“This Program is Love in Action”: Destiny Williams-Dobosz’s Scholar Spotlight & Testimonial

Mar 6

**Meet Destiny: A Black Woman Scholar Rewriting the Narrative for Black Women in STEM.**
With the support of *Write Your Dissertation, Sis*, Destiny found the structure, community, and affirmation to finish strong—proving that Black women scholars can thrive in academia without sacrificing their well-being.

At Write Your Dissertation, Sis, we are committed to supporting Black women Ph.D.s as they navigate the final stages of their dissertations—not just through writing support, but by creating a space that affirms their humanity and prioritizes their wellness. This week, we are celebrating Destiny Williams-Dobosz, a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as she prepares to defend her dissertation.

Finding Clarity & Confidence in the Dissertation Process

Destiny’s research focuses on how psychological and contextual factors shape student learning and success—a question that is deeply connected to issues of equity in education. In her dissertation, she specifically examines the academic help-seeking experiences of Black women who are first-generation college students in STEM, offering insight into how these students navigate institutional barriers and find support.

But like many doctoral candidates, the journey to finishing the dissertation wasn’t just about research—it was about navigating time scarcity, self-doubt, and the overwhelming nature of the process itself.

"I came into this program with a graduation timeline in mind. I’m meeting my goal with the help of this program. The dissertation roadmap is something I keep coming back to, to re-strategize and reassess my goals. Life happens and things pop up, but the organization templates and affirmations have kept me grounded despite time scarcity beliefs."

For Destiny, the consistent writing groups, structured support, and community accountability provided the space she needed to focus, recalibrate when necessary, and keep making progress—even when challenges arose.

Breaking the Cycle of Overwork & Prioritizing Wellness

One of the biggest shifts Destiny experienced in the program was learning to let go of debilitating time scarcity mindsets and the pressure to sacrifice wellness for productivity.

"With the help of this program, I’ve really come to understand that the work will get done and it’ll be even better because I’m better. This program, alongside my research, has shown that I’m just as important as the work. I take my mental, physical, and emotional wellness more seriously."

Instead of feeling overwhelmed and constantly pushing through exhaustion, Destiny embraced new habits that centered her well-being.

"I stopped the all-nighters, opened up about challenges, and I prioritized nutrition, movement, and joy."

At Write Your Dissertation, Sis, we believe that Black women scholars deserve more than just dissertation support—they deserve a model of academic success that does not require burnout. Destiny’s journey is proof that it is possible to finish strong without sacrificing yourself in the process.

Walking into the Dissertation Defense with Confidence

Now, as she prepares to defend her dissertation, Destiny is entering this moment grounded and confident in who she is as a scholar.

"I’m walking into my dissertation defense confident in who I am as a scholar and my work. I feel grounded and present in my body. This program has not only given me tools for the dissertation but tools for cultivating my holistic wellness."

For Destiny, this experience has been more than just a dissertation coaching program—it has been a transformative journey.

"This program is love in action. What other program centers wellness and dissertation support specifically for Black women?"

Join the Community

Destiny’s success is a reflection of what’s possible when Black women scholars have access to structured support, accountability, and a community that affirms their work and their well-being.

If you are completing your dissertation and looking for:

Accountability & structured coaching to help you finish strong
Community support from Black women scholars who truly understand this journey
Guidance on refining your research while prioritizing your well-being

Join the Write Your Dissertation, Sis waitlist for our Summer 2025 cohort! Waitlist members receive exclusive access to Standard and Premium coaching services, including dissertation support and defense preparation.

Celebrate Destiny & Connect

Let’s celebrate Destiny as she reaches this milestone! If her research aligns with your institution’s mission, I encourage you to connect with her directly.

Connect with Destiny on her personal website.

Destiny’s impact is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes next!

Dr. Jamelia Harris

Dr. Jamelia Harris is a scholar, educator, and dissertation coach dedicated to supporting Black women PhDs in navigating academia with confidence, clarity, and community. As the founder of Write Your Dissertation, Sis, she provides structured coaching, writing strategy, and affirming mentorship to help Black women doctoral candidates complete their dissertations while protecting their peace.

With a background in qualitative research, race and gender equity, and participatory methodologies, Dr. Harris brings deep expertise in guiding scholars through the writing process, research conceptualization, and career transitions. Her own academic journey—spanning sociology, policy, and education—shapes her commitment to creating affirming spaces where Black women scholars can thrive.

Dr. Harris has secured prestigious fellowships, including the AAUW Dissertation Fellowship and a Spencer Foundation Racial Equity grant, and her work has been recognized for its impact on Black girlhood studies. She has also collaborated with major institutions, including school districts and federal agencies, to advance equity-centered research and policy.

Through Write Your Dissertation, Sis, Dr. Harris is building a legacy of support for Black women PhDs at every stage—from dissertation to career transitions and beyond.

https://drjamelianharris.com