Supporting Women of Color – On-Demand Training

Overcome Unique Challenges

Although one in five Americans identifies as a woman of color, comprising more than 20 percent of the population*, many colleges across the nation struggle to attract new students and retain existing women of color. Institutionalized support systems and effective peer mentoring programs that address academic, social, financial and emotional needs are imperative – women of color who are mentored have lower dropout rates and greater satisfaction with their overall experience.

Our expert presenter shares current research, trends, and proven methods to best mentor and support women of color on your campus based on their distinct needs. You will identify the unique challenges women of color experience in higher education and the ways to overcome them through establishing efficacy and capacity-building opportunities.

Your women of color have combined marginal racial-ethnic and gender statuses, creating distinct college experiences and mentoring needs. Intentional initiatives will help ensure that these marginalized students have access to equitable mentoring and academic development experiences by removing obstacles that prevent their success.

*Women of color in the United States: Quick Take. (2022, January 31). Catalyst

Topics Covered

As a result of attending this online training, you will:

• Establish efficacy and capacity-building opportunities for women of color – ensure they feel valued, safe, supported and have a sense of belonging.
• Explore the various ways formal and informal mentorship supports women of color – review theories and research trends of today that will serve as a framework for your mentor-mentee relationships so you can better guide your students toward engagement, success, and graduation.
• Identify the unique campus social and environmental challenges women of color experience in higher education – empower faculty and staff to become an essential resource to women of color and foster an inclusive campus that helps them navigate successfully through institutional barriers.
• Develop institutionalized support systems for women of color – address their academic, social, financial, and emotional needs through a mentoring program.
• Create intersectional communal spaces for women of color on campus – provide necessary resources and support the structure necessary for them to be successful, to be satisfied and to persist on your campus.

Presenter

Daviree L. Velázquez Phillip is a capacity builder and change facilitator for Together + Through LLC, a counseling and consulting organization located in Illinois. Prior to this new role, she served the Northwestern University community as the Executive Director of Campus Inclusion & Community.
Click here for full bio.