Cohort Sistas

💡 Thinking about applying to doctoral programs but concerned about the cost of application fees? Many universities offer fee waivers to remove this barrier, and we’re here to help you navigate this process. Here are some tips for securing fee waivers: ✅ Email admissions offices or department coordinators to inquire about waivers—request early! ✅ Explore resources like the Big 10 Academic Alliance database for waiver opportunities. ✅ Take advantage of exclusive fee waivers from our partner schools, including: University of Colorado Boulder (message us for the link!) Washington University in St Louis (message us for the link!) Stony Brook University (message us for the link!) George Washington University SEAS (Code: CohortSistas2024) University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Code: SCHOLAR50) At Cohort Sistas, we believe finances shouldn’t hold you back from your academic goals. Learn more about how we support historically excluded scholars in their doctoral journeys at cohortsistas.org #FeeWaivers #GradSchoolSuccess #HigherEdEquity #CohortSistas

Black women earn only 3% of doctorates in the U.S. and make up just 2% of tenured faculty—despite being 7% of the population. At this rate, it will take 22 years to reach parity in higher education. We refuse to wait.  Cohort Sistas is empowering underrepresented doctoral students to overcome systemic barriers, build resilience, and lead the change they want to see in the world. We believe that equitable education transforms not just lives but entire communities.  Will you stand with us in accelerating this progress? 🎓 Make a difference today by visiting cohortsistas.org/lifting. Let’s create a future where Black women scholars thrive in higher education and beyond. #EquityInEducation #RacialJustice #HigherEd #PhDLeadership #BlackWomenInSTEM #CohortSistas

In academia, your network is everything—but historically excluded doctoral students often face unique challenges in building one that truly supports them. That’s where Cohort Sistas comes in! 🧡 Here are 5 ways we help scholars build supportive networks that empower them to thrive: ✔️ Community Groups: Our affinity groups create spaces where doctoral students—such as first-year, online, working, parenting, and international scholars—can find belonging and connection. ✔️ Weekly Writing Sessions: Community-led morning and evening writing sessions provide accountability, structure, and support to scholars navigating the often isolating process of writing. ✔️ Searchable Platform: Our mobile and web community platform connects scholars with others near them, facilitating meaningful connections both on and offline. ✔️ Monthly Office Hours: These sessions offer doctoral students the chance to connect with degree holders for advice, mentorship, and career insights—building relationships that strengthen their journeys. ✔️ Mentorship Programs: Designed with the holistic needs of scholars in mind, our mentorship programs combine academic progress, professional development, and mental well-being to create transformative experiences. Cohort Sistas exists to ensure that no scholar has to navigate this journey alone. ✨ If you believe in the power of community and the importance of equity in doctoral education, learn more about our work and how you can support us at www.cohortsistas.org. #EquityInEducation #CohortSistas #PhDCommunity #BuildingConnections #DoctoralSupport

What would the world look like if our leaders truly reflected the diversity of our communities? If Black women with subject matter expertise were leading transformative change in technology, health, education, and public policy? It's time for us to create that change. Cohort Sistas is raising $15,000 over the next two weeks to expand our programs that empower historically excluded doctoral students, especially Black women, to thrive in their careers and build impactful futures. No gift is too small. Every dollar fuels mentorship, career coaching, and a network of support for future leaders. 🔗 Join us at cohortsistas.org/lifting #CSLiftingAsWeClimb

Like many of you, we’ve spent the last week resting, reflecting, and planning for the future. One truth has risen to the top in our conversations with the Cohort Sistas team and community: the power of solidarity and community care. In times like these, leaning into each other and standing strong in our shared journey is essential. 💛 These beautiful moments captured with some of our Sista Circle mentees at the SREB Institute on Teaching and Mentoring two weeks ago remind us of what’s possible when Black women come together. Through shared experiences, mentorship, and unwavering support, we build the strength to continue forward in doctoral education and research—together. We lift as we climb, sharing our wisdom, our resilience, and our hope with each other. 🌱 Let this serve as a reminder that those most impacted by the incoming administration are already preparing themselves for the challenges ahead. Cohort Sistas offers a safe, supportive space where Black women pursuing doctoral education—whether at R1 institutions or in online PhD programs—can connect, heal, and empower one another. Together, we’re building resilience and solidarity to navigate an uncertain landscape in higher education and beyond. ✨ cc Kennedy Reed, Nakita D., Ijeoma Kola, Ph.D., Joselyne C., Alisha Burch, Lamia H.

