In this episode of the STEM Tea podcast, AJ Hinton is joined by Alberto Vasquez, Academic Coordinator for the Center for Research in Educational Equity and Teaching (CREATE) at University of California, San Diego (CA, USA). Alberto is a biologist and educator, applying his lived experience to support students from underserved communities. At CREATE, he spearheads the university’s efforts to increase STEM diversity, access and interest to disenfranchised communities throughout Southern California. In this episode, he offers advice for students to look beyond the mirror to find a mentor, how to advance equity by building strong relationships and why you should consider ‘different normals’.