“For the First Time, I Can See the Light at the End of the Tunnel”: Dr. Venus Watson’s Scholar Spotlight & Testimonial

Meet Dr. Venus Watson: A Black Mother Scholar Creating Space for Black Mother Scholars.

With the support of Write Your Dissertation, Sis, Dr. Venus found the structure, encouragement, and community care she needed to move forward with confidence—reminding us that Black mother scholars deserve spaces where their voices are valued, their truths are honored, and their journeys are seen.

At Write Your Dissertation, Sis, we are committed to supporting Black women Ph.D.s through the final stages of the dissertation process—not just with structure and feedback, but by building a space rooted in care, community, and truth. This week, we are celebrating Dr. Venus Watson, who recently earned her Ph.D. in Educational Research from The University of Alabama. Her dissertation centers the voices of Black mother scholars in academia and reflects a deep commitment to equity, storytelling, and truth-telling as resistance.

Research Rooted in Lived Experience

Dr. Venus’s dissertation, “Voices That Mother: The Lived Experiences of Black Mother Scholars in Doctoral Programs at Predominantly White Institutions,” was born out of her own experience navigating academia as a Black mother.

“I was inspired to pursue this dissertation because I was living it,” she shared. “As a Black mother navigating the demands of doctoral studies, I often felt unseen and unsupported in academic spaces. This work matters to me because it creates space for our voices and honors our lived experience."

Using her original BlackMotherScholar Methodology, Dr. Venus uplifts storytelling as a powerful form of resistance and scholarly contribution. Her research amplifies the narratives of 13 Black mothers pursuing doctoral degrees at predominantly white institutions, centering their truths and insisting on their visibility.

Grounded in Black feminist thought, womanism, and intersectionality, her work calls us to reimagine what valid knowledge looks like—and to make room for care, family, and cultural ways of knowing within the academy.

A Space Where She Could Be Seen

Before joining Write Your Dissertation, Sis, Dr. Venus described the dissertation process as feeling like a hamster wheel—always moving, but never really getting anywhere. Through the program, she found a different rhythm: one that honored rest, clarity, and her own voice as a scholar.

“This program has helped me clarify my ideas, respond confidently to feedback, and trust my voice as a scholar. It’s given me both the structure and encouragement I needed to move forward with confidence. For the first time, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

She spoke candidly about the power of real community:

“The most valuable part of my experience in the program has been the opportunity to connect with other Black women in a space where I feel truly heard and supported. Dr. Jamelia has been instrumental in building my confidence, reminding me of my strengths, and creating an environment where I feel both smart and capable.”

And in a space where she no longer had to wear a mask:

“Being part of a group where I could take the mask off was not only affirming, but also deeply therapeutic. I do best when people are honest and direct with me, and having Dr. Jamelia along with the other scholars in the cohort be that support while holding space with care made all the difference.”

Reclaiming Her Voice

One of the biggest shifts Dr. Venus named was how she learned to respond to feedback and stand firm in her ideas:

“I used to feel unsure about pushing back or fully articulating my perspective, but now I feel more equipped to engage in scholarly dialogue while standing firm in my truth as a researcher. This program has helped me see my voice as valuable and my work as worthy of being defended and expanded upon.”

With the support of Write Your Dissertation, Sis, Dr. Venus found the structure, encouragement, and community care she needed to move forward with confidence—reminding us that Black mother scholars deserve spaces where their voices are valued, their truths are honored, and their journeys are seen.

Legacy Work in Motion

Before pursuing her doctorate, Dr. Venus worked in K–12 education as a special education teacher and school psychometrist, supporting students with a range of needs—from giftedness to learning differences. Those experiences continue to shape her approach to equity, student care, and narrative-driven research.

Her scholarly interests include narrative inquiry, educational equity, and Blackgirlhood. And beyond the academy, she is a proud wife and mother of two boys, a lover of karaoke, Disney movies, and a good true crime documentary.

Dr. Venus, your work is legacy. You are making space for Black mother scholars—past, present, and future—to feel seen, held, and empowered. You’ve helped expand what this community makes room for, and it’s been a true honor to walk alongside you.

Join the Community

If you’re looking for structured support, honest feedback, and a community of Black women scholars who truly see you—Write Your Dissertation, Sis is now enrolling for our next cohort. Let’s finish this journey together. Join the Write Your Dissertation, Sis Summer 2025 cohort here!