Cohort Sistas

?? Academia Doesn’t Have to Drain You—Here’s How to Make It Work for YOU! ??? Let’s be honest—Black women in academia face unique challenges that go beyond coursework. The pressure to excel, prove ourselves, and navigate spaces that weren’t built for us? It’s real. But thriving in this journey isn’t just about hard work—it’s about balance, self-care, and community. Here’s how to make the academic grind less draining and more fulfilling: ? Find hobbies outside of schoolwork – Your degrees are important, but so is your well-being. Whether it’s yoga, writing, or just binge-watching your favorite show—give yourself permission to unplug. ????????♀? ? Learn a new skill each semester – The academy won’t teach you everything. Whether it’s public speaking, negotiation, or financial literacy, what’s a skill you wish you had learned earlier? ???? ? Build your community – You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Mentors, peers, and support systems make all the difference. Surround yourself with people who truly see you. ???? ? Join Cohort Sistas – Because we lift as we climb. When you have a network that empowers you, the journey feels lighter. ???????? ?? What’s one thing that keeps you going through the highs and lows? Let’s talk in the comments! ?? ?? Tap into more support at community.cohortsistas.org #BlackWomenInAcademia #WeLiftAsWeClimb #CohortSistasCommunity #AcademicBalance #ThrivingNotJustSurviving #LifelongLearning

We’re thrilled to introduce our inaugural Junior Board — a dynamic group of Black women with doctoral degrees who are bringing their expertise, lived experiences, and passion for equity in doctoral education to our mission! As we expand our impact and strengthen our organizational capacity, the Junior Board will play a crucial role in: ?? Providing programmatic insight to help us grow sustainably ?? Expanding our fundraising and partnerships ?? Enhancing mentorship and community support for doctoral scholars Each of these phenomenal leaders has navigated the doctoral journey firsthand. Their dedication to creating a more inclusive and supportive path for future generations of Black women in academia and beyond is exactly what Cohort Sistas stands for. Join us in welcoming these inspiring scholars and professionals! ?? Dr. Shanique Coombs Leslie Ekpe, Ph.D. Ireti Eni-aganga, PhD Danica Moise, Ph.D., BCBA Kathryn D. Thompson, PhD, MHA Torie Wheatley, Ph.D Drop a comment to show your support as we continue working toward greater access, retention, and success for historically excluded doctoral students. #CohortSistas #LeadershipInAction #JuniorBoard #BlackWomenPhDs #DoctoralSuccess #WomenInLeadership #EquityInEducation

How can scholars from historically excluded backgrounds build fulfilling careers in an evolving DEI landscape? As institutions and industries shift their commitments to diversity, navigating postdoctoral career success requires new strategies. On February 28, join Dr. Arielle Miller for an insightful discussion on: ? Career growth & resilience in an uncertain DEI climate ? Building long-term success despite systemic challenges ? Prioritizing well-being in academia and industry ? Navigating postdoctoral & professional transitions with confidence This virtual conversation is designed for graduate students, postdocs, and professionals seeking to adapt, thrive, and lead in their fields. ?? RSVP today at community.cohortsistas.org #DiversityEquityInclusion #DEIinHigherEd #PhDToIndustry #CohortSistas

For the first time in 4 years, we’re updating our merch! Why? Because the representation of Black women in doctoral education has changed… from 3.1% to a whopping 3.2% (yes, you read that right). ?? With these incremental shifts, we decided to launch a 3% Club sweatshirt — because while the needle has barely moved, we remain committed to ensuring that doctoral pathways are more accessible and supportive for Black women. And we look forward to the day when we can swap that "3" for a much higher number. ?? Why shop? Every purchase supports Cohort Sistas' mission to provide mentorship, career development, and community-building for Black women in doctoral programs. ? PLUS: Final Clearance Sale! We’re making room for the new by offering 20% off our 3.1% Club merch with code LASTCHANCE20 until March 15th. ?? Want to show your support? Shop now: cohortsistas.org/merch Incremental change isn’t enough. Let’s push for a future where equity in doctoral education is no longer an exception but the norm!

Black women earned just 2.19% of all STEM PhDs in 2023. Despite this, their contributions have shaped science, medicine, and technology. As we celebrate Black History Month and International Day of Women & Girls in Science, we recognize both the groundbreaking impact of Black women in STEM—and the urgent need to close the equity gap. Here are just 4 Black women with doctorates in STEM whose work has had a monumental impact on our everyday lives: 1?? Dr. Flemmie Kittrell – Instrumental in creating the Head Start program. 2?? Dr. Georgia Dunston – Advanced genomic research on the African diaspora. 3?? Dr. Latanya Sweeney – A trailblazer in data privacy and anonymity. 4?? Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett-Helaire, PhD – A key scientist behind the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. ?? What will it take to ensure Black women in STEM have the resources, support, and opportunities to lead the next scientific breakthroughs, especially as support for the sciences, university-level research, and diversity in higher education are all under threat? #BlackWomenInSTEM #BlackHistoryMonth #WomenInScience #STEMEquity #HigherEdEquity

