In the final part of the mini-series FLOWERS, learn about the remarkable journey of Brandon Taylor, an American writer whose path took unexpected turns from biochemistry to the bestseller lists. From his days at Auburn University Montgomery to his pursuit of graduate degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Iowa, Taylor's story is one of resilience and reinvention.Tune in and explore the intersections of science and art in Taylor's work, and delve into the themes that resonate deeply in his writing. From academia to the literary scene, Brandon Taylor's journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion. Don't miss out on this captivating episode.

In the next episode of the FLOWERS mini-series, we give flowers to Isabel Wilkerson. Inspired by Ava DuVernay's latest film, "Origin," I discovered the compelling narrative of Wilkerson's life and work. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Humanities Medal, Wilkerson's storytelling prowess illuminates the human condition and our nation's history like no other. From past to present, Wilkerson's voice resonates, offering wisdom for our current era. Listen in and be inspired by the brilliance of Isabel Wilkerson.

In the second installation of the mini-series FLOWERS. In this episode, we give flowers to designer, artist, and educator Curry J. Hackett. He is a Virginia native gaining global recognition for his work which braids Black aesthetics, kinship with nature, and pop culture into surreal scenes of Black Joy.Listen and learn more about an up-and-coming powerhouse in art and architecture.

This episode is part one of a mini-series, FLOWERS: An Ode to Modern Black ScholarsExplore the captivating work of Professor Tressie McMillan Cottom, a renowned cultural critic, sociologist, and award-winning writer. Her insights challenge conventional wisdom and reshape our understanding of society. Allanté uncovers the breadth and depth of her intellectual contributions; from dissecting societal norms to redefining the discourse on contemporary issues her work transcends boundaries and offers new perspectives on the world around us. Cottom's unique voice in today's cultural landscape offers thought-provoking ideas and powerful narratives that challenge the status quo through academic research that inspires change, her impact resonates far and wide.Don't miss out on this opportunity to be inspired by the story of one of today's most influential voices. Listen now!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW!This is a very special episode of the podcast, where Allanté is celebrating her 34th birthday and the first anniversary of defending her dissertation (aka her Doctorversary). She shares with you 34 reflections on the past year, both personal and professional, that have helped shape her into Dr. Whitmore.Reflecting on the past year has been a great opportunity to recognize the progress she's made, the challenges overcome, and the lessons learned. She shares the hard-won lessons learned on a personal level, like the learned importance of self-care, and the value of taking time for self. Further, she's recognized the need to be surrounded by positive, supportive people who believe in you and your abilities. Throughout this episode, hear the highs and lows of the past year and how they've impacted her both professionally and personally. From the excitement of defending the dissertation to the challenges of adjusting to post-grad life, this episode is a candid and honest look at her experiences over the past year.Listen in and reflect with Allanté on the past year and celebrating her 34th birthday and the one-year anniversary of defending her dissertation.***MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT***The Grad School Success Summit is back! You can learn more and sign up at gradschoolsummit.com

In this week's episode, Maximizing Your Professional Network in Grad School, I share my insights and some tips on how to build meaningful professional relationships during your graduate school journey. You'll hear:Why professional relationships are importantWhere to go to meet your professional people (in person and virtually)How to follow up with them after the initial connection.Resources Mentioned During The Episode: **Nurture Your Network** - Download Here Community Series on Instagram: Part 1| How I made my very first friend in Grad SchoolPart 2 | Building Your Grad School Community Online!Part 3 | Making Friends in Your Department/CohortPart 4 | Making Friends in Your City

In this episode, hear from Angela Crumdy, Ph.D., a Provost Postdoctoral Fellow who is currently researching the social lives of Black women primary school teachers in Latin America and the United States. Angela is also the creator behind the Instagram page, Grad Girl Wellness. We discuss wellness barriers you may encounter on your grad school journey as well as the coping mechanisms and strategies you can employ to maintain your well-being. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in education, the intersection of race and gender, and taking care of your mental, physical and emotional self in grad school. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the world of wellness with Dr. Crumdy.Follow Dr. Angela Crumdy on Instagram, @gradgirlwellness, for more tips and insights on wellness.Want to take control of your wellness as a graduate student? Download Check Yourself, a self-reflection journal page, and start tracking your progress today! Visit blkingradschool.gumroad.com/l/checkyourself and download the journal page.

Happy 2023! On this new episode listen to Allante's reflections on life in 2022 and life after grad school. Big thanks to Tyler The Creator for this week's musical inspiration--hear what song (is it really a song?) is selected for the Lesson From The Trap. If you are also in a reflective mood for the New Year, follow along and fill out these three questions on this journal page created for grad students. Link: https://blkingradschool.gumroad.com/l/checkyourself

Happy [Early] Valentine's Day! Blk + in Grad School is returning with the grad school love story. Meet Dr. & Dr. Grimes two love-birds who met in graduate school. In this week's episode, they share their paths to the doctorate degree and then to each other. It's a love story like no other as they managed to both finish and defend their dissertations, wed, and secure jobs (at the same university!) all in one year's span. A testament to love on this day that is all about L-O-V-E!Check out the updated Blk + in Grad School website at blkingradschool.comFollow on Instagram and Twitter @blkingradschool

Meet Latoya! She’s a mom, manuscript editor, and recently finished her MA in Humanities. In 2020, she retired from the military then started her graduate program. Juggling her own classes, homeschooling, and her business Latoya realized she needed more support to get to and through her grad school journey. She joined The Scholar Circle (TSC) in 2021 and in this episode she shares her experience inside our coworking community. Listen in to learn about her work and how the TSC community helped her get through the good and the bad days of completing her degree!Want to give The Scholar Circle a try? Sign up for a free coworking session here.

It's NOT a rewind! Took a small break from writing my dissertation to bring this episode. Press play for a Lesson From The Trap, a quick update on my life and of course what's been working for me as I write for my life! If you're noticing that you're experiencing dips in motivation that are impeding your progress, definitely give this episode a listen. Listen in and if you're up for it -- sign up here.

This episode gets straight to the point by digging deep into a problem we all face at one point or another in our grad school journey - writer’s block. It doesn’t matter if you love writing or hate it; writer’s block will come kicking in your door and live in your brain rent-free for as long as it wants.Enter Dr. Lacy, founder of Qual Sisters. Qual Sisters is a writing and coaching platform developed to help you create and finish your dissertation. Through structured guides, accountability coaching, and consistent writing practices, Dr. Lacy will help you overcome the writer’s block that’s getting in the way of your success.As a quick credentials recap, Dr. Lacy went to Elmhurst College for undergrad, Illinois State University for her Masters and the University of Georgia for her Ph.D. In this episode, you’ll hear how she struggled with writing as a first-year Ph.D. student and gain some skills to help you write more productive, more often.

*SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*You're invited to join Allanté for a special conversation to help prospective grad students Settle the Score! She is continuing the conversation to help empower and support you in fulfilling your goal of getting to grad school. Join Allanté along with a panel of her peers for this session hosted by the GRE®. They will be sharing tips and best practices on how to prepare a strong graduate school application. Register for free today to join the conversation on Thursday, November 19th from 12-1 PM EST.  Link broken? You can copy + paste this link into your web browser: http://bit.ly/3bAIMV6This week's episode:Let’s talk credentials. If you’re finishing up your graduate school application, you need to take agood look at what you put together. Will the admissions council know what you’re bringing to thetable? This week’s episode gives you the ingredients for creating and submitting a strongapplication. From having a well-put-together curriculum vitae to taking the admissions council ona journey through your research and experience, Allante’ lists exactly what you need to stand upand stand out amongst your competition. Take notes when listening in for this recipe of success,we all know how missing one step can completely ruin the perfect meal. Don’t have time to writeit down because you’re always on the go like Allante’? Sign up for her seven-day e-mailcourse, “Get to Grad School,” (hyperlink) which covers credentials as well.This week’s episode also answers a question from a Twitter follower who asked for tips on dealing with people who are, to be frank, annoying! Allante shares her admittedly passive approach--listen to find out what it is!This week’s Lesson’s from the Trap come from an oldie but goodie “Lose My Mind,” by DMX.Channel your inner gangster on your noise-canceling headphones when everyone - yourteachers, peers, family members, significant other, whoever gets on your very last nerve.

In honor of Insecure's #SeasonByeve this week's rewind comes from the archives way back in 2018 when Blk + in Grad School collaborated with WokeSTEM for “Hella Intersections: The Digital Insecure Kickback”. This isn't your typical Insecure chat. It was a really dope, really big kickback talking about INSECURE...and not just the #basic stuff, but the intersectionality of the narratives that the show powerfully brings to life. No spoilers here!

*IT'S A REWIND*Meet Alana, a social worker that balanced her coursework and full-time work while in grad school with very intentional self-care. During a conversation inside Blk + in Grad School's private community, The Scholar Circle, Alana brought up the topic of rest and how it differs from restoration. In this week's episode, we dive into these two different types of self-care and practices you can implement in your self-care routine. Can you talk about a mind-blowing moment?

This episode is formally called Emotional Rollercoaster because sometimes grad school can leave you feeling like a Mr. Krab’s meme.In Allanté's journey, November definitely had some twists and turns, and with it came a range of emotions. In this episode, she shares an update about everything that has gone down, from a guilt-free personal trip to the internal struggle of combating negative self-talk. There were more than thug tears shed on campus in November by Allanté and this episode explores how to handle emotional responses in professional settings and how to create an ICE (in case of emergency) tribe to help you through when your own mind is only serving up negativity.

"I know there's always rooting before blossoming." - Tracy G. This affirmation is a whole word, which inspired this week's episode on setting your goals. If you're a scholar, rooting is the planning and blossoming is the goal achieved. That goal could be a paper, a research project, building your network, etc. Setting a goal in our heads may be as easy as writing that goal down however the process of actualizing the goal can be frustrating and confusing without some careful considerations taken into account. This week Allanté shares three critical pieces to set goals so that you'll actually accomplish them, not just set and forget. You can download the free goal setting workbook at https://www.blkingradschool.com/goal-oriented

Moving to a new city can be hard, so is finding a place with all your personal comforts. Don’t worry though, Allanté’s got your back! Preparation is your friend so the first step is getting ahead of the curve and really understanding your needs and wants. Listen in this week for the 6 critical steps to success as you prepare to step forward into your new city. If you want advice and insight into finding a place (within your budget), making new friends in your city, or getting ready to start a program, you’ll get what you need this week.   Lesson From The Trap: Never Recover - Lil Baby ft. Gunna & Drake   “Look at my story man, no one can write it. Now I see a million I don’t even get excited.”   P.S. --check out Episode 70: Making that Graduate Stipend Stretch for an in depth analysis of how to stack your coins and let your money work for you the looong way.**

If you’re used to using social media solely for your personal enjoyment with memes, quotes and the like, it’s a different ballgame when it comes to using it as a rising thought leader (that’s you!). This episode explores some of the ways you can navigate the Twitterverse, with some practical tips on handling clapbacks and finding your community. Listen in for advice to find your people--fellow grad students, faculty and researchers in your field and beyond. Learn some best practices or easy ways to engage when you’re just getting started with your professional Twitter.  

