Institute for the Psychology of Black Womanhood Scholars (IPBWS)
MARCH 5 & 6, 2027 8:30AM- 5:00PM
Psychology of Black Womanhood
Research, Teaching & Community
Second Annual Institute for thePsychology of Black Womanhood Scholars (IPBWS)
Friday March 5 & Saturday March 6, 2027
Spelman College, Atlanta GA
Black women scholars in psychology and closely related fields are invited to apply for the Second Annual Institute for the Psychology of Black Womanhood Scholars (IPBWS)—an immersive, in-person gathering created to support professional growth, meaningful connection, and personal well-being.
Following the success of our inaugural Institute, we are excited to return to Spelman College in Atlanta for another opportunity to bring Black women scholars together in community. New participants are encouraged to apply, and past IPBWS attendees are warmly welcomed—and encouraged—to return as we continue building and strengthening this growing network.
Grounded in the lived experiences of Black women navigating academia, IPBWS recognizes that thriving requires more than professional accomplishments. Community, mentorship, reflection, collaboration, and collective care matter.The Institute creates an intentional space where Black women scholars can connect authentically, share knowledge and experiences, develop new skills, and build relationships that extend well beyond the gathering itself.
Building on the interdisciplinary scholarship of The Psychology of Black Womanhood, the Institute seeks to cultivate and sustain a national network of Black feminist academic psychologists and scholars. Designed for doctoral students, postdoctoral scholars, pre-tenure faculty, recently tenured faculty, and established scholars, IPBWS supports participants across career stages as they navigate academia, strengthen their scholarly identities, and build sustainable and impactful careers.
Held the two days immediately following the Psychology of Black Womanhood Symposium, this Institute provides an opportunity to move from a larger public conversation into a more intimate community focused on connection, mentorship, professional development, and collective growth.
Throughout the Institute, scholars and invited speakers will lead thought-provoking conversations, interactive workshops, and reflective sessions addressing both professional and personal development. Participants will also engage in facilitated small-group roundtables focused on the realities and priorities of academic life. These conversations provide space to ask questions, exchange strategies, reflect on shared experiences, and develop meaningful relationships with peers and senior scholars.
Every element of IPBWS is intentionally designed to foster connection, collaboration, reflection, and action. Participants will engage directly with scholars whose work is helping shape the future of Psychology of Black Womanhood while gaining insights and strategies that are both academically rigorous and practically useful.
Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for your second year, IPBWS is a place to reconnect, recharge, expand your network, and invest in the next stage of your scholarly journey.
Come for the professional development. Return for the community. Leave with connections that continue long after the Institute ends.
2027 IPBWS Application
We invite Black women scholars in psychology and closely related fields to apply for the Second Annual IPBWS. Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning to continue building connections from last year, we hope you’ll be part of this growing community of scholars committed to supporting, uplifting, and learning from one another.
The application portal opens Friday October 12 and closes Friday November 20 at 11:00 PM.
Space is limited, so we encourage you to apply during the application window and join us for an experience centered on community, connection, mentorship, and professional growth.
Photos from the 2026 IPBWS
