Anuli Njoku

Abstract: BIPOC women faculty and administrators are breaking barriers, maintaining excellence, being award-winning scholars, and flourishing as experts in their fields. Still, they must survive while they thrive, and grapple with insecurity, writing blocks, and ‘imposter syndrome’. This inspires the courage to reassure, uplift, mentor, invite, and make collaborative spaces for BIPOC women to express feelings of vulnerability, unease, and ultimately, hope. When seats are missing at the table, one can bring their own table and seats. In a field of often unforgiving critics, the authors share how they provided underrepresented scholars the opportunity to promote authenticity and illuminate their voices.

Session Objectives:

• Reflect on and identify various experiences of BIPOC women in academia.  
• Demonstrate the use of various strategies for creating space and opportunities for collaboration among BIPOC women.   
• Discuss the importance of BIPOC women's voices and the creation of spaces in which they can thrive.