Institute for the Psychology of Black Womanhood Scholars (IPBWS)
FRIDAY MARCH 6, 2026 8:30AM- 4:00PM
Psychology of Black Womanhood
Research, Teaching & Community
IPBWS Overview
Friday March 6, 2026 8:30am-4:00pm
Spelman College, Atlanta GA
Application Deadline Monday January 26th @ 11pm
Black women academics in psychology and closely related fields are invited to apply to the Institute for the Psychology of Black Womanhood Scholars (IPBWS), a transformative, daylong, in-person gathering designed to support both your professional advancement and personal well-being. Grounded in the lived experiences of Black women faculty across academia, the Institute centers community, mentorship, and intentional reflection as essential tools for thriving in spaces that may not always fully recognize or affirm your identity.
Building on the interdisciplinary scholarship presented in The Psychology of Black Womanhood book, this Institute will be held at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, and seeks to create and sustain a national network of Black feminist academic psychologists. Through meaningful connection, skill-building, and collective care, IPBWS is especially designed to support pre-tenure, postdoctoral, and recently tenured scholars as they navigate the academic pipeline, work toward tenure, and build sustainable, impactful careers.
Held the day following the Psychology of Black Womanhood Symposium, the Institute offers a rare opportunity to deepen scholarly relationships, expand professional toolkits, and join a supportive, empowering community committed to your success—inside and beyond the academy.
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SCHEDULE
9:50am- 10:50am
BLACK WOMEN IN PSYCHOLOGY:
Leading in a time of stress and strength
9:15am- 9:45am
Research Poster Display & Discussions
9:00am- 9:15am
WELCOME
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Dr. Danielle Dickens, Spelman College
Dr. Dionne Stephens, Florida International University
Co Authors of The Psychology of Black Womanhood
8:00am- 9:00am
Breakfast & Research Poster Set up
10:50am- 11:00am
Coffee Break
11:00am- 12:00pm
FROM IDEAS TO IMACT:
Collaborative Research Brainstorming Workshop
Dr. Shemeka Thorpe, University of Kentucky
Founder of Black Feminist Praxis
X
This interactive brainstorming workshop designed to spark collaboration and turn emerging research ideas into actionable projects. Participants will engage in guided discussions, idea-sharing, and collective problem-solving to build connections, refine concepts, and identify next steps toward meaningful research impact.
12:30pm- 1:30pm
Networking Lunch
1:30am- 2:30pm
BEYOND THE TENURE TRACK:
Creating Professional Pathways Beyond Academia
Dr. Maryam Jernigan-Noesi
Founder & CEO, Jernigan & Associates
This presentation explores diverse career pathways beyond academia and helps participants identify how their skills, expertise, and values translate to roles outside the tenure track. Attendees will gain practical insights, strategies, and frameworks for navigating professional transitions and expanding their career possibilities.
2:40am- 3:30pm
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLES:
Discussions about Navigating Your Professional Priorities
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The Productive Scholar: Writing Strategies That Work
Dr. Jameta Nicole Barlow​
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Navigating Government Mandates or Psychology Service Opportunities
Dr. Rihana Mason
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Supporting Federal Employees Through Political Change and Workplace Stress
Dr. Judite Blanc
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Navigating Academic Publishing Pressures
Dr. Danielle Dickens
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BDU: Maintaining your Identity while living in the Ivory Tower
Dr. Dionne Stephens
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More roundtable topics to be confirmed by January 30
12:00pm- 12:30pm
FROM CULTURE TO CAPITAL:
Language, Culture, and Strategy in Contemporary Research
Dr. Naomi Hall- Byers
Former Program Officer
X
This workshop explores the language, frameworks, and strategies used to develop research on Black womanhood within today’s complex political climate. It centers on how scholars can thoughtfully navigate grant writing, institutional expectations, and funding priorities while remaining grounded in culturally responsive and community-engaged approaches. Dr. Hall- Byers will share practical tools for articulating the value and impact of Black womanhood research in proposals, collaborations, and academic spaces.
3:30am- 4:00pm
TURNING INSIGHTS INTO ACTION FOR YOUR NEXT CHAPTER:
Closing Reflections, Opening Paths
ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION
The Institute for the Psychology of Black Womanhood Scholars is open to advanced graduate students, early career, and mid-career scholars engaged in academic or research-related fields. Participants are strongly encouraged to submit a poster proposal to showcase their research, community work, or practice-based scholarship. Accepted posters will be featured during a dedicated research poster session and are an excellent opportunity to gain visibility and strengthen your CV. However, research poster presentations are not required.
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Participation in is free of charge; travel and accommodations are not covered
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Space is limited to 40 participants.
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Applications are due by Monday January 26, 2026.
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Selected registrants will be notified by Friday January 30, 2026.
This is a unique opportunity to engage in personal development, build community, and thrive in your academic and professional journey. Early application is encouraged due to limited space.
The Psychology of Black Womanhood Symposium
Thursday March 5, 2026
The Psychology of Black Womanhood (PBW) Symposium brings together scholars, practitioners, and community members to examine interdisciplinary research centered on Black women’s lived experiences. The symposium highlights innovative scholarship, critical dialogue, and collective reflection that advance understanding, visibility, and well-being for Black women in psychology and across related fields.
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Read more about the PBW Symposium here.