Issa Rewind! Enjoy a quick update from Allanté and a list of communities to support you along your journey. Grad School doesn’t usually come with a course on how to navigate all the things that come along with it. These things are often described as the “hidden curriculum” — things you’re just expected to know or somehow learn on your own—or else. Sometimes these topics are addressed briefly during orientation, sometimes it does not. Why does it feel like, sometimes, we’re all we’ve got? And we’re kinda new here, but we ARE here. So who exactly am I talking about when I say we? The many communities that have come into fruition over the years to serve graduate students beyond graduate school. This week I share the organizations I’m in as well as many that I admire! The many communities that have come into fruition over the years to serve graduate students beyond graduate school. This week I share the organizations I’m in as well as many that I admire! If you looking for your people within the academic space you might find them in this episode. In this episode I mention a bunch of communities to consider joining. Get the full list at blkingradschool.com/podcast/121 Just two more weeks to join The Scholar Circle until next year! Get more information at blkingradschool.com/jointsc

**LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. This episode is a long one and unlike my other episodes, but I promise it’s a good one and you won’t regret listening!** Our Grad School Success Summit live episode gets realer than real with my featured guest and homegirl, Kalyn. Kalyn is a digital media scholar with a B.A. in English from Old Dominion University (HBCU’s stand up!), and an M.A. in Organizational Communication from Bowie University.  She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Media, Art, and Text (MATX) at Virginia Commonwealth University, focusing on gender-based violence as it relates to Black women. This week’s episode digs deep into Kalyn’s journey which has been nothing short of inspirational. From navigating grad school woes with funding and friendships to struggling with chronic health conditions and financial hardships, Kalyn is a true representation of a survivor. Using her experience and knowledge, Kalyn takes her teachings to the streets to help students through her program and blog, Hoodrat Scholarship. Kalyn’s Lesson from the Trap gives you the confidence boost you didn’t know you needed with Megan Thee Stallion’s, “Girl’s in the Hood.” Follow her on IG @kalyncoghill and on Twitter @Drbiggieshorty

The 4th Annual Grad School Success Summit is happening now, but don’t fret, you can still register to attend! It’s a FREE networking event created for grad students of all disciplines to get the tools and resources to help them flourish on their journeys! The third episode of the mini-series takes us to the 2019 Grad School Success Summit with Dr. Fatimah. CEO of Beyond the Tenure Track, Dr. Fatimah is an author and professional planning and career development coach who has been featured in several publications and on several podcasts. During her session, Dr. Fatimah provided a number of tools to help us break the cycle of missed deadlines and scheduling overloads. As a planning and organizational beast (you have to listen to understand just how good she is), Dr. Fatimah helps grad school professionals discover and address their underlying problems with accomplishing goals, organize and prioritize the steps to completion, and create realistic timelines that help eliminate stress. She has a tried and proven formula for productive planning and prioritization. Check out the Blk+In Grad School YT channel to watch the full video from Dr. Fatimah’s session! Follow Dr. Fatimah on IG @fatimahphd!

We’re less than a week away from the 4th Annual Grad School Success Summit. Are you registered yet? The second episode of our mini-series takes us back to 2018 when I hosted the first Grad School Success Summit. (Shoutout to my OG listeners who remember my early days!) Dr. Autumn, who was in the second year of her doctoral program at the time, presented on establishing connectivity and community through writing communities. Not only sharing why it’s extremely important to build support groups, she also dropped some gems on how to start them, things to consider for the group’s long-term success and other ways to find support if starting a writing group isn’t really for you. Rounding the episode off with a few of her own productivity and writing tricks, Dr. Autumn is giving us what we need for writing success. Dr. Autumn also hosts a podcast and blog called, Read Blackademia (IG - @readblackademia). Be sure to check it out! You can also follow her personal IG @Autumnadia4!

To kick off the 4th Annual Grad School Success Summit, I’m starting a three-part mini-series that recaps our most popular episodes and gives you a preview of what you can expect in this year’s amazing session line-up. This first episode gets straight to the point by digging deep into a problem we all face at one point or another in our grad school journey - writer’s block. It doesn’t matter if you love writing or hate it; writer’s block will come kicking in your door and live in your brain rent-free for as long as it wants. Enter Dr. Lacy, founder of Qual Sisters. Qual Sisters is a writing and coaching platform developed to help you create and finish your dissertation. Through structured guides, accountability coaching and consistent writing practices, Dr. Lacy will help you overcome the writer’s block that’s getting in the way of your success. As a quick credentials recap, Dr. Lacy went to Elmhurst College for undergrad, Illinois State University for her Masters and the University of Georgia for her Ph.D. In this episode, you’ll hear how she struggled with writing as a first-year Ph.D. student and gain some skills to help you write more productive, more often.

Meet Dr. Ijeoma, a public health historian that doubles as a lifestyle blogger and entrepreneur! Dr. Ijeoma holds a Ph.D. in Sociomedical Sciences from Columbia University and spends her time researching the medial construction of diseases, running her lifestyle blog, Ijeoma Kola, and mentoring Black women pursuing doctoral degrees as the founder and executive director of her non-profit, Cohort Sistas. Cohort Sistas is a digital platform created to provide mentorship, community and resources during the graduate school journey. Dr. Ijeoma is an OG in the blogging universe. She created her blog in 2010 when she started her natural hair journey but ultimately turned her passion for beauty, style and travel into a lucrative career that paved the way to her success today. In this week’s episode, she discusses how she channeled her individual experience in academia to find connection and collaboration, and how she uses her business and platform to do that same for others. Dr. Ijeoma’s Lesson from the Trap takes us back to the late ’90s with a Lauryn Hill classic, “Doo Wop (That Thing).” Follow Dr. Ijeoma on IG and Twitter @ijeomakola Follow Cohort Sistas on IG @cohortsistas

This HBCU grad and advocate is changing the narrative of HBCUs one student at a time. Meet Kendra, a second-year Ph.D. candidate at Jackson State University pursuing a degree in Urban Higher Education. Kendra has served in various capacities at HBCUs including North Carolina Central, Wilberforce University and Livingstone College. She currently serves as the Director for Career & Professional Development at Wiley College in Marshall, TX. In this episode, Kendra discusses how HBCUs saved her from being a high-school dropout and paved the way for her career in academia. Having attended an HBCU for her entire educational career, Kendra uses her knowledge and experience to encourage and empower students of color through her IG blog, @ScholarStuff. This episode makes you think about success outside of your credentials and reminds you to be humbly confident in all of your accomplishments. Kendra’s Lesson from the Trap throws it back to J. Cole’s “The Autograph.” Follow Kendra on IG @kendrasharp.co

If you find yourself experiencing setbacks that are making you rethink or pivot your grad school journey, this episode is for you. Meet Kim Ford, a media entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. Kim is a TV host, freelance writer, speaker, author of her self-published book “It’s Never Too Late”, a blogger on her website, iamKimFord.com, and a grad student at Georgia State University studying Communications with a concentration on Digital Media Strategies. Kim started her academic career at Grambling State University with a B.A. in Psychology, but after seeing a need for better representation for women in the media, she quickly pivoted and grew her career through networking, strategizing and maximizing her time. In this episode, and her book, “It’s Never Too Late,” Kim talks about the importance of setting boundaries, resetting your mind, body and spirit, and forgiving yourself. In this week’s Lesson from the Trap, Kim is bringing back an oldie by goodie, “Turn Down For What” by Lil Jon and the Eastside Boys. Tune in to see how Lil Jon can help keep you motivated! Follow Kim on all IG @iamkimford and subscribe to her YouTube channel, Kim Ford!

You’re getting the education you need, but do you have the experience to land the job you want after grad school? Will you end up with multiple degrees in one field, but end up on a career track that has absolutely nothing to do with what you studied?  If you answered yes to either or both of these questions, this episode is definitely for you! Meet Dr. Ashley Adams! Dr. Ashley is a Senior Director of Student Affairs at an R1 institution in the Northeast and an adjunct professor in the university's college of education. When she’s not working, she’s hosting a podcast, Schoolin’ Life, and coaching women professionals under her company, Mentor Me. A career development platform, Mentor Me was created to help grad students and career women find and secure more money and have a greater impact in their desired fields and roles. Tune in as we discuss, time harmonizing, strategizing, and leveraging your skills and credentials. This week’s Lesson from the Trap is unlike anything we’ve ever heard, because it doesn’t pull from music, but experience. Trust me, you just have to listen to understand, and I promise you won’t be disappointed! Follow Dr. Ashley on Instagram and Twitter @ashleyasshire!

This episode is the episode we KNOW we needed but didn’t know we needed! Let me introduce you to Lauryn! A four-time Olympic athlete, Lauryn is now a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), a Student Loan Advisor at Student Loan Planner , the owner of the financial firm, Worth Winning, AND a host of the Worth Listening podcast! You may be wondering how this three-time Olympic medalist transitioned into finance, and it was no small feat. As a successful athlete, Lauryn was closing 6-figure deals at 20-years-old, but had little to no support on how to manage and grow that wealth. Looking to fill the void she once faced, Lauryn transitioned to financial planning, and now helps people in their 20s and 30s strategize and build financial plans that help tackle student loan debt, and plan for the future. So if you’re curious about what type of goals you should set, how to decrease your overhead and what’s required for baseline planning, tune in now! We’re leaving the Broke Phi Broke days behind with this episode! For some financial tips follow Lauryn’s business on IG @worth_winning and on Twitter @worthwinning. You can also follow her personally on IG @Lauryncwilliams.

Ya girl is a new big age, thirty-two! I asked folks on Insta what they want to know and quite a few questions rolled in! So this week I tried to answer every question I received about grad school, the future of the podcast, and even my go-to beauty hacks. I share some major podcast news (gotta listen until the end!) Don't forget to register for the GRE session with me on Friday 4/23 at 1:30 PM EST! Register at http://bit.ly/3tp3ZIY

Meet Rarosue, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Florida! In this week’s episode, we talk about Rarosue’s passion for Global sustainability and her plans to help convert everyday waste to energy. Rarosue finished her undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering in her hometown, Nigeria. After graduating, she completed one year of Core Service. While finishing her core service year, she conducted personal research that helped her create sustainable resources for her and her family and created Green Club Nigeria, an environmental sustainability platform dedicated to educating children about the environment.  She also joined a Facebook group and met who would later become her professor during her Master’s program at the University of South Florida. (I keep telling you, networking is key!) Not your average engineer, in addition to her studies, Rarosue has a youtube channel, “Rarosue Amaraibi,” where she focuses on environmental education and lifestyle. It’s all things going green but let’s also make it glamorous! Rarosue’s Lesson from the Trap introduces us to Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga! Tune in now for some cultural appreciation and food for thought! Follow Rarosue on IG @raro_solo, on Twitter @rarosue and on YouTube. Follow Green Club Nigeria on IG @geenclubnigeria and on Twitter @greenclubng

Online school is nothing new, people like Keri have been completing degree virtually well before the pandemic. She's a senior budget analyst for the Internal Revenue Service that started her educational journey in pharmacy before deciding to pursue psychology while at Howard University. We talk about her experience earning her MBA online from Champlain College, entrepreneurship and the beauty industry! Her passion for money and asset management moved her to Atlanta where she was able to also explore songwriting and producing music all while doing her MBA. She talks about being a grad student, a song writer and working full-time. She shares her balance strategies and her experience as a Black woman in an online MBA program. She also shares her inventor and entrepreneurial journey as she builds her beauty business, Keri Kontours.   Follow Keri on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter  

This episode is super special because I get to introduce you all to my sister, my soror, and my dear friend, Makenzie. An International Program Manager at Microsoft, Makenzie is a North Carolina A&T double alum with a B.S. in Biological Engineering, and an M.S. in Technology Management with an emphasis in Operations and Manufacturing Systems. We dig deep into Makenzie’s decision to pursue her Masters at an HBCU versus a PWI, how she balances work, home life, and keeping her passport stamped, and how one compliment landed her the job at Microsoft. Crazy, right? Makenzie’s story is all about the importance of exploring your options and “knowing what works best for you and cultivating that environment.” *three snaps* Instead of our normal Lessons from the Trap, Makenzie gives us a break from the Trap with R&B vibes from Des’ree’s “You Gotta Be.” (Listen to the episode to find out how this music brings her balance!) For some good laughs, follow her @kayzeejean on IG and @kayzeemoss on Twitter!

Navigating academia, science, and everything that’s going on in the world around us as a Black woman can be a lot to handle. This week, I had an honest conversation with my internet friend, Jazmine I. Benjamin, about the two different hats Black female scientists wear. Jazmine is a fourth-year Ph.D. student who is pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical science. Her research focuses on the effects of feeding behaviors on risk factors for diabetic nephropathy. As a cell and molecular biologist, Jazmine made the pivot from basic health sciences to endocrinology and diabetes. Grad school gave Jazmine the option to follow research opportunities while establishing a strong and diverse support system that facilitates and encourages her growth In this episode, Jazmine shares intimate details about navigating the world of academia as a Black female scientist in this current day and age. She discusses the “hidden curriculum” that Black people in academia face, from experiencing the microaggressions and racism that present themselves, to having to be beyond excellent in order to afford the same opportunities that are offered to white colleagues. Jazmine shares her personal experiences and stories, helping listeners by identifying red flags within academia as a Black female scientist. In addition to her scientific training and background, Jazmine is also passionate about science policy. As the founder of the Science Policy and Advocacy Initiative (SPAI) at The University of Alabama in Birmingham, she is focused on contributions affecting policy as it relates to science, as well as affecting policy as it relates to K through 12 STEM education in the United States.   Follow Jazmine on Instagram @jibenhamin, on Twitter @j_i_benjamin, and on LinkedIn.

