7 months ago
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Posted On: April 9th 2026, 01:41 pm
I’m honored to share that I successfully passed my dissertation defense.
This work was shaped through two years of deep and meaningful engagement looking through state archives and legislative documents as well as interviews with state legislators across the Southeastern United States. I’m deeply grateful to the state legislators and all of the staff I have worked with. Without you, this would not be possible!
To my dissertation committee: thank you for your guidance, your patience, and your willingness to challenge me. Even when the direction of this project wasn’t always clear, you pushed me to think more critically and more intentionally. I’m a stronger scholar and policy professional because of you.
For me, this work was never just about completing a study. It has always been about making a real difference in the lives of students and families. Notably, this commitment extended beyond the research itself. I had the opportunity to partner with a group of changemakers to launch a crowdfunding campaign last year, raising scholarship support to help students from my high school, @dillardhighschool612 to attend HBCUs across the country.
What this experience reinforced for me is that, despite broader narratives, people are willing and eager to come together to solve complex problems. That gives me a great deal of optimism about the work ahead. I look forward to continuing to engage stakeholders across sectors to drive meaningful impact.
In just 30 days, I’ll officially cross the stage and join the ranks of @howard1867 alumni. More to come folks! Exciting times ahead. 💫
Two articles from my dissertation are now live. Working papers at the link in bio! Let’s work!
This work was shaped through two years of deep and meaningful engagement looking through state archives and legislative documents as well as interviews with state legislators across the Southeastern United States. I’m deeply grateful to the state legislators and all of the staff I have worked with. Without you, this would not be possible!
To my dissertation committee: thank you for your guidance, your patience, and your willingness to challenge me. Even when the direction of this project wasn’t always clear, you pushed me to think more critically and more intentionally. I’m a stronger scholar and policy professional because of you.
For me, this work was never just about completing a study. It has always been about making a real difference in the lives of students and families. Notably, this commitment extended beyond the research itself. I had the opportunity to partner with a group of changemakers to launch a crowdfunding campaign last year, raising scholarship support to help students from my high school, @dillardhighschool612 to attend HBCUs across the country.
What this experience reinforced for me is that, despite broader narratives, people are willing and eager to come together to solve complex problems. That gives me a great deal of optimism about the work ahead. I look forward to continuing to engage stakeholders across sectors to drive meaningful impact.
In just 30 days, I’ll officially cross the stage and join the ranks of @howard1867 alumni. More to come folks! Exciting times ahead. 💫
Two articles from my dissertation are now live. Working papers at the link in bio! Let’s work!
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