Editor’s note: In 2016, the National Science Foundation gave a group of leaders at The University of New Mexico a shot at reimagining how the university could best recruit, retain and promote women and minority STEM faculty. Over time, the five-year, $3.3 million project became known as the ADVANCE at UNM initiative and grew into a community of mentors and change makers determined to improve campus climate, bolster research and foster success for all faculty.