Do you love supporting Black businesses? Of course you do! On this week’s episode I had the pleasure of chatting with Marshay, the CEO and founder of Buzzoms, a clothing company designed to support a life that all women want - the ability to wear clothes that support you no matter the size. Marshay recently obtained her MBA from Columbia Business School where she studied Entrepreneurship and Technology. Before studying at Columbia, Marshay obtained her undergrad degree from the University of Virginia, where she studied and sought a career in Finance. When she realized her passions lie elsewhere, she quickly pivoted to tech after landing a job at the money manager start-up, Betterment. From there, divine intervention took over. Marshay discusses navigating Columbia as a woman of color,  starting a business during the pandemic, and the power of reinvesting your negative emotions into building your business. Filling a void many women face regularly, Marshay combined her creativity and personal experience to birth a clothing line that will literally change the game.   To learn more about her clothing line and shop her timeless pieces, visit her on IG @buzzoms and at www.buzzoms.com

If you’re a first-gen college grad this episode is especially for you! In this week’s episode, I talk with Dr. Eve, a first-gen college grad inspiring, empowering, and promoting personal transformation and entrepreneurial development through her business and podcast, The First-Gen Lounge. A native of Charlotte N.C, Dr. Eve received her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at the tender age of 28 from the University of Southern Mississippi. There she studied student affairs through the lens of HBCUs, and Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO) during the Civil Rights era, which seem fitting since she’s currently an esteemed member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. After graduating and returning to her undergrad alma mater Charlotte University, the oldest HBCU, she soon realized her path into Academia may not be what she originally thought. Shedding light on the administration side of academia, Dr. Eve shares some food for thought about the cultural differences between the graduate and professional academic world and gives great advice for scholars close to the finish line and anyone thinking of starting a business. Dr. Eve is currently a part-time online professor and a full-time motivator, uplifting and serving her community and students by teaching them to trust their judgment, live life with no regrets, and embrace their lane. Follow Dr. Eve on all social platforms @evehudsonphd and don’t forget to support her pod, The First-Gen Lounge  

Dr. Nehemiah Mabry, PE is a Structural Engineer, STEM Educator, and Entrepreneur. He's the brilliant mind behind STEMedia, a multimedia company that provides technical and creative content for the STEM/STEAM community. His experience includes over 8 years of research at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, and currently works as a Bridge Design Engineer. This week we talked about his graduate journey, from fully funding from NASA for his Masters to hustling to secure funding after the first year of his Ph.D. I really enjoyed learning to story of STEMedia. Dr. Nehemiah shares how his creative outlet in grad school became a successful business where he melds his passions to this day.   Follow Dr. Nehemiah on IG and Twitter @NehemiahMabry Get involved with STEMedia, follow IG @stemedia and Twitter @_stemedia

This week listen in on my convo with Amonté, a third-year Ph.D. student studying Forestry Resource and Conservation at the University of Florida. Amonté shares a story unlike any other on the podcast, mostly because his original life plan didn’t include a career in academia, but football. But after getting his GED, a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Business and Economic Landscape and Design from Florida A&M, and a Master’s in Agricultural Education from Purdue, Amonté finds himself, by day, teaching and researching how to use school gardens for contextual learning. When he’s not in the classroom, Amonte is co-hosting his podcast, “The Process,” and raising his two kids with his lawyer wife. Power couple! Hello! An important story about the cruciality of supporting your community, paying homage to those who came before you, and paving the way for those who will follow, Amonté gives us a history lesson and shows us how success is not a linear process.   Amonté’s Lesson from the Trap? Listen to the episode to find out how these cult favorites inspire Amonté!). Follow Amonté on IG & Twitter: @AmonteMartin S Support his pod, The Process, on IG: @overcome_achieve.

A journalist by trade, Jalisa, aka Jae left a career in radio when she decided to move to Atlanta and earn her Ph.D. She is a third-year doctoral student at Clark Atlanta University, where she is studying Humanities with a double concentration in African American Studies and Political Science. Her research focus is Digital Discourse Surrounding Sexual Agency of Black Women in Southern Hip Hop. She loves all things Southern, like diamond grills, slabs, bounce music, crawfish, and a good HBCU band.  She shares her reason for intentionally earning her Ph.D. at an HBCU, balancing her full-time job, work as an influencer, her Etsy shop, and managing a community she created with over 12K Black single young professionals.   Follow Jae on Instagram and Twitter @JaeSoFamous

Marquis is an advisor and program coordinator at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, writer, and host of @detroitworldwidepodcast. His journey started as a freshman conditionally accepted to Wayne State University. He says he bloomed where he was planted, serving students as a peer mentor which inspired his career path to serve minoritized, first-gen students as a career. Listen to this week's episode about his experience as a graduate student while juggling. multiple jobs. It's still a story in the Full-Time Series because this is the reality for so many folks; So many of us have` to work on top of an assistantship stipend to make ends meet and the timing spent working equals up to a full-time job while in grad school full time. He shares his approach to handling all his jobs, navigating grad school, and making authentic connections as a grad student.   Follow Marquis on Instagram at @detroitworldwidepodcast @mtaylor313 or on Twitter @mtaylor313 @detroitworldpod  

Quianna grad school journey started in a centerpiece of Black American culture, the shop! A hairstylist turned social worker, she was always finding resources to help her clients. When she decided to go back to school in 2006 to finish her Bachelor's degree, she then realized that social work was the career that would allow her to amplify and empower voices. She got more than she bargained for when she was encouraged to continue and complete her MSW. Listen in to this episode to hear how Quianna pursued her MSW working full time on top of titles as mom, new wife, and the one of the brilliant minds behind @non_tradish. She shares her unorthodox study hours, her prioritization method, and negotiation skills that helped get her through. Follow and support Non-Tradish! Link: https://www.instagram.com/non_tradish/ Learn more or join the Scholar Circle, the accountability and productivity community that offers resources and support for holistic development. When you’re a member of the Scholar Circle you’ll find trainings, templates and tools that help you stay organized, streamline your research, and boosts your productivity. We just wrapped up the Fall semester and will be starting again on January 19th, if you’re interested head to blkingradschool.com/jointsc  

Nicole (@_nicoleblah) is working on her PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Mercer University where her research focus is black women's wellness and perinatal mental health. We talked about her path to psychology from another path and really demystify the clinical psychology education process --which at her university is different from the usual research-dissertation process we think of. She then shares how she balances grad school, work, and family. There's a strategy she uses for reading that is freaking ingenious, seriously. Even if you aren't working full time with family while earning a graduate degree, Nicole dops gems on wellness with the warmest yet firm approach I've heard. Definitely perfect as we continue this series about balancing work & school and wrap up this year. Learn more or join the Scholar Circle, the accountability and productivity community that offers resources and support for holistic development. When you’re a member of the Scholar Circle you’ll find trainings, templates and tools that help you stay organized, streamline your research, and boosts your productivity. We just wrapped up the Fall semester and will be starting again on January 19th, if you’re interested head to blkingradschool.com/jointsc  

When Bianca (@bjesus89) went away to college with aspirations to teach, but when she realized K-12 wasn't for her she pivoted to Higher Ed and hasn't looked back since. Her career moved her to Pittsburgh back in 2017, and she decided after 7.5 years in the profession to pursue an Ed.D. Bianca is now in her second year of her Ed.D. at the University of Pittsburgh focusing on the development of first-generation, low-income students in predominately white spaces. She still works full-time so we talk about how she juggles work and school as well as maintaining a really full social life! Listen in as she shares her thought process for picking her program, how she speaks up for herself in the classroom (and tips on how you can too), and her approach for maintaining balance.   Learn more or join the Scholar Circle, the accountability and productivity community that offers resources and support for holistic development. When you’re a member of the Scholar Circle you’ll find trainings, templates and tools that help you stay organized, streamline your research, and boosts your productivity. We just wrapped up the Fall semester and will be starting again on January 19th, if you’re interested head to blkingradschool.com/jointsc  

Sam is one of my Detroit homies. We met about 7 years ago (gasp!) after he accepted a job at General Motors where he's moved up to Reporting Analyst. He finished up an MBA in Information Systems and Global Supply Chain and is now a second Master's in Marketing Business Analytics. We discuss his work-life balance -- because let me tell you, Sam lives it up!--as well as his decision to pursue a second Master's to best position himself for the career he wants. And of course, we talk about the coins and how Sam has funded his education so far. Follow Sam on Insta: @sam_goin_ham1 Also!Join in on this conversation on Monday 12/14 where GRE will be hosting a virtual event to begin the conversation about admission bias, the current climate for graduate education amongst students of color, and more. I’ll be serving as one of the panelists in the conversation and invite you to share your thoughts. Come join me on December 14, 2020, at 2 pm EDT Link for registration: http://bit.ly/39UHKDU

Adebukola Ajao (IG @baddisparateyouth) is a graduate student at Northeastern University set to finish her Master’s in Digital Media this month! She was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fellow which fully funds her studies in exchange for work in her community. It doesn’t stop there though, Adebukola works full time as a program advisor at a local high school, runs her multimedia agency. She's a highly motivated woman wearing many hats, and we've chopped it about her decision to go back to grad school + how she balances everything on her plate. Her #1 strategy for balancing it all follows Toni Morrison’s writing routine.   Adebukola’s interview is the first of a series all about going to grad school full time and working full time. I know so many of you are juggling school, family, work and I absolutely commend you! Idk, how ya’ll do it and I often get questions about how to balance grad school and working full-time so I found a bunch of folks to share their story with us!   Get the latest update from Blk + in Grad School at blkingradschool.com/links

The letter of recommendation can be a great tool in telling your story in a graduate school or fellowship application. You want to include a skill/character they could speak to. Providing what you want each recommender to speak on (and the angle they address the skill/character) can assist them with crafting their letters. Professors are super busy and organized emails with this specificity help them quickly write your letter because they don't have to start from scratch or rely on their memory. Ultimately making your letters stronger and better received by admissions committees. Here's how I organize my recommenders when I applied to grad school and I'm using this now as I apply to fellowships. You can get a copy of my worksheet to keep track of all of this in 'Get to Grad School', a FREE email series I created about APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL. This 7-day series was developed to help you prepare your best application so you can attend the school of your dreams! - FREE.99: Applicants can spend over $1,200 during application season and still not be admitted anywhere. Reduce your costs by more than 60% and increase your chances of being admitted!Application costs can exceed $1, 000 so you need - One Worksheet for all your apps: Find everything you need to application season in one worksheet. Makes your life less frustrating and progress easy to track. - Packaged with HBCU ❤️ : Created by yours truly, this e-course has a some flavor to it. Rap references, memes alldat. Sign up today at blkingradschool.com/apply  

Are you or someone you know heading to grad school? Hopefully, you or they know how important funding is for grad school. Some schools are great about funding, others are..not so much. Either way, securing funding is very important. I hosted a webinar a while back covering a bunch of strategies I've used and taught about funding.   Graduate school can be really expensive, on average a graduate degree in the U.S. can cost $30,000-$40,000 a year. You’ve probably been told you don't have to pay for graduate school but no one really explains how to go to grad school for free.

