Cohort Sistas

The Cost of Resilience: Rethinking Strength Through Self-Care ????♀?? Black women are often celebrated for their strength, but what happens when resilience becomes an expectation rather than a choice? The pressure to constantly show up, push through, and “handle it all” can take a serious toll on mental and physical health. It’s time to shift the narrative. Resilience should not come at the expense of well-being. Join us for a critical conversation with Dr. Chaiqua A. Harris, PhD, NCC to explore: ?? The hidden costs of stress and emotional labor ?? How self-care can be a strategic leadership tool ?? Practical ways to integrate well-being into a demanding life ?? Building a professional community that values rest as resistance ?? March 25, 2025 | ? 6 PM ET | ?? Virtual Event ?? Speaker: Dr. Chaiqua A. Harris, PhD, NCC (Faculty, Northwestern University) Prioritizing mental health is not a luxury—it’s essential for long-term success. Let’s rethink what it means to be strong. Secure your spot: community.cohortsistas.org #LeadershipAndWellness #RedefiningStrength #SelfCareForSuccess #MentalHealthMatters #BlackWomenInLeadership #CohortSistas

?? Cohort Sistas Game Night: Recharge & Reclaim Joy! ?? Are you a doctoral student, scholar, or applicant feeling the weight of mid-semester stress? Need a break from academia’s demands? You’re not alone—and you deserve a moment to recharge! Join us for Cohort Sistas Game Night, a joy-filled, judgment-free space where you can take a well-earned break, engage in friendly competition, and connect with a supportive community of fellow scholars. ?? What to Expect: ? Jeopardy-style "Black Card Revoked" ? Virtual networking opportunities ? Raffle prizes & fun giveaways ? A space to rest, recharge, and reconnect ?? Date: March 21, 2025 ? Time: 6 PM ET ?? RSVP now at community.cohortsistas.org Academia can be demanding, but rest is essential. Let’s take this time to laugh, play, and lift each other up! ?? #CohortSistas #GameNight #ScholarWellness #PhDLife #GradSchoolSupport #RestIsResistance #BlackWomenPhDs

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO SHOP 3.1% MERCH! ?? This is it! Our 3.1% collection is being retired — but before it goes, we’re offering a final chance to grab your favorite pieces at 20% off. For the past four years, the 3.1% merch has been a symbol of our fight to highlight the stark underrepresentation of Black women in doctoral education. With the number barely inching up, our mission remains as critical as ever. ?? Use code LASTCHANCE20 by March 15th to save 20% on all 3.1% merch. After that, these items will be gone for good! More than another comfy sweatshirt or mug to add to your collection, this is a way to champion our mission to uplift and support Black women in doctoral programs. Every purchase helps fund resources, mentorship, and advocacy through Cohort Sistas. ?? Shop now at cohortsistas.org/merch #CohortSistas #DoctoralEducation #HigherEducation #BlackWomenPhDs #DiversityInAcademia #PhDLife #FinalSale #NonProfit #LinkedInForGood

If you're worried about the dismantling of the Dept of Education, the defunding of science through the NIH & NSF, or the demonization of DEI—and you're looking for a way to continue supporting the students who will be most impacted—this is your chance to take action. And while students at all levels will be hurt by these changes, the future of education, research, and innovative leadership depends on supporting doctoral students, who will be our future faculty, administrators, policymakers, and inventors. Investing in their success is investing in the future of knowledge, justice, and progress. That’s why Cohort Sistas is stepping up, ensuring that Black women doctoral students have access to mentorship, career support, and community in a time when these resources are disappearing. ?? You can be part of this movement. Give $34 today in honor of the 3.4% of PhDs earned by Black women: ?? cohortsistas.org/legacy THIS is how we build a lasting legacy. Will you join us? #CohortSistas #LastingLegacy #SupportScholarship #BlackWomenPhDs #HigherEd #DEI #MentorshipMatters

Such a powerful reflection from our Executive Director Ijeoma Kola, Ph.D. Digital counterspaces aren’t just about community—they’re about survival, success, and sustainability. This conversation at #SXSWEDU made it clear that spaces like Cohort Sistas and Reboot Representation are essential for supporting Black women in academia and beyond. What resonated most with you from this discussion? Read Ijeoma’s full post below! ????

Happening today at SXSW EDU! We’ll be diving into a critical conversation on Digital Counterspaces for Black Women and Girls Post-DEI. As institutions navigate changes in diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, digital communities have become even more vital for fostering belonging, mentorship, and success. We’re honored to have: ?? Enjoli Richardson M.S., CCC-SLP – PhD Student, UT Austin & Cohort Sistas Scholar ?? Dwana Franklin-Davis – CEO, Reboot Representation ?? Ijeoma Kola, Ph.D. – Executive Director, Cohort Sistas If you're in Austin, join us for this insightful discussion on how digital spaces continue to shape opportunities for historically excluded scholars and professionals. If you're not, stay tuned for insights and takeaways from the conversation! #SXSWEDU #DiversityInTech #HigherEdEquity #BlackWomenInSTEM #CohortSistas #RebootRepresentation

?? 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!