Navigating the Institution as a Black Doctoral Student

Join the Black Perspectives Office and the School of Graduate Studies for a supportive, strategy-focused workshop designed specifically for Black doctoral students at all stages of their journey.

Navigating the university landscape often involves managing both systemic barriers and subtle power dynamics. This workshop provides a dedicated space to validate lived experiences while equipping participants with practical tools for institutional success.
Led by Oluwabusayo (Busayo) Ladipo, this workshop balances reflection with actionable skill-building.

Learning Outcomes

• Decode the "Hidden Curriculum": Identify the unspoken norms around networking and "fit" that dictate academic success.

• Navigate Institutional Landscapes: Map power dynamics and structural inequalities to move through administrative hierarchies effectively.

• Contextualize the Black Doctoral Experience: Critically examine the unique tensions of hypervisibility and microaggressions in scholarly spaces.

• Construct a Mentorship Map: Build a robust network of diverse mentors to ensure holistic support across your academic journey.

• Enforce Professional Boundaries: Utilize self-advocacy frameworks to protect your time and intellectual labour.

• Amplify Academic Visibility: Refine communication techniques to increase the reach and impact of your scholarly work.

• Standardize Documentation Habits: Develop systematic methods for tracking achievements to safeguard your professional record.

About the Facilitator: Oluwabusayo (Busayo) Ladipo

Busayo is an accomplished educator, researcher, and strategic performance coach with over a decade of experience supporting student and professional development. At Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria, she served as a Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering for 10 years, where she contributed to curriculum development and student success through departmental leadership, including serving as student advisor and secretary of the student project committee.

Busayo is currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Concordia University, and her research focuses on Network Digital Twin-enabled User-Centric Network Management in Internet of Vehicles. She also serves as the Founder and Lead Strategic Performance Coach at Thrivetia, where she designs and facilitates human-centered learning and coaching experiences grounded in research-informed development frameworks. Her work helps students, emerging leaders, and professionals strengthen emotional intelligence, communication, leadership, and strategic thinking, while building the habits and systems that support sustainable high performance and purpose-aligned career direction.

Organized by the Black Perspectives Office and the School of Graduate Studies.