Nowadays, it can sometimes feel like an undergraduate degree is not enough anymore and that you need a graduate degree if you want a decent job. Or you may feel like you need a break and may get burnout from so much school. These are two of many legitimate concerns that you need to explore for mapping out your educational journey for this round of applications. If you’re considering secondary education and don’t know if you want to pursue a Masters or Ph.D., this episode is for you. Allante’ sits down to discuss the differences, the pros and cons, and the approach to picking which degree is most beneficial for you. She touches on “The Illustrated guide to Ph.D.’s” by Dr. Matt Mike, which addresses the circle of human knowledge. When you’re considering secondary education you may ask yourself, “Do I really need a Masters in this field? What do I gain from getting a Ph.D.?” Allante’ answers those questions with more questions to help you dig deeper on your journey. “What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Do you want to be an expert on a topic, or do you want to gain knowledge on a topic and specialize and be a specialist where you know where to get answers and figure things out?” Don’t know the answer just yet? Try out the FREE e-mail course “Get to Grad School” blkingradschool.com/apply.This week-long course will help you figure it out.

Sit and relax as you listen to Aya share her thoughts on diversity in academia and strategies that universities can implement to truly embrace and embody diversity. Aya Waller-Bay is a sociology Ph.D. student at University of Michigan examining the identity narration of black students in the application process. On this episode Aya and I discuss the personal statement that students submit for scholarship and college admissions. Aya shares her own story in personal statement and how it inspired her to explore how the admission process has influenced the way marginalized individuals share their trauma. Aya also shares a story related to this topic, like a lot of first-generation, low-income students. You can follow Aya on Instagram + Twitter: @aya__marie

When Indira finished high school in the U.S. Virgin Islands, she was not planning to attend college and now is an emerging thought leader in brain health disparities across race and ethnicity. She is currently a postdoctoral research scientist at the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. She earned her Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from Pennsylvania State University. Her work aims to identify the underlying molecular, structural, and functional neural architecture of disparities in dementia and the sociocultural factors that contribute to these inequalities.⁣ We discussed her journey to graduate school as a Black Caribbean woman, specifically the way she explored different research experiences, which ultimately led her to discovering her interest in cognitive neuroscience. Throughout Indira's story she shed light on the importance of staying open to different opportunities while paying attention to the things that interest you. This advice doesn't just apply to picking and pursuing your graduate degree, Indira was intentional about fostering a community throughout her graduate journey and continues to do so as co-founder of U.N.I.T.Y. Listen in to learn more about finding your research interest, finding your tribe, and more.   Follow Indira on Instagram and Twitter @indiraturney and Unity on Instagram @unity4bipoc

Most grad students are at home so how do you practice self-advocacy in academia? We can talk about what to do when shit goes sideways of course, but how do you stand out as a graduate student? How do you stay top of mind for opportunities? That was the conversation this week with return guest, Irnande of First Gen Rise. Irnande shares her experiences on how she fosters strong connections, asks for help and landed prestigious internships. Even though her experiences were in person, we tackle the ways to make these connections whether you're meeting on Zoom or RTing someone on #AcademicTwitter. This episode is chock-full of goodies for making a lasting impression, take what you need, leave what you don’t. Spoiler Alert: Irnande is a great example of exhausting one's resources, from career services, faculty and beyond. About Irnande: Irnande is the Policy Director of Special Populations at the Mental Health Association of Maryland. Prior to, she served as the Chief of Staff for Maryland State Senator Kathy Klausmeier. Irnande practiced civil litigation as an associate with the Law Office of Derek Challenger. She is admitted to both the Maryland State Bar and Maryland Federal Bar. She founded FirstGenRise to create a platform for first-generation law students, graduates, and attorneys navigating the legal profession. Also,Irnande is the author of “The Rise of a First Gen”which journeys the struggles and successes of a first-generation American determined to rise. Listen to Irnande's first episode, blkingradschool.com/podcast/50 all about her graduate journey. Connect with Irnande on IG and Twitter.  

Grad School doesn’t usually come with a course on how to navigate all the things that come along with it. These things are often described as the “hidden curriculum” — things you’re just expected to know or somehow learn on your own—or else. Sometimes these topics are addressed briefly during orientation, sometimes it does not. Why does it feel like, sometimes, we’re all we’ve got? And we’re kinda new here, but we ARE here. So who exactly am I talking about when I say we? The many communities that have come into fruition over the years to serve graduate students beyond graduate school. This week I share the organizations I’m in as well as many that I admire! The many communities that have come into fruition over the years to serve graduate students beyond graduate school. This week I share the organizations I’m in as well as many that I admire! If you looking for your people within the academic space you might find them in this episode but you have to listen to hear all the goodies! In this episode I mention a bunch of communities to consider joining. Get the full list at blkingradschool.com/podcast/121   Just two more weeks to join The Scholar Circle until next year! Get more information at blkingradschool.com/jointsc

In this week’s episode I give an overview of Léa’s workshop, ‘Embodying Wellness: Mind, Body and Finding a good therapist.” Swe shares some amazing strategies for not only taking care of yourself mentally and physically—she explores the concept of digital wellness. Listen for a quick recap of all the goodies she shares like writing prompts, inclusive mental healthcare, and strategies for finding a therapist for your needs. But don’t stop there, watch the full 1-hour webinar at blkingradschool.com/podcast/120 This webinar pairs perfectly with my latest resource, The Goal Oriented Scholar. This free workbook that offers a way to set your goals for the new academic semester in a way that will make sure they are REALISTIC! You can download it at blkingradschool.com/goal-oriented If you are in a research-based graduate program you have almost no structure in most cases. you select your classes, you shape your research agenda, you dictate the pace of your progress in your program besides a few, large spread out milestones (think Master's thesis, qualifying exam, dissertation defense). This in itself can be very overwhelming. Exercises to help you determine which goals to pursue Quick and effective time accounting page to make sure you have a full view of all your responsibilities in the coming semester Resources to help you with the next steps after you’ve figured out your goals My favorite time management tips + hacks A podcast playlist all about goal-setting

Profound words from @profgabrielle on Twitter. This episode explores how we as graduate students specifically find ourselves often overextended. I share a laundry list of the mistakes and oversights that occur over the course of a semester that creates a reactive environment instead of one this is reactive. Need some help with getting yourself organized this semester? Here's a free workbook I put together to help you out. Check it out at blkingradschool.com/goal-oriented

Christin Haynes is an upcoming 4th year doctoral candidate in Family Science and Human Development at Montclair State University. She holds a B.S in Psychology and MSW from Florida A&M University and research focuses on Black mother/daughter relationship, maternal mental health, and coping mechanisms with gendered racism. An avid cook and food lover, she also focuses on empowering Black families to learn family history through intergenerational cooking with her latest product, Delicious Legacy, the first African American recipe binder. We talk about developing an authentic research agenda with range and flexibility for a variety of careers after completing your graduate degree. Christin shares how she connected her passions, talents, and expertise to her educational training to develop a focus for her doctoral degree. She shares more on how she's using her expertise in creative ways beyond academia and support the Black community. You can follow Christin @blackfamilyscholar.   Thanks again to our sponsor, Bolden for their support. Use code 'Blk+InGrad20' for 20% off your first order! Get your order today at boldenusa.com

Part Two of Two: If you missed last week's episode, go back and listen. This week's guest is Dr. Langston Clark, an Assistant Professor at UT-San Antonio. We connected through his group A&T to PhD and Langston been a part of my extended support system ever since. What was supposed to be a typical interview turned into a pretty raw and uncut vent session mixed with lots of sage advice/wisdom from someone who has already been through the process. Listen for a hard dose of reality and of course advice and inspiration to keep pushing. A little more about Langston: Langston Clark is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio's College of Education and Human Development. Langston completed his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) at The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to obtaining his Ph.D., he received his M.A. in Adapted Physical Education from The Ohio State University and a B.S. in Physical Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T). Given his experience as an undergraduate at A&T, his research focuses on the training of Black teachers at HBCUs from the perspective of PETE. His other research examines Black history in sports, and the intersection of athletics, race, and education. Instagram & Twitter Handle: @LangstonDClark **Don't forget** Show Bolden Skin Care, this week's sponsor, some love. Use code 'BLK+INGRAD20' for 20% their products at boldenusa.com or follow them on Instagram @boldenusa

This week's guest is Dr. Langston Clark, an Assistant Professor at UT-San Antonio. We connected through his group A&T to PhD and Langston been a part of my extended support system ever since. What was supposed to be a typical interview turned into a pretty raw and uncut vent session mixed with lots of sage advice/wisdom from someone who has already been through the process. Listen for a hard dose of reality and of course advice and inspiration to keep pushing.   A little more about Langston: Langston Clark is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio's College of Education and Human Development. Langston completed his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) at The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to obtaining his Ph.D., he received his M.A. in Adapted Physical Education from The Ohio State University and a B.S. in Physical Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T). Given his experience as an undergraduate at A&T, his research focuses on the training of Black teachers at HBCUs from the perspective of PETE. His other research examines Black history in sports, and the intersection of athletics, race, and education. Instagram & Twitter Handle: @LangstonDClark **Don't forget** Show Bolden Skin Care, this week's sponsor, some love. Use code 'BLK+INGRAD20' for 20% their products at boldenusa.com or follow them on Instagram @boldenusa

This week I had the pleasure to chat with Gabriell! She is starting her PhD in the fall, and like so many others incoming graduate students she had to make a lot of decisions while the world is experiencing a pandemics and uprisings. She reached out to me to and we talked about her thought process as she made plans for starting her PhD in the fall. She shares how she thought through the decisions she had available: continue working and pursue the PhD part-time or go to grad school full-time. We all know finances play a role in our decision-making and even more so when this precarious economic landscape, but Gabriell didn’t let this lead her to the final decision. Listen as she shares some other key factors you may be missing if you are in a similar position. Follow Gabriell on Instagram @oh_heyitsgg Thanks to our sponsor Bolden Skin Care! Check out their entire line of science-backed products made specifically with Black and Brown skin in mind! Head to www.boldenusa.com or on instagram @boldenusa

Whew, this academic year was something else. Wrapping up classes, manuscript rejections, manuscript revisions, one hard

Zach is a second year Graphic Design MFA student at Iowa State University. His thesis is investigating the barriers and pain points associated with being a Black graphic art/graphic design student. We talk about the work he does to decolonize design in his courses and with his colleagues. His story gives us insight and inspiration to keep fighting for better academic institutions for ourselves and future scholars. It's a candid conversation and timely with one (of many) ways to keep the momentum for the change we seek as Black folx in academic.   Follow him and get inspired on IG @Zach_frazier.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Nicole Vick has spent the last fifteen years providing tools and strategies to stakeholders, community-based organizations, students, and residents to improve health and prevent disease in some of Los Angeles County’s most underserved communities. She's built a life of purpose as a public health professional, businesswoman and now author. On this episode we talk about her life and she shares both the heartbreaking pain and the extraordinary triumphs that led her to advocacy and social justice work. Her early years of self-doubt and discomfort in her own skin would set her up for decades of bad choices and difficult situations: a teen pregnancy that could have derailed a lifelong dream. Nicole channeled challenging moments of her life into prime opportunities for personal growth. She shares skills she used to connect, build, and create community, comradery, and a sense of purpose. This is all a precursor to Nicole's book, Pushing Through, which just took the #1 spot in Amazon's healthcare category! She gives a glimpse of what she shares in the book. It's such a motivating story because it's a 'real human' story. Nicole's stories are real, making her success feel equally real and possible for us still in grad school. I think it's especially moving for non-traditional grad students, public health grad students, and mothers in grad school. Listen our convo and then check out Pushing Through available now on Amazon and available in print in the fall. You can follow Nicole on Instagram @nicoledvick.

On Sunday I went on IG live with Vanessa (@nessiethegreat94 on Instagram) a UMN PhD student who has been provided nearly $15,000 worth of supplies to protesters and those in need in Minneapolis. We talk about ways that graduate students can involved locally, responding to support from non-Black folk and more. This is mostly a conversation, recording a moment in what we hope— and some feel—is the beginning of some real concrete progress in America.  

