The Cohort Sistas Podcast

Picture yourself in a conversation with Dr. Raquel Martin, an inspiring clinical psychologist and researcher championing for Black mental health. We explore her ambitions, her journey through academia, and how she is redefining her field, one Instagram post at a time. Dr. Martin's honest reflections on her experiences as a person of color in academia and her endeavors in balancing motherhood while pursuing a PhD will touch you...

 We're thrilled to introduce our guest, the distinguished Dr. Christina Cleveland, a social psychologist, public theologian, and author of the groundbreaking book, "God is a Black Woman." Prepare to be engrossed as she peels back the layers of her intriguing journey and how her love for fashion and design intertwines with her current retreat in central France, where she's exploring the symbolism of Black Madonna...

Ever feel like you're facing Everest when considering a doctoral degree? Dr. FeLisa Albert-Wisses, a beacon of hope and resilience, joins us to share her story of triumph over adversity in academia and healthcare. As a black woman who surged through the barriers of the healthcare system, she inspires us with her journey of choosing to disrupt systemic racism in education by pursuing a Doctorate in Public Health. 

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What if you could bridge the gap between diverse fields like education, neuroscience, and anthropology, and then use those insights to create spaces for healing and thriving? Dr. Sará King, a trailblazer with three Ph.D.s from UCLA, has done just that. She shares her inspiring journey, her explorations into alternative education methods, and her groundbreaking work with MindHeart Consulting and MindHeart Collective. Her transformat...

We're thrilled to bring you an episode with a guest we admire enormously, Dr. Niah Grimes. She's a force to be reckoned with as an assistant professor at Morgan State University, an artist, and a vociferous advocate for social justice, mental health awareness, and higher education. Dr. Grimes generously shares her unique personal journey that has seen her balance art with academia, her struggles with chronic illness, and ...

We share a stage with Dr. Jasmine C. Jackson, an inspiring assistant professor from Texas Christian University. We delve into her journey, from a budding lawyer to a passionate academic, and talk about her amazing experience in research and teaching. We discuss the importance of self-discovery in research and the fascinating thought process behind her PhD research.

We then venture into the sensitive topic of being the only...

Step into the world of Dr. Jallicia Jolly, an exceptional scholar who balances her roles as an assistant professor of American Studies and Black Studies at Amherst College, and a health organizer. Drawing on a rich heritage of advocacy from her mother and grandmother, she artfully blends her love for spoken word and travel into her academic pursuits. Dr. Jolly offers a fresh perspective on her experiences, exploring the nuances of ...

In this conversation, we talk alongside Dr. Brown, tracing her roots back to her family's deep commitment to education and exploring the profound influence of 90s black love movies on her life. We'll delve into how she gave birth to the transformative Black girlhood collaborative, driven by her passion and vision.

Our discussion doesn't shy away from tackling the profound and systemic issues that shape the educational...

In this enlightening conversation with Dr. Miya Carey-Agyemang, we venture into the world of Black girlhood in 20th-century Washington DC. Our esteemed guest, a true scholar in African-American and US women's and gender history, weaves a captivating tapestry with her book project, bringing to life stories often overlooked in historical narratives. From her Jersey girl roots to her passion for history and academia, Dr. Carey-Ag...

This week on Cohort Sistas Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Tiffany Wiggins, the powerhouse founder of Black Girl Mentor. Dr. Wiggins, armed with a Ph.D. in education leadership, an ICF life and academic coaching certificate, and a wealth of experience in higher education, has channeled her passion for transformative mentorship into a thriving community for black women and girls. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, from her ...

In this episode, we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Michelle Cowin Gibbs, an accomplished expert in theater, academia, and solo performance. She'll share her incredible journey, starting from her childhood dream of becoming a pilot to her deep passion for theater. Join us as we delve into Dr. Gibbs' remarkable life story, where she fearlessly tackled challenges like pursuing a Ph.D. while raising a toddler and naviga...

Dr. Ijeoma Kola sits down with a transformative educator, Gholnecsar Muhammad, a revolutionary figure in education and a profound force for change. From her beginnings to her passion for literacy in the black community, Dr. Muhammad offers an intimate look into her inspiring path to becoming one of the most highly regarded educators in the country.

Dr. Muhammad is not just an educator, but an author who has penned two infl...

Dr. Tara Pixley is a visual journalist, strategic storytelling consultant, and professor renowned for reshaping visual narratives and championing diversity. Dr. Pixley's dedication to her work extends beyond the classroom - she's a mother who courageously moved across the country with her young children to pursue grad school, making her an embodiment of determination and resilience. She offers a real-world perspective on ...

Get ready to be inspired by Dr. Jimmeka Anderson, a visionary educator from Charlotte, North Carolina. Her passion for film and education to build a path for young Black girls in the media industry is nothing short of astounding. Specializing in critical digital media literacies, Dr. Anderson shares her journey into media literacy, pursuing a Ph.D. in Urban Education and creating a groundbreaking initiative, the Black Girls Film Ca...

Have you ever felt that burnout is a badge of honor? We invite you to pause and re-evaluate as we introduce our next guest, the incredible Dr. Shaquinta Richardson - a life coach passionate about helping Black women prioritize self-care to find joy. Listen to Shaquinta's intriguing journey from a role in a Fortune 500 company to becoming a renowned therapist and how she navigated the complexities of pursuing a Ph.D. with grace...

Get ready to immerse yourself in an enriching exploration of film and media studies as we unfold the intriguing world of early 20th-century Black silent cinema with Dr. Philana Payton. As an assistant professor at the University of California, Irvine, she provides insightful perspectives on the complex interplay of race, gender, and visual culture in media. She also gives us a glimpse into her academic journey, her new hobby of DJi...

Meet Dr. Brenda Dogbey, a shining beacon of resilience, passion, and outstanding achievement, and our extraordinary guest on the Cohort Sistas Podcast. Her story of triumph, from studying abroad to launching Career Slay Mama and Complify Incorporated, is a masterclass in juggling academia, professional life, and motherhood.

Through the trials and tribulations of her academic journey, Dr. Dogbey provides an intimate glimpse...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to shatter glass ceilings in the world of physics? Our guest, Dr. Jamie Valentine Miller, the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in physics from Johns Hopkins University, opens up about her journey, offering a rare glimpse into the world of a trailblazer in STEM. Dr. Miller's story begins in Philadelphia, weaves through her involvement in a regional engineering program, and culmin...

Ever wondered how a scientist navigates their journey through the academic world? Our latest guest, Dr. Aisha Burton, has some answers that might surprise you. A black woman with a strong desire to see diversity in the world of science, Dr. Burton's journey is nothing short of inspiring as it is a tale that stretches from her early years exploring the natural world with her grandmother to her current position in the field of s...