Meet Dr. Dana

In 2019, I (finally) completed my dissertation journey!  On the other side of my dissertation journey, my face is accented with a beaming smile, my heart is filled with pride, and my being is overflowing with joy.  But in full transparency sprinkled with a bit of vulnerability - the journey to the other side of my dissertation journey was filled with doubt, discouragement, and feelings of insecurity.  The fears of not being such a great writer and a very inexperienced researcher swirled around in my mind.  These thoughts loomed over me, trying (and succeeding) at stopping my progress.  Until one cold and icy, winter day in New York - something “clicked” and that determination to finish my dissertation journey was ignited.  I had to literally be at my worst to see the best that was inside and in front of me.  

As a Black woman doc-student, I had to change my thinking from ruminating on all the negative self-talk-

• “I can’t…”
• “What if…”
• “I’m not…”

To positive, reassuring, and supportive self-talk-

• “I am worthy to…”
• “I am able to…”
• “I am equipped to…”

As I reflect, my dissertation journey feels “bitter-sweet”.  

My experiences have positioned me to inspire women, especially women of color to know, trust, and believe that - 

• “You are worthy”
• “You are able”
• “You are equipped to do the thing”
• "You are Just Right to complete your dissertation journey!

SAY IT OUT LOUD - for the people in the back 

I AM JUST RIGHT TO COMPLETE MY DISSERTATION JOURNEY!

With Just Write energy,

Dr. Dana