It's a new podcast episode! I know grad students are busy so I figured folks who are short on time could use a quick overview of the sessions! In less than 30 minutes I recap 6+ hours of the virtual summit!   Thanks again to the sponsor of this episode INI sips! You can get 15% off your first order with code BLK+INGRADSCHOOL.   Wanna watch the replays? Get access to the replays at gradschoolsummit.com

This is the last recording in the live series with Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion. “What I Wish I Knew: Advice for Every Year of Grad School”, includes stories from grad students and recent grads as they've

This is the last recording in the live series with Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion. “What I Wish I Knew: Advice for Every Year of Grad School”, includes stories from grad students and recent grads as they've

This is the last recording in the live series with Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion. “What I Wish I Knew: Advice for Every Year of Grad School”, includes stories from grad students and recent grads as they've

This is the last recording in the live series with Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion. “What I Wish I Knew: Advice for Every Year of Grad School”, includes stories from grad students and recent grads as they've

Everyone needs a break from reality from time to time. Here's a round up of shows, podcasts and books to help you take a mental break from school and #thatRona. This is the second episode in the live series with Carnegie Mellon's Center for Student Divers

Everyone needs a break from reality from time to time. Here's a round up of shows, podcasts and books to help you take a mental break from school and #thatRona. This is the second episode in the live series with Carnegie Mellon's Center for Student Divers

This week I sat down with Dr. Toyin Alli, a math professor and the blogger behind The Academic Society. She started as a Biology major at Ole Miss with plans to be an Optometrist. Participating in programs like LSAMP and McNair Scholar Program she discov

This week I sat down with Dr. Toyin Alli, a math professor and the blogger behind The Academic Society. She started as a Biology major at Ole Miss with plans to be an Optometrist. Participating in programs like LSAMP and McNair Scholar Program she discov

Ahhhh, Baby Lanté. I was a tender 23 about to embark on this grad school journey and I had NO CLUE WHAT I WAS GETTING MYSELF INTO. This week’s episode is my usual birthday reflection with a little spin because I didn’t learn 31 things last year lol.

Ahhhh, Baby Lanté. I was a tender 23 about to embark on this grad school journey and I had NO CLUE WHAT I WAS GETTING MYSELF INTO. This week’s episode is my usual birthday reflection with a little spin because I didn’t learn 31 things last year lol.

This week’s episode is a recording from the LIVE episode a few weeks ago, organized by Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion. It was all about celebrating milestones like:

This week’s episode is a recording from the LIVE episode a few weeks ago, organized by Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion. It was all about celebrating milestones like:

Trajuan Briggs is a motivator, supporter mentor and bridge builder. A former student-athlete turned grad student, he finished his MS in Sport Administration at the University of New Mexico exploring Identity, Holistic Development, & the Black Male Student

Trajuan Briggs is a motivator, supporter mentor and bridge builder. A former student-athlete turned grad student, he finished his MS in Sport Administration at the University of New Mexico exploring Identity, Holistic Development, & the Black Male Student

This week I sat down with Korie Grayson is a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University and a visiting scholar at Vanderbilt University. You've probably seen pictures of her floating around as she is really the modern poster girl for b

This week I sat down with Korie Grayson is a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University and a visiting scholar at Vanderbilt University. You've probably seen pictures of her floating around as she is really the modern poster girl for b

ISSA THROWBACK: Autumn is the brilliance behind @ReadBlackademia and we talk about how she balances that and graduate school. She just finished the second year of her Ph.D. program so she drops some gems about her experience. Get access to the FREE resour

ISSA THROWBACK: Autumn is the brilliance behind @ReadBlackademia and we talk about how she balances that and graduate school. She just finished the second year of her Ph.D. program so she drops some gems about her experience. Get access to the FREE resour

This week Allanté reflects on 100 episodes of Blk + In Grad School! Shares what she's learned over the course of the show as a creative, a student, and a person. Hear some of her favorite messages over the years and what's she is hoping for moving forwar

This week Allanté reflects on 100 episodes of Blk + In Grad School! Shares what she's learned over the course of the show as a creative, a student, and a person. Hear some of her favorite messages over the years and what's she is hoping for moving forwar

As we countdown to SXSW EDU, I chop it up with another academic content creator who'll be participating in the panel! Ravynn is a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) in American Studies at William & Mary. Her dissertation research focuses on Black women and girls in ne

As we countdown to SXSW EDU, I chop it up with another academic content creator who'll be participating in the panel! Ravynn is a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) in American Studies at William & Mary. Her dissertation research focuses on Black women and girls in ne

Today I chopped it up with the first academic blogger I followed ever--Joy Woods Bennett of Without A Space. She is a first-year PhD student at University of Texas Austin, studying communications. Joy is well-known in the #AcademicTwitter community with h

Today I chopped it up with the first academic blogger I followed ever--Joy Woods Bennett of Without A Space. She is a first-year PhD student at University of Texas Austin, studying communications. Joy is well-known in the #AcademicTwitter community with h

Kat has always wanted to earn her Ph.D. as her Plan B was to become Whitney Houston

Kat has always wanted to earn her Ph.D. as her Plan B was to become Whitney Houston

Meet JoeSandra Odunze, the mind behind The Corporate Minority, As the child of two entrepreneurs with a passion for serving people, she knew that after she finished her Bachelors in Psychology and Ethnic Studies she would go directly to her MBA, despite c

Meet JoeSandra Odunze, the mind behind The Corporate Minority, As the child of two entrepreneurs with a passion for serving people, she knew that after she finished her Bachelors in Psychology and Ethnic Studies she would go directly to her MBA, despite c

"Everybody's somebody's everything Nobody's nothin'" -Chance The Rapper, Everybody's Somebody This week's episode is a touchy, but real and relevant subject. As we deal with grieving personal losses and even people we may have never met, doing so in grad

"Everybody's somebody's everything Nobody's nothin'" -Chance The Rapper, Everybody's Somebody This week's episode is a touchy, but real and relevant subject. As we deal with grieving personal losses and even people we may have never met, doing so in grad

Who else wants to see + experience more

Who else wants to see + experience more

This week's guest is Dominique, the creator of academic + fitness community, Scientists Who Lift. Dominique is a 4th year Ph.D. student, with a master's in Biophysical Chemistry. His current research focuses on the Time and Space organization of MMP9 and

This week's guest is Dominique, the creator of academic + fitness community, Scientists Who Lift. Dominique is a 4th year Ph.D. student, with a master's in Biophysical Chemistry. His current research focuses on the Time and Space organization of MMP9 and

It's 2020 and time to set those goals again! Allanté reflects on her goals for 2019 and 2020. It's been a wild ride so far, and she shares how she thinks through goals. Get access to the FREE resources from Blk + in Grad School; Heading to grad school?

It's 2020 and time to set those goals again! Allanté reflects on her goals for 2019 and 2020. It's been a wild ride so far, and she shares how she thinks through goals. Get access to the FREE resources from Blk + in Grad School; Heading to grad school?

Asia Fuller Hamilton, Ph.D. is the wife + mother of a beautiful family of six. She juggled a full-time job, an active family and community life while completing her doctoral degree in 2017 from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She earned her P

Asia Fuller Hamilton, Ph.D. is the wife + mother of a beautiful family of six. She juggled a full-time job, an active family and community life while completing her doctoral degree in 2017 from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She earned her P

Dr. Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts (@blacktransnational_) is a tenure track assistant professor in community health at State University of New York (SUNY) Cortland. He received all his degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, completing his Ph.D

Dr. Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts (@blacktransnational_) is a tenure track assistant professor in community health at State University of New York (SUNY) Cortland. He received all his degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, completing his Ph.D

Destenie Nock finished her PhD in Industrial Engineering in 2019 from UMass Amherst and is the first Black woman to join the faculty for the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon. Her research focuses primarily on energy planning, decision analysis, a

Destenie Nock finished her PhD in Industrial Engineering in 2019 from UMass Amherst and is the first Black woman to join the faculty for the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon. Her research focuses primarily on energy planning, decision analysis, a

Unless you were living under a rock, you probably heard about Dr. Mareena Robinson Snowden who went viral as the FIRST Black Women to get her PhD in Nuclear Engineering from MIT. On this week's episode she talks about her life and career after that level

Unless you were living under a rock, you probably heard about Dr. Mareena Robinson Snowden who went viral as the FIRST Black Women to get her PhD in Nuclear Engineering from MIT. On this week's episode she talks about her life and career after that level

Time flies when you're having fun! Blk + In Grad School Turns TWO so Allanté reflects on what she's learned about the podcasting business, life and of course, grad school! Hear favorite clips from the last year that have kept it real or brought insight a

Time flies when you're having fun! Blk + In Grad School Turns TWO so Allanté reflects on what she's learned about the podcasting business, life and of course, grad school! Hear favorite clips from the last year that have kept it real or brought insight a

Dr. Williams was a model graduate student but in the last two years of her doctoral program felt that academia would not be the space allow her to use her gifts and talents in a way that felt good to her soul. She shares how she boldly set aside the inte

Dr. Williams was a model graduate student but in the last two years of her doctoral program felt that academia would not be the space allow her to use her gifts and talents in a way that felt good to her soul. She shares how she boldly set aside the inte

This week Allanté gets transparent about some of her fears as the time is coming to move into the next phase.  How do you deal with fear about the future? Fear about the quality of the relationships in your network? Fear about work and research? Fear ab

This week Allanté gets transparent about some of her fears as the time is coming to move into the next phase.  How do you deal with fear about the future? Fear about the quality of the relationships in your network? Fear about work and research? Fear ab

Every grad student is inundated work. Readings, homework, classes, meetings can begin to feel like a constant state of doing the most. Then conversations with fellow grad students IRL and online follow suit with seeing as everyone is crazy busy, but after

Every grad student is inundated work. Readings, homework, classes, meetings can begin to feel like a constant state of doing the most. Then conversations with fellow grad students IRL and online follow suit with seeing as everyone is crazy busy, but after

Allanté shares her personal statement for her Ph.D. application. There's some wins and some losses but as always there's a lesson. Mentioned during the show: Episode 12: How Did I get Here? My grad school story. Medium Article - What is Blk + in Grad Sc

Allanté shares her personal statement for her Ph.D. application. There's some wins and some losses but as always there's a lesson. Mentioned during the show: Episode 12: How Did I get Here? My grad school story. Medium Article - What is Blk + in Grad Sc

Working towards becoming a better writer, Allanté attempted to write 100 days and shares how she did it. Following the exercises in Patricia Goodson's Becoming an Academic Writer (reviewed in the last episode, check out Ep. 81) Allanté Increased her average writing time amongst other things. There was a lot to gain in terms of establishing a writing practice, improving writing and tracking the progress. Lastly, Allanté shares two essential tools to help during the writing process.   Mentioned during the episode:Click here to get the Writing LogWork Log: Get FREE access by signing up to the Balanced Scholar Challenge https://www.blkingradschool.com/balanceAcademic Phrasebank: http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/MyTomatoes, Pomodoro Tracker: http://mytomatoes.com/

Working towards becoming a better writer, Allanté attempted to write 100 days and shares how she did it. Following the exercises in Patricia Goodson's Becoming an Academic Writer (reviewed in the last episode, check out Ep. 81) Allanté Increased her average writing time amongst other things. There was a lot to gain in terms of establishing a writing practice, improving writing and tracking the progress. Lastly, Allanté shares two essential tools to help during the writing process.   Mentioned during the episode:Click here to get the Writing LogWork Log: Get FREE access by signing up to the Balanced Scholar Challenge https://www.blkingradschool.com/balanceAcademic Phrasebank: http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/MyTomatoes, Pomodoro Tracker: http://mytomatoes.com/

In Episode 54: 2018 The Recap Allanté shared her goals for the next year and from one of those goals came a necessity to sharpen her writing skills. With her goal in mind and a recommendation on Instagram from @higheredincolor she decided to read Becoming an Academic Writer by Dr. Patricia Goodson. On this episode, Allanté gives her opinion on the book, the best parts of the book, how to use it and some of the new habits she has developed as a result of reading it. Blog Post Book Review by Dr. Raul Pachecho-Vaga: http://www.raulpacheco.org/2017/07/becoming-an-academic-writer-patricia-goodson-my-reading-notes/ Don't forget: Sign up for the free Get to Grad School Course ---> blkingradschool.com/apply It is grad school application season. If you are getting ready to go to graduate school sign up for my free 7-day course, Get to Grad School at blkingradschool.com/apply  

In Episode 54: 2018 The Recap Allanté shared her goals for the next year and from one of those goals came a necessity to sharpen her writing skills. With her goal in mind and a recommendation on Instagram from @higheredincolor she decided to read Becomin

This week's guest is Allanté's very best friend of 15+ years, Ashley!! Ashley has always had a heart and passion for community where her path led her to a career in non-profit. After she finished undergrad at Michigan State University, she jumped right into a Master's degree in Educational Psychology to bolster her non-profit career trajectory. In the first few years in the sector, Ashley was searching for opportunities to move up and in her searches she'd often see librarian openings. After a few years in non-profit without the advancements she desired and deserved, Ashley decided to pivot to library science after seeing so many postings when she was searching for positions in the past. She's now earning a second Masters degree, now in Library and Information Science as a pivot to a job that still allows her to serve her purpose in the community. She shares her story to and through the grad school journey on this week's episode.