Ready to Take Charge of Your Dissertation Journey in 2025? 🚀 Join us for an impactful workshop, Ignite Your Dissertation: A Roadmap for Success in 2025, led by Dr. Ramon Goings, founder of Done Dissertation®️. On November 20th, we’ll dive into the IGNITE Framework, a structured approach to help you stay on track, manage stress, and balance academic and personal commitments. Key Takeaways: Build a personalized roadmap with the Done Dissertation IGNITE Framework Master stress management techniques to avoid burnout Gain practical strategies to optimize work time and balance responsibilities 📅 Date: Wednesday, November 20 🕒 Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (EST) 🔗 Register: https://lnkd.in/d9ANkPnt Let’s make 2025 the year of your dissertation success! #DissertationSuccess #AcademicExcellence #GraduateResearch #CohortSistas #ProfessionalDevelopment

Building Community for Online Doctoral Students! On November 4th, join us for an evening of connection and support tailored for online doctoral scholars, especially those who identify as a member of a historically excluded group. Whether you're looking for mentorship, new friendships, or a place to share experiences, this meet & greet is designed to strengthen our academic community. 📅 Date: November 4, 2024 🕕 Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm ET 🌐 RSVP at: community.cohortsistas.org Let’s create a space where we can lift each other up through the challenges and triumphs of the doctoral journey! This event is open to all online doctoral scholars looking for a supportive network. We can’t wait to meet you! #DoctoralStudents #OnlinePhD #AcademicCommunity #WomenInAcademia #NonbinaryScholars #GradLife #PhDMeetAndGreet

We’re thrilled to announce the release of our interactive 2023-2024 Impact Report! Over the past year, we’ve expanded our programs, supported more doctoral scholars than ever, and made real progress toward creating equitable pathways in doctoral education, especially for women of color and gender-expansive folks. Many thanks to everyone who joined us in our mission-driven work, including our staff, Board of Directors, advisors, volunteers, donors, funders, supporters, and cheerleaders. We can't create change without you! Read the 2023-2024 Impact Report → https://lnkd.in/dipJP_qP #CohortSistas #DoctoralSuccess #ImpactReport #HigherEd #DiversityEquityInclusion

Fellowship Opportunities for African PhD Students 🌍📚 Are you an African PhD student looking for funding and research support? Discover these exciting fellowship opportunities featured on our CS Funding, Research, & Jobs Board in the community at community.cohortsistas.org: 🔹 Faculty for the Future Fellowship Program – Applications due November 8, 2024 🔹 Mawazo Fellowship – Applications due November 10, 2024 These programs offer valuable funding, resources, and mentorship to help propel your academic journey forward. Join us to learn more and explore other available opportunities on our Funding, Research, & Jobs Board. #PhDOpportunities #AfricanScholars #CohortSistas

Success Series Recap: How to Excel as a TA ✨ In case you missed it, we’ve recapped the recent workshop led by Trish Wedderburn on how to succeed as a Teaching Assistant. Swipe through the slides to explore the key takeaways—from defining your role and responsibilities to aligning assignments with student success. These practical insights will help you enhance the learning experience and thrive in your role. Key points include: Clearly defining your TA role and expectations Designing student-centered assignments Providing clear, detailed instructions to set students up for success Engaging students and fostering collaboration in the classroom If you attended the workshop (or caught the replay), feel free to share your biggest takeaway in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going! #TASuccess #TeachingExcellence #HigherEdLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #GradSchoolSupport #CohortSistas #SuccessSeries