Nevertheless, She Defended

In this episode, Dr. E reflects on Season One of Nevertheless, She Defended and closes the chapter on Being the Only. She shares gratitude for the community built this season and introduces what’s next: Season Two, Playing the Game, which explores how Black women navigate the unspoken rules of academia. Please like, share, subscribe, leave comments and ratings. If you’d like to be featured on the podcast, if you’d like a question answered on the podcast, please email us at [email protected].

So far this season, we’ve explored what it means to be The "Only"—the experience of navigating spaces where our identities are underrepresented or overlooked. Today, we shift toward: What do we do about that? How do we create safer, more affirming spaces? For this conversation, I’m joined by our very first podcast guest, Dr. Lauren Jackson—a transformative leader, educator, and DEI practitioner. We discuss ways we - as individuals and institutions - can tackle being The "Only." Gems are dropped as we talk about doctoral journeys, the leadership course she created for women of color, and how inspiring ideas and taking initiative can impact communities for years to come. Have a question or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected] out the Season One Playlist here: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/nsd-season-one/pl.u-yZyVDJltlP0eL

We're on break this week! Here's how we can stay connected in the meantime:Season One Playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/nsd-season-one/pl.u-yZyVDJltlP0eLMOJO Substack: https://substack.com/@dre1907303

In this episode, I reflect on books, podcasts, and TV shows that got me through my doc program and Being the "Only." I also talk about MOJO (Making Our Joys Ours), a community I'm building for connection - both online and in-person. MOJO will help us refuel, find joy, and build community and safety for ourselves and others. I hope you'll join me!Have a question or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected] out the Season One Playlist here: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/nsd-season-one/pl.u-yZyVDJltlP0eL

In this episode, I share what it meant to be the "only” — the only Black woman, the only person of color, the only one who felt that difference — in my doctoral program. Drawing from my dissertation and personal experiences, I reflect on how being “the only” shaped my time in academia and what it often looks like for me now.Have a question or want to share your story? Email us at [email protected] out the Season One Playlist here: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/nsd-season-one/pl.u-yZyVDJltlP0eL

Dr. E shares how her path to a Ph.D. began — from post-grad uncertainty (... twice) , to the twists and turns of early career decisions, to what she thought “going back to school” would do for her. In this episode, she opens up about everything from identity to anxiety, and the moment she realized she was the only one.

In this first episode of Nevertheless, She Defended, I (Dr. E.) share why it’s taken nearly four years after earning my Ph.D. to finally launch this podcast. Season One explores the theme of Being the Only, centering the realities of Black women in higher education and beyond. Through honest reflection and community storytelling, this show creates space for healing, connection, and truth-telling in a moment when those voices are needed most.Join the community, share your story, and let’s build this together.Reach me at [email protected]