This week's episode is a throwback! Allanté rewinds back 50 episodes to episode 29 when she finished up her first year and also created her first week-by-week action plan! Inspired by Side Hustle Pro's Goal Getter Action Plan, Allanté shares how she organized her plan as a graduate student (instead of an entrepreneur). She also shares plenty resources you can try to explore for putting together a 12-week plan to accomplish your goals! Mentioned During The Episode: If you want to get access to the 2018 Strengths Not Strikes Virtual Summit (now called the Grad School Success Summit--you can view it on the YouTube Channel youtube.com/blkingradschool You can also e-mail me about working together on your action plan for your semester. Say hi at [email protected].    

"I know there's always rooting before blossoming." - Tracy G.   This affirmation is a whole word, which inspired this week's episode on setting your goals. If you're a scholar, rooting is the planning and blossoming is the goal achieved. That goal could be a paper, a research project, building your network, etc. Setting a goal in our heads may be as easy as writing that goal down however the process of actualizing the goal can be frustrating and confusing without some careful considerations taken into account. This week Allanté shares three critical pieces to setting goals so that you'll actually accomplish them, not just set and forget.   You can sign up for a free 30-min goal setting session at this link: blkingradschool.com/goals

Meet Alana, a part-time MSW student that balances her coursework and working full-time with a very intentional self-care. During a conversation inside Blk + in Grad School's private community, The Scholar Circle, Alana brought up the topic of activities that provide rest and how they differ from restoration.Can you talk about a mind-blowing moment?

Elissia is a 4th year PhD student in Chemistry and Lipidomics and the creator of ResearchHER. From her first visit at Purdue, Elissia immediately knew she wanted to be in a space where she was truly comfortable.  She didn’t want to be the first black woman in her PhD program and she was hesitant to introduce herself to professors because she didn’t feel like she wouldn’t measure up. That didn’t stop her and when Elissia discovered a professor’s research that she found herself connected to everything started to click. “The only way to get past my insecurities is to talk about them freely.” Coming from the Southside of Chicago Elissia quickly realized there are different ways to approach a conversation and while in undergrad.  That was a tough lesson. By navigating her new found tone, Elissia learned the conversation finesse while still commanding respect. In finding her voice, she also learned how to find a structure within her PhD program that would sustain her success throughout her grad school experience. “You take your education in your own hands.”   Check out Elissia’s Podcast: The Research Her Follow her on IG @theresearchher IG Link: https://www.instagram.com/theresearchher/

This episode is all about creating a space you enjoy away from campus. Many graduate students are furnishing an apartment and while they have the essentials (if you don't no fear Allanté has that covered as well) still wonder about how to make the space feel more home-y and comfortable. Listen in to hear the 5 items you should be looking for to give your space the look and feel you desire and the spots to shop to get them for a steal. We're bougie on a budget over here, what about you?    

School is starting back up— eek! Funny how time flies when you’re having fun, er, I mean when you’re working hard to make research progress. haha. If you’re starting grad school this year, congrats! If it’s another year for you, congrats as well. Because grad school. Spoiler Alert: this list is NOT going to blow your mind but instead I am writing this to make a case for investing in these items. That means spend a little money, don’t be cheap—which is opposite the advice graduate students hear.   Check out the Four Essential Things Worth the Investment for Grad School on the blog --> blkingradschool.com/blog/four-essentials

If you’re used to using social media solely for your personal enjoyment with memes, quotes and the like, it’s a different ballgame when it comes to using it as a rising thought leader (that’s you!). This episode explores some of the ways you can navigate the Twitterverse, with some practical tips on handling clapbacks and finding your community. Listen in for advice to find your people--fellow grad students, faculty and researchers in your field and beyond. Learn some best practices or easy ways to engage when you’re just getting started with your professional Twitter.   In this episode: Check out the Academic Twitter Directory at blkingradschool.com/resources/twitter   Also!! Allanté submitted a proposal to record a podcast at SxSW go vote for her idea! https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/101156

Moving to a new city can be hard, so is finding a place with all your personal comforts. Don’t worry though, Allanté’s got your back! Preparation is your friend so the first step is getting ahead of the curve and really understanding your needs and wants. Listen in this week for the 6 critical steps to success as you prepare to step forward into your new city. If you want advice and insight into finding a place (within your budget), making new friends in your city, or getting ready to start a program, you’ll get what you need this week. Lesson From The Trap: Never Recover - Lil Baby ft. Gunna & Drake “Look at my story man, no one can write it. Now I see a million I don’t even get excited.” P.S. --check out Episode 70: Making that Graduate Stipend Stretch for an in depth analysis of how to stack your coins and let your money work for you the looong way.**

“Life is a marathon, it's all about the pace.  We can’t be out here running sprints expecting to win the race.”  See your sacrifices as investments in your future toward your goal.  By changing your perspective from the goal to the process you start to fall in love with living in the moment and stop seeing the end game as the tumultuous, unattainable entity. “There is a part of what I know I need to do that requires something different.” Demar had the self realization that there was a gap in his education.  By letting his curiosity lead, rather than follow the pre-set coursework Demar made a change and he adjusted.  He followed his inside voice and chased his passion. Understanding exactly who he was and staying grounded with what brings him happiness, Demar overcame the largest hurdle people experience when looking to pursue grad school.  He tapped into the resources around him to learn from his rejections and realized he held power in the things he could control while crafting his narrative. “Sometimes we don’t get the validation from the spaces we are in and when you’re trying to communicate a world and what you’re saying doesn’t make sense to people there is value in finding people you are meant to be in these conversations with.” Find your purpose, passion and place of peace and own it outright.  “This is a space where you have a right to be;” it helps you get from start to finish because it alone belongs to you. “The process is more important than the milestone.”... a word...WHEW!   Get ready to be inspired ya’ll because CLASS IS IN SESSION. Follow Demar Twitter:https://twitter.com/demarlewisiv Instagram: instagram.com/thegreater5ool

This recording comes from one of the sessions during the Grad School Success Summit 2019. You can catch the rest of the sessions at gradschoolsummit.com

Hey there! Reminder to sign up for the Grad School Success Summit!   Listen for some more details. Registration closed on 5/20/2019 but you can sign up for access to all the replays at gradschoolsummit.com

Learning to trust, rely, care for and count on yourself will define your outcomes whether the experiences are positive or negative. “That win didn’t even feel like a win because the person I celebrate those wins with wasn’t here.” There are ups and there are downs in this thing called life. Join Allante this week as she talks through switching between intellectual energy and emotional energy, and recentering herself to push through to the end of the school year. Taking the time to go inward and slowing down to be gentle with herself Allante rediscovered her purpose and found a renewed sense of needing to persist. “I did it. It was really hard but I just knew I needed to continue to persist.  That was the only option I’ve had. That is my Plan A.”   You may want to grab your tissues because this is gonna get you in the feels.  CLASS IS IN SESSION! Sign up for the Grad School Success Summit here: gradschoolsummit.com

The chat with Fancy was literally overflowing with gems, it had to become a two-parter! Continuing last week's conversation about personal branding Lisa Francoeur Mesa of Fancyfied is shedding light on the steps you can take to first set your own "personal company culture and values". Why does this matter? Because When you have our yown personal company values we are better able to share it with others and then attract the right opportunities, i.e. the right advisor, that perfect job, that ideal research area. And also important, Lisa shares how your personal company culture and values helps you to remain authentic and genuine in every space you occupy, not just the academic space. A little more about Lisa aka Fancy: While she kicked off her career as a Fashion Stylist working with Alicia Keys, Paris Hilton, Lil Wayne and Shakira--motivational speaking, empowerment coaching, and personal branding are her passions.  She is the founder of the empowerment lifestyle brand Fancyfied and her vision is to scale empowerment globally. She puts her vision into action by "helping people harness the power of positivity and unity to create, new and favorable possibilities". She has partnered with AARP, LinkedIn, McKinsey, LVMH’s (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) Guerlain & Dior Beauty on events, workshops, talks, panels, etc. to do so. She's been featured in Yahoo Finance, Cosmopolitan, Michigan Chronicle & Black Enterprise. Follow and connect with Fancy on Insta: @fancyfied

Whether you're heading to graduate school or finishing up another year (congrats!) your personal brand is critical. Gary Vee says it well, "Your personal brand is your reputation. And your reputation in perpetuity is the foundation of your career." On your already long list of to-do's as a scholar you also have to spend time establishing your authority in the classroom, at conferences and now on #academictwitter. If you don't know the first thing about personal branding, listen to the first part of this 2-episode interview with Lisa Francoeur Mesa of Fancyfied, where she shares her story and provides the reasoning behind why you need to care about your personal brand. A little more about Lisa aka Fancy: While she kicked off her career as a Fashion Stylist working with Alicia Keys, Paris Hilton, Lil Wayne and Shakira--motivational speaking, empowerment coaching, and personal branding are her passions. She is the founder of the empowerment lifestyle brand Fancyfied and her vision is to scale empowerment globally. She puts her vision into action by "helping people harness the power of positivity and unity to create, new and favorable possibilities". She has partnered with AARP, LinkedIn, McKinsey, LVMH’s (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) Guerlain & Dior Beauty on events, workshops, talks, panels, etc. to do so. She's been featured in Yahoo Finance, Cosmopolitan, Michigan Chronicle & Black Enterprise. Follow and connect with Fancy on Insta: @fancyfied

The years you are spend researching, reading, and writing, most certainly shapes and enhance your knowledge in your field--that's a given. But how does it shapes and enhance your knowledge of self? This week's episode we're discussing the personal development that occurs along the grad school journey. Allanté sits down with Becky + Christian of the podcast Growing Through Grad School to discuss the topic! About the hosts of Growing Through Grad School: Christian and Becky are both 4th year doctoral students studying clinical psychology at Howard University. Christian currently researches adverse childhood experiences, Black identity, and health outcomes and is a leading researcher in his lab at HU. Christian received his Bachelors and M.S. (clinical psych) from Howard. In his career, he plans to deliver therapy and conduct research. Becky received a M.A. in counseling psychology from the University of St. Thomas in 2013. Her research focuses on the perceived benefits of participating in complimentary and alternative healing practices, as well as gender-expansive populations, and inclusive feminist perspectives in psychology. Her clinical work focuses on providing culturally sensitive, comprehensive psychological evaluations to bilingual children in DC charter schools and training school staff to work competently with students of color from low SES backgrounds in DC. She does psychotherapy with young adults at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), with a focus on the LGBTQ+ and autism spectrums.   Subscribe to Growing Through Grad School, wherever you listen to podcasts Follow them on Insta @growingthroughgradschool, on Twitter @growinggradspod

The things that are supposed to happen, happened and the choices we make are our path.  Everything happens on purpose so just go with it. You were meant to be here, there are no coincidences. When was your push through moment and how did you overcome? Join Allante this week as she talks about how her personal struggles from imposter syndrome to I got this! Imposter Syndrome: noun noun: imposter syndrome the persistent inability to believe that one's success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills."people suffering from impostor syndrome may be at increased risk of anxiety" There is a difference between understanding and knowing and that starts with you.  It is not limited to your subject matter. Positive self awareness is your best asset and the proof is in the pudding.  Allante’s journey of self doubt, recognizing her wins and recentering the reason why she has arrived at this point has positioned her perfectly to receive greatness. “You are here to learn.  And if there is a gap in your understanding or knowledge for any reason it is ok.  Beating yourself up because you don’t know it is a waste of your time.” 'Grit Is in Our DNA': Why Teaching Grit Is Inherently Anti-Black: https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2019/02/13/grit-is-in-our-dna-why-teaching.html   Woosahhhhh...CLASS IS IN SESSION!