This Black History Month, we’re highlighting a crucial timeline in academic history—the first doctoral degrees awarded in the United States. Our infographic reveals a stark reality: it took 60 years after the first PhD was awarded for Black women to finally achieve this milestone. Key Milestones: ?? 1861: First PhDs awarded (to three white men) ?? 1876: Edward Bouchet becomes the first Black American to earn a PhD ?? 1877: Helen Magill White becomes the first white woman to earn a PhD ?? 1921: Georgiana Simpson, Sadie T.M. Alexander, and Eva Dykes become the first Black women to earn PhDs These trailblazers faced systemic barriers yet persevered, shaping the landscape of higher education forever. Their achievements remind us of the progress made—and the work still ahead in ensuring equitable access and representation in academia. ?? Who are the Black scholars making history in your field today? Drop their names in the comments and help amplify their work! ?? #BlackHistoryMonth #HigherEdEquity #PhDJourney #CohortSistas

We couldn’t let National Mentoring Month end without recognizing the incredible mentors in this year’s Sista Circle Mentorship Program. At Cohort Sistas, we know that mentorship transforms doctoral journeys—providing guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging in academia. That’s why we are so grateful to the 16 scholars who have stepped up as mentors this year, offering their time and expertise to support historically underrepresented doctoral students. With mentors across STEM, education, social sciences, psychology, and public health, this program fosters meaningful connections that build confidence, strengthen retention, and create lasting impact in higher education. To our mentors—thank you for your leadership, generosity, and dedication. Your commitment to uplifting the next generation of scholars makes all the difference. Alani Antoine-Mitchell, PhD Dr. Ashley Crooks-Allen Crystal Bell, Ed.D. Dr. DeAna Gray Dr. Isra Elhussin Jasmine Victor, Ph.D. Kathryn D. Thompson, PhD, MHA Lamia Harper, PhD Lauren Littlejohn, DrPH, MPH, BSN Leilani Bell, PhD Natasha Knight, PhD, MPH, MBA Dr. Shana Mapsee Shauna Rigaud, PhD Dr. Shonna Tillman Taylor Alexander, PhD Zori A. Paul, PhD, LPC (MO), NCC Join us in celebrating and thanking our mentors! #NationalMentoringMonth #MentorshipMatters #HigherEdLeadership #DoctoralEducation #CohortSistas

Writing can be an isolating process, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're deep in dissertation writing or tackling academic projects, structured co-working sessions can help you build consistency, accountability, and momentum. ?? This semester, Cohort Sistas is offering three weekly Zoom Writing Sessions to support doctoral scholars: ?? Mondays 9–11am ET ?? Mondays 7–9pm ET ?? Thursdays 8–10pm ET These two-hour, drop-in sessions provide a focused, supportive space for scholars to write alongside peers, set goals, and make steady progress. These peer-led sessions are all about building community while advancing your work. Join us and make writing a habit! RSVP at community.cohortsistas.org.

?? Mentorship Matters ?? As National Mentoring Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the transformative power of mentorship—one of the three pillars of Cohort Sistas’ programming. ?? Research consistently shows that strong mentorship improves graduate educational outcomes, yet many historically underrepresented doctoral students lack access to culturally informed, discipline-specific mentorship. That’s why we’ve built a mentorship ecosystem that fosters confidence, belonging, and persistence for women of color doctoral students—including those often excluded from federally funded success programs, such as online EdD or PsyD students. ?? Our 2024-2025 Mentorship Impact: ?? 48 mentees supported this year, part of 178 mentees across 6 cohorts since 2020. ?? 16 mentorship circles across 11 disciplines, including psychology, health, and engineering. ?? 108 mentorship hours delivered through group and 1-on-1 sessions. These numbers reflect our belief that ALL doctoral students—whether fully funded at an R1 or navigating their PhD while caregiving—deserve high-quality, culturally affirming mentorship. ? We’re proud to create spaces where underrepresented scholars don’t just survive but thrive. ?? How has mentorship influenced your academic or professional journey? Let’s discuss in the comments! ?? Learn more about our mentorship programs: https://lnkd.in/ehPug5hq #NationalMentoringMonth #MentorshipMatters #DoctoralEducation #EquityInHigherEd #DiversityInAcademia

The Power of Mentorship: Transforming Lives, Breaking Barriers ?? Mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s about legacy, access, and impact. It’s about ensuring that knowledge doesn’t remain locked in silos but is shared to empower, elevate, and create new opportunities. Through mentorship, Cohort Sistas has cultivated a legacy of empowerment—where wisdom is shared, confidence is ignited, and barriers are broken, ensuring that no one walks this journey alone. For many Black women and non-binary scholars, mentorship is more than professional development—it is a lifeline in spaces where representation is scarce and systemic barriers persist. It is through the commitment of professors, advisors, industry leaders, and community mentors that we are able to challenge inequities, increase retention, and cultivate the next generation of scholars and changemakers. ?? To our mentors: Your impact goes beyond academia and career success. You are shaping resilience, instilling confidence, and expanding possibilities for those who come after you. ?? How has mentorship shaped your academic or professional journey? Share your experience in the comments or tag a mentor who has made a difference in your life. Let’s amplify the power of mentorship together! #WeLiftAsWeClimb #CohortSistasMentors #MentorshipMatters #NationalMentoringMonth #InclusiveAcademia #EquityInEducation