Fellowship Season Mistake #1: Your Letter Writers Aren’t Really Your People
Fellowship season is here, sis — and I’m already seeing the same mistakes that cost brilliant scholars funding every single year. This first one might sting a little, but it’s too important not to say.
We always talk about not accepting crumbs in our romantic relationships and friendships, right? Well, the same goes for your academic relationships. Your committee, your mentors, your letter writers — they should all show up for you with the same love, care, and brilliance you pour into your own work.
But here’s the hard truth: Fellowship Mistake #1 — Your letter writers aren’t really your people.
I’ve sat on fellowship review committees and read letters that made me wonder, Are these really their people?
I’ve seen generic letters that barely mention a person’s research. Letters that read like recycled templates. And here’s the kicker — sometimes those “big name” scholars you think will impress the selection committee are actually doing you a disservice when their recommendations are lukewarm.
What to Do Instead:
Choose connection over clout
Pick people who actually know your work and believe in your vision over those with the biggest titles.Set them up for success
Create an easy-to-follow document (I love a simple Excel sheet) with fellowship details, deadlines, and the key points you want them to highlight.Be direct about expectations
Ask them plainly: “Can you write me a strong letter of recommendation?”
Give them specifics about what you’d love for them to include.
If they can’t show up for your dreams with intention and care, it might be time to think about someone else.
And sis, these aren’t just tips I picked up in passing — this is my real strategy. It’s how I secured national fellowships like the AAUW Dissertation Fellowship and finished my PhD at UCLA fully funded.
On Tuesday, August 19, I’m breaking down my entire fellowship application process inside our members-only Write to Win, Sis workshop in the Inner Sister Circle. I’ll walk you through exactly how I approach fellowship season — and how other Black women scholars I’ve worked with have used these strategies to secure the bag too.
If you want to be in the room (or catch the replay), join the Inner Sister Circle today so you can pull up a seat at the table and start making your fellowship moves with intention.
The Inner Sister Circle is where Black women scholars move from Dissertation to Legacy. Whether you’re in the thick of writing, navigating the job market, applying for fellowships, or building your post-PhD career, this private community is your home for strategy, sisterhood, and sustained success.
As a member, you’ll get access to our Write to Win, Sis workshop on August 19 — where I break down exactly how I’ve secured national fellowships and helped other Black women scholars do the same. You’ll also have ongoing support through co-writing sessions, office hours, guest speaker events, and a growing library of resources designed to help you win well beyond the dissertation.
Pull up a seat at the table → Join the Inner Sister Circle today