She may be young but she’s readddaaayy!  Join Allante this week as she goes through her 16 most important life lessons on her journey to 30. Allante takes a break from her regularly scheduled lessons and takes a page from her personal book.  The best way to learn is from experience but experience itself is only the tip of the iceberg. People will actually surprise you.  Value in people, their proximity to you and the evolution of relationships have helped Allante better articulate her feelings and also helped her give others a space to grow.  Through understanding the duality of relationships with others and herself Allante talks about how she has changed for the better even when people are caught up in the “old Allante.”  It is ok to pump the breaks and reset your boundaries: be gentle with yourself and stay consistent!   Allante fully owns that “I am responsible for my full self” attitude.  So gather ‘round, CLASS IS IN SESSION!

“I had so much pressure on myself and I was putting pressure on the circumstance and the environment and I was not having fun.” Changing your approach from demanding results to living in your craft is the secret sauce to inevitable success.  Being attached to how things turn out and really focusing on the feeling of the experience. Finding joy in the expansion of process and living in it and embracing it and letting go of the outcome. Your success does not always rest on your shoulders.  Yusef describes that through his auditioning process he focused on his skills and initially only relied on his craft. By tapping in to the network around him, channeling his frustrations through his mentor, Yusef was able to shake off some of his personal burden and get back to living in the joy of doing what he does best.  Managing his “brain space” Yusef was taught to provide room to manage the multifaceted work of a MFA student ultimately surrendering to his process rather than fight it. “There was a similar feeling that I had earlier in life that I didn’t know how to deal with or dealt with incorrectly and in grad school I dealt with it and I was taught to deal with it in a way that provided room.”   Never forget to stay true to your craft and consistently remember this success in your life was inevitable from the start.  CLASS IS IN SESSION!

Get your pens and paper ready as Allante continues the conversation on organization of her time and space. “Don’t try to fight your own tendencies, rather work with them rather than against them.” Hustle don’t stop, grind don’t stop especially when it comes to your personal space.  Tackling your space continues with intentionally paying attention to investing in spaces that make you comfortable, productive and optimize your process. Allante’s key to success starts with being honest with herself and identifying her personal tools.  Compartmentalizing day to day, month to month and semester to semester of your classes and external projects immediately introduces a calming sense of order.  Find the best way for you to get your ideas and thoughts together because there is no one way. Using the resources around you (grants from your grad program, upcycled items or discounted office products) are also great ways to win. Put a pin in this one because CLASS IS IN SESSION!  

]This is a marathon, not a race.  We all know what we are getting ourselves into and this is a time commitment. Each step toward your dissertation and defense is a step toward your goal.  Continue to count on yourself because you know what the outcome will be! School, social life, significant others and sanity.  Whether you want to do it all or you just want to get a better handle on your current personal load you have to start with organization.  Join us this week as Allante arrived to the need for organization, ways to implement changes and continued to success. “Figure out your style and be cool with it.  Don’t fight it.” Allante’s style and how she gets work done is dynamic.  Trying a style and failing with it doesn’t mean you stop-just means you have found a style that doesn’t exactly work for you.  Consistency is the name of the game so pick up on your patterns and elaborate on them. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither were you.  CLASS IS IN SESSION!

Tonjie shares her captivating journey to how she found her way to her gift for working with young people. Her shares the steps that got her to a graduate program without grades and homework

This week's episode features an interview with Lance Bennett that will get you together! Seriously--Lance's approach to navigating graduate school is a mindset you can and should consider taking on. He shares how he's been able to remove committee members without issue, sit on high-impact and high-visibility committees at the University of Iowa (where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Communication studies) and overall he shares how he gets ish done that ultimately gets him where he wants to be!

Deja shares how she handled her personal finances and managed to buy a house when she moved across the country to start her PhD program. Listen in as she spills all the tea on how she managed her money to buy her first spot and more!

Happy Valentine's Day! Blk + in Grad School is returning with the grad school love story. Meet Dr. & Dr. Grimes two love-birds who met in graduate school. In this week's episode, they share their paths to the doctorate degree and then to each other. It's a love story like no other as they managed to both finish and defend their dissertations, wed, and secure jobs (at the same university!) all in one year's span. A testament to love on this day that is all about L-O-V-E!Check out the updated Blk + in Grad School website at blkingradschool.comFollow on Instagram and Twitter @blkingradschool

Wrapping up 2018 reflecting on all things in my life, personal, school and the podcast!

Because there is always something constructive you can do...

As the semester comes to an end you definitely want to get your mind ready for some...*drumroll*...FUN! Graduate students like everyone else need a break and this week Allanté shares 10 fun things you can be doing over your break to relax, relate, and release!

Sometimes grad school can leave you feeling like a Mr. Krab’s meme. In Allanté's journey, November definitely had some twists and turns and with it came a range of emotions. This episode she shares an update about everything that has gone down, from a guilt-free personal trip to the internal struggle of combating negative self-talk. There were more than thug tears shed on campus in November by Allanté and this episode explores how to handle emotional responses in professional settings and how to create an ICE (in case of emergency) tribe to help you through when your own mind is only serving up negativity.

In this week’s episode, Irnande shares how she works her gifts and passions with her own type of flavor. As a first-generation American, Irnande has successfully navigated graduate school and her current professional life in an awe-inspiring way. Listen in as she shares how she recognized work patterns and has used this information to leverage better opportunities for herself and others. Even better she’ll be sharing more insight on how you can work it LIVE on December 3rd!

This is the ONE YEAR anniversary episode of BLK+ In Grad School and Allanté is extremely excited!!!  If you’ve been a student of our class during this whole podcasting journey, you’ve experienced the trials and tribulations of Allanté’s Ph.D program. We’ve learned the ins and outs of financing, strategies on figuring out your best route, the differences between programs and degrees, the importance of research and more. You’ve also gained the experiences of each guest who shared their journey through graduate school and the world after, offering guidance for anyone committing to, participating in, or considering the process. To celebrate the anniversary and acknowledge all of the previous guests, Allanté is providing a “where are they now” update to keep you in the loop on the progress of their journeys. Their episodes may have ended but their success didn’t, and while each guest is at a different part in the process, the diversity in their journey is a powerful reinforcement to never give up, at any point, during any struggle, because you are not alone. If you had a favorite guest and you would like to know what’s new, or, if you want to know who’s episode is where so that you can listen, this episode is for you. This is the moment where the teacher rolls in the TV and VCR signaling to students that today is a movie day. So kick back, relax and enjoy this update.   Most importantly, thank you for helping advance the educational space and spectrum for people of color by listening, following, supporting and sharing this podcast, your journey, and your time. Without you, Blk+In Grad school could not exist and flourish. Thank you.

The power of social media plays a huge role in the creation of this recent episode of Blk + In Grad School. Allanté sits down with Asheli Atkins, a 4th year Ph.D. student whose experiences as an MBA student shifted her path from wanting to be an entrepreneur to wanting to study, and teach entrepreneurs. Atkins believes, “Students need to be aware of what is in front of them to learn how to navigate the barriers of being a Black entrepreneur and running a Black-owned business.” A business consultant who started her own event planning business at the age of 19, Atkins learned very early that there are barriers against black business owners that do not exist for others. Now, as a 4th year Ph.D. student studying sociology, Atkins has big plans to take her knowledge and give it back to the community through teaching and her consultant company. She discusses strategies to survive, the pros and cons of emphasizing and deemphasizing as a Black-owned business and gives a quick history lesson on how the Jim Crow era affects black business owners. This week's Lessons From the Trap comes “Number 23,” a song by Esta and Rihanna J.   Calling all Entrepreneurs, this one is for you!

Episode 47: Travis Carless If you’re considering another degree but you’re uncertain of your path then you need to turn up the volume because this episode is for you. Allanté sits down with Dr. Travis Carless, a beasty, recent CMU grad that received his Ph.D. in Public Policy and Engineering. Now a postdoctoral fellow and researche Travis discusses his challenges with figuring out his path, keeping up with his studies and navigating a academia as a Black man with an agenda for inclusion and connectivity on campus and within the community. Allanté said it best, “use what little power you have to make change happen.” He did, and so can you. While Travis began his path through school with uncertainty, he ended as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, the BGSO (Black Graduate student Organization) and GSA (Graduate Student Association) president, married, and on the mission to leave a lasting footprint in society. This week’s Lessons From the Trap gets personal. Travis throws it back to the King of Trap, T.I, and his hit single “Rubberband Man.” Prepare to be inspired.   CLASS IS IN SESSION!

“Hella Intersections: The Digital Insecure Kickback” isn't your typical Insecure chat. It was a really dope, really big kickback talking about INSECURE. ...and not just the #basic stuff, but the intersectionality of the narratives that the show powerfully brings to life. Listen in on such an amazing chat with call-ins!

Episode 45: Whose Mother, Whose Wife “As a woman with ambition we are constantly told that we can’t have it all…” Sound familiar? Raise your hand if you’re a person of color and you’ve been devalued to mean only as much as your relationship or marital status? Raise your hand if you’re a woman of color and people have made you feel as if you haven’t made it in life because you haven’t become someone’s wife? You may be in your car, or at home, or listening while at work but you can imagine how many hands would be raised around you. This week’s episode gets real, and not the kind of real where we are fighting adversities in the classroom, no, this type of real hits home, literally. Allanté takes us on a field trip into her personal life where she discusses moments where society invalidated her worth as a woman. Prepare to be triggered. Turn up your headphones for this week’s Lessons from the Trap. It’s not trap music but you are going to feel it on a spiritual level. Swedish recording artist Seniabo Sey’s hit song “I owe you Nothing,” is a anthem like no other.  

Many times we sit and fill out a ton of applications – essay after essay, personal statement after personal statement, for a ton of graduate programs, just to be stalled by none other than the nonrefundable fees you have to pay before you apply. Say you climb that hurdle, and, woohoo you’re accepted. Great job, but who is going to pay for your attendance? Allanté sits down to discuss some ways you can secure the bag when furthering your education. Outside of sponsorships, fellowships, and employment what are the best ways to pay for school without going into debt? After tuning in to the episode be sure to catch to the webinar, “How to Secure Graduate School Funding,” for more information. After talking about money, you maybe a little stressed. Find some positivity with this week’s Lessons from the Trap. Logic’s “The Return,” provides positivity for the hard times when everything feels lost.    

This week Allanté had the pleasure to sit down with Dr. Dee who earned her PhD and quickly secured a tenure-track position. She provided a GREAT breakdown of the process, explaining the nooks and crannies of the process you thought you knew about but had no idea. This is a goodie.

Let’s talk credentials. If you’re finishing up your graduate school application, you need to take a good look at what you put together. Will the admissions council know what you’re bringing to the table? This week’s episode gives you the ingredients for creating and submitting a strong application. From having a well put together curriculum vitae to taking the admissions council on a journey through your research and experience, Allante’ lists exactly what you need to stand up and stand out amongst your competition. Take notes when listening in for this recipe of success, we all know how missing one step can completely ruin the perfect meal. Don’t have time to write it down because you’re always on the go like Allante’? Sign up for her seven-day e-mail course, “Get to Grad School" at blkingradschool.com/apply which covers credentials as well. This week’s episode title comes from a Twitter follower @emmajean_b who asked for tips on dealing with people who are, to be frank, ANNOYING AF! Allante’ prefers to use noise canceling headphones. How do you deal? Let Allante know on twitter @blkingradschool! This week’s Lesson’s from the Trap come from an oldie but goodie “Lose My Mind,” by DMX. Channel your inner gangster on your noise-canceling headphones when everyone - your teachers, peers, family members, significant other, whoever gets on your very last nerve.

