle as strength. Persistence was driven more by personal agency and cultural resources than institutional support. This study contributes an asset-based perspective, offering implications for fostering inclusive environments and improving retention of Latinas in computer science.

Comments

Copyright 2026 Martin Jalomo. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3371104006

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