What Would Our World Look Like if Leadership Truly Reflected Our Communities?

What if Black women with expertise in technology, health, education, and public policy were leading transformative change?

In this moment, Cohort Sistas is building that vision. And after the recent election, our work feels more urgent than ever.

About Cohort Sistas

Cohort Sistas is dedicated to advancing gender and racial equity in doctoral education. Our mission is to foster inclusive pathways to advanced research doctorates by enhancing the recruitment, retention, success, and well-being of historically excluded scholars, especially Black women. Since 2020, Cohort Sistas has provided digital resources, personalized mentorship, and a supportive network to doctoral students, applicants, and degree holders, helping them navigate academia, build meaningful careers, and improve their well-being.

The "Lifting as We Climb" Campaign

The journey to leadership is steep, and it shouldn’t be walked alone. “Lifting as We Climb” is about creating pathways to success not only for individual scholars but for entire communities who benefit from their knowledge and leadership. By raising $15,000, we can expand Cohort Sistas' career development programs, equipping women of color scholars with the resources, connections, and confidence to lead transformative change.

This campaign comes at a pivotal moment, in the wake of an election that has amplified the urgency of our mission. While many of us are still processing the outcome, we are reminded that systemic change requires collective action. By supporting this campaign, you’re helping build a legacy of resilience, solidarity, and progress. Together, we’re ensuring that as we climb, we lift others with us—especially those who’ve been historically excluded from leadership roles.

How You Can Help

You can donate directly to the campaign or join the “Lifting as We Climb” team by creating your own fundraising page. Share our mission with friends, family, and colleagues, and rally others to support future leaders who will help make our world more equitable and just!

Lifting as We Climb

Empowering doctoral scholars to lead, inspire change, and transform our world

Team Members