If you're applying to grad school, you might've heard varying advice on going to highly ranked graduate schools. Allanté explains the situations where rank should or should not be a factor in your decision. Like last week, this week's tip comes from Get to Grad School, a free e-mail course to help you through application season. You can join the self-paced course at blkingradschool.com/apply    

Episode 40: Masters VS Ph.D. Application season is upon us. If you’re considering secondary education and don’t know if you want to pursue a Masters or Ph.D., this episode is for you. Allante’ sits down to discuss the differences, the pros and cons, and the approach to picking which degree is most beneficial for you. She touches on “The Illustrated guide to Ph.D.’s” by Dr. Matt Mike, which addresses the circle of human knowledge. When you’re considering secondary education you may ask yourself, “Do I really need a Masters in this field? What do I gain from getting a Ph.D.?” Allante’ answers those questions with more questions to help you dig deeper on your journey. “What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Do you want to be an expert on a topic, or do you want to gain knowledge on a topic and specialize and be a specialist where you know where to get answers and figure things out?” Don’t know the answer just yet? Try out Allante’s e-mail course “Get to Grad School” blkingradschool.com/apply . This week-long course will help you figure it out. Learn how to be comfortable in your winnings by listening to this week’s Lessons from the Trap. We travel to Allante’s hometown of Detroit to listen to “Lucky You” by Eminem.   CLASS IS IN SESSION!      

Issa bonus!

Learn how MPP student Taylor flourished through her first year at Princeton. She keeps it real about how she manages her graduate student responsibilities, navigating academic at the Ivy League level and still build community.   You can follow Taylor on Instagram or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Listen and learn how Alexia manages to travel while maintaining a full-time job and working on her second Master's degree. She shares all her tips and tricks to traveling now instead of waiting until later.   You can follow Alexia's business WunderLuster Travel Agency on Instagram and Twitter.

"You have to sell it...not necessarily plot and scheme but you have to identify the value proposition to your advisor or the financial support/ If you feel like you can really learn you have to make it clear. How it will make you a better researcher, help you contextualize whatever you're doing and how it will help you graduate." Listen in to DeVynne's interview for this gem and many more. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @d_sly

Meet Ms. Jheri Worldwide, she completed her Master's degree in London. She shares her experiences as an international student, the study abroad experience that catapulted her to a degree overseas.   Follow her at @msjheriworldwide and check out her blog at msjheriworldwide.com

This week's episode was recorded during a trip to St. Kitts & Nevis where I interview one of my main travel buddies Brittney! She is currently pursuing a dual Master's degree online while travel nursing. She shares her experiences in an online program, what learning style can flourish in an online program and the surprising way that her Blackness plays a role in her graduate school experiences. You can follow Brittney on Instagram @nursenae

This week's episode is a solo episode from Allanté where she shares her top three tools or strategies for getting more done in a day. She also provides a monthly recap for June and some of the summer big wins. Tools mentioned in this episode: Pomodoro Timer and Tracker: mytomatoes.com Website Blocker: simpleblocker.com   Please remember to subscribe, rate and review the podcast! Follow Blk + in Grad School on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!  

James completed his M.S. in Civil Engineering a few years ago. During his program, James managed to balance his studies, community engagement and socializing. He shared his approach to juggling his responsibilities despite academic rigor and a few obstacles. He mentions his involvement in the Black Graduate Student Association and discusses how his graduate education influences his work now.   You can follow James on Instagram and Twitter @king_santiago25

This week's interview was such a gem! Listening to Shawntel of @WokeSTEM share her story was such a delight.  Learn about her perspective on persevering in grad school and how she succeeds by navigating with radical authenticity.   You can follow wokeSTEM on Instagram and Twitter @wokeSTEM.

This week's episode is with the good brother Dr. Maurice Washington. Maurice earned his Ph.D. in 2017 from Iowa State University in Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering. He shares his experience in such a real, raw way that hasn't been shared before on this podcast. He comes with some insight into the academic environment for Black scholars.   You can follow Dr. Washington on Instagram!  

So happy that the school year is over, Allanté talks about her mini-break and the anxiety of the break, what she's planning to do over the summer and how she's going about making her goals! Side Hustle Pro - Episode 63 She shares a dope 12-week strategy that I use for graduate school. You can follow Blk + in Grad School on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook! Join the Blk + in Grad School Crew here. If you missed the Strengths Not Strikes Virtual Summit you can check it out here!  

New Episode of @blkingradschool drops now! Autumn is the brilliance behind @ReadBlackademia and we talk about how she balances that and graduate school. She just finished the second year of her Ph.D. program so she drops some gems about her experience. She'll also be leading a session on writing groups during the #StrengthsNotStrikes Summit. Click here to Sign up for the Strengths Not Strikes Virtual Summit. Follow Blackademia: Twitter and Instagram  

This week Allanté is talking about 6 resources you need to prepare for grad school. When she wrapped up the first semester, she was wishing someone told her ways/resources to help prepare over the summer. Instead, once she arrived to campus she had to deal with acclimating to a new environment AND trying to learn new skills that could've been learned over the summer. So I'msharing some starter resources to help you get ready.

Back after a hectic week with another episode! This time Allanté shares her take on balancing, eating right and wrapping up the first year of grad school!   Wanna find out the big announcement early?! Join the Blk + in Grad School Crew here.

Britney, like many people, earned her Masters while working full time. She also had a business and planned a wedding at the same time. This week she shares how she managed to do it all, how her graduate experience differed from her HBCU undergrad experience and more. We wrap up with probably the best Lessons from the Trap yet.   You can follow Britney and her businesses: Britney's IG: @nerdstar_101 Backstreet Bites @backstreetbites The Unstoppable Movement: @theunstoppablemvmt

This semester has been trying as coursework has literally left Allanté frustrated and more than once. She experimented with a few different approaches to learning/understanding difficult info and share what's worked on this week's episode.

28 Reflections as Allante gets ready for her 29th birthday!

While I was in New Orleans this month, some friends and I tried something new and did the Tough Mudder Half ! It was an intense 5-mile, 13 obstacle challenge. This week my friend Dr. Kels and I chat about how Tough Mudder is symbolic of the grad school journey, getting #fakedeep about the experience. She shares her insight on completing the Ph.D. journey just 2 years ago.

Dr. Henderson, affectionately known as 'Dr. J' shares his story navigating grad school. He gives some accounts of the experiences that shaped his career as a prominent thought leader in engineering education. He has created numerous engaging, impactful outreach programs in communities of color and supports students of color at the undergraduate and graduate level as a mentor and advisor. Listen in on how Dr. J has used his passion for community to get through graduate school, navigating academia now and doing it all authentically. You can connect with Dr. Henderson on Twitter and Instagram. Don't forget to sign up for the How to Get Through Grad School Webinar on 4/5/2018!

Meet Flo, grad student + fearless leader of Dear Black Women. This week, Flo shares how she navigates graduate school and using this special time to creating opportunities that will have an impact beyond earning her degrees. You can follow Dear Black Women on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or the website. This week, Allanté releases information about the April workshop! Listen for deets or click here to learn more.

This week Allanté shares a big win--passing the comprehensive exam! She shares the deets on the comprehensive exam (also known as the qualifying exam). She explains what a comprehensive exam is, what she did and what she wishes she did, and wraps things up with some tips for success.   If you missed the webinar "How to Secure Grad School Funding" click here to get the replay.

This week, Allanté checks in from her first conference in California! She shares this weeks Lesson from the Trap, which is like a smorgasbord of a song with at least one of your favorites rappers (cause everyone like Gucci Mane, right?). She talk about working during small breaks in ones day and the progress you can make with that time and wraps up with good conversation starters to keep in your back pocket when you're networking.   Don't forget there is still time to register for the first webinar 'How to Secure Grad School Funding' on Thursday 3/1 at 7 PM EST. You can sign up here.

This week, Allanté offers up some quick grad school motivation through the Black Panther cast and crew and touches on the important notion of running your own race. Register for the free webinar, 'How to Secure Grad School Funding' today! It will be next Thursday, March 1 at 7 PM EST. You can register here

This week on Blk + in Grad School, Allanté covers one a popular topic--schmoney. Graduate degrees cost $30-$40K a year. Pretty sure you're thinking, How am I supposed to pay for grad school? Allanté sheds some light on this topic doing a deep dive on fellowships and has a free offer for anyone trying to figure out the funding situation. If that's you --> press play then click here!

This week I had the pleasure to talk to Bennie Niles, a third-year Ph.D. student at Northwestern University. We discuss how he navigates being Blk + in Grad School, shares deets about his latest project Just Tryna Graduate and how he balances that with his workload. We talk about building a community outside of the Ivory Tower and he shares his Lesson from the Trap! Check it out. You can follow Bennie on Twitter @bennie_niles and @TrynaGrad

This week Allanté shares some of the guilt traps we all fall victim to, but can seriously throw you off your game as a grad student. Guilt about not spending enough time on school, guilt about not spending time with family and friends, or just guilt about guilt! She *attempts* to provide some alternative facts about guilt and thoughts to get out of those guilt traps!

Prospective and current graduate students alike should have answers to the four questions explored in this episode of Blk + in Grad School. Allanté reviews the first week of class and shares some of her academic semester goals. This week's Lesson from the Trap are wise wordsfrom pretty much everyone's fave, Drake. Subscribe to the e-mail list for Blk + in Grad School at bit.ly/BIGSsubscribe Please remember to subscribe, like and review!

This week's episode Allanté shares the series of event that led her to pursue a Ph.D. She also admits some of her fave songs from the Trap, plans after grad school and more. Please remember to subscribe, like and review the audioblog!

I met Cassie in a pretty awesome Graduate FB group and on this episode we talk about school, weight loss goals, major ways to stay ahead of the game with your grad school work.

First semester is a wrap! I'm grateful but I'm also really tired and personal life crises have been popping up and making school take a backseat. With that, this quick episode covers some of my lessons from this semester and how I'm going to try and move forward better for the new semester. RIP to Aaron Watts.

The cool thing about grad school, you don't have to request time off like people with real jobs...the sucky part about grad school, you don't have to request time off because it kind of doesn't exist. So this week Allante offers some strategies for keeping up with family and friends and keeping up with your work. Also, she uses the phrase "and so..." A LOT. See if you can keep count lol. If you have any topics you want to hear on the show please e-mail them to [email protected]

This week Allanté shares dating wins and woes while in graduate school. Talking about the dating stock, qualities of a supportive partner, and talking through weird insecurities about telling dates she's getting a PhD. Have any other topics you want to hear about? Send me a message at [email protected].

So this is a pretty candid conversation between myself and AARP Interim VP of Multicultural Affairs, Lisa Whitmore Davis (read: my momma!) about her graduate school journey as a wife, mother, and full-time employee. So many people still have a lot of 'life stuff' going on when they go to graduate school and I recognize my privilege as a full-time student single woman without children. My mom is literally a boss and she shares how she juggled all her responsibilities as a Black woman in grad school. We talked about online vs. brick-and-morter Ph.D. programs, caregiving, setting realistic expectations, childhood shenanigans, parent advocacy, social capital, and a lot of Detroit references. Enjoy!

This week I was way off. Pretty sure it's because I missed the Greatest Homecoming on Earth at the illustrious North Carolina A&T State University (kinda, not really lol). This is the first of many sacrifices I'll be making but it hurt me to my core. Listen as I walk through these emotions last week.

Already been one month! And 5 episodes Whoot! I had to get over myself and get some help. What helped? Changing my thought process and approach to asking for help. Also my old life? #TeamTooMuch after six weeks in grad school, I already can't hang, smh. But I need a better balance beside school, home and back. For more information check out strengthsnotstrikes.com Originally recorded in September 2017.

Dealing with that little thought bubble pops up, Did you only want me here to show off how 'inclusive' you are? This week I'm talking about my past experiences that have shaped these thoughts, interacting with White folk now having grown up in a Black city and then went to a HBCU, and trying the be Black and excellent. Also a little technical difficulties, low volume, sorry about that!

So let me tell you now I am a crybaby, but I wiped my tears and got the help I needed. Resource guide can be found at strengthsnotstrikes.com

It's my last first day of school as a student and it's like I'm a lost freshman all over again. Also, I did that thing I'm pretty sure every Black person does when they walk into a class at a PWI. You know what I did right? Find out on the episode!

I just moved and I have orientation, figured I'd share what happened in my world. Let me know if you even want to hear this podcast, email [email protected] Originally recorded August 2017.