Understanding the Politics of Being a Black Doctoral Student

Join the Black Perspectives Office and the School of Graduate Studies for the Politics of Being a Black PhD student.

Success in a doctoral program often depends on more than just your research; it involves navigating the complex social and political dimensions of academia.

This workshop is designed for Black doctoral students to explore how power, relationships, and perceptions shape access to opportunities and a sense of belonging within the university.

Led by Oluwabusayo (Busayo) Ladipo, this workshop balances reflection with actionable skill-building.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand Institutional Politics: Identify the mechanics of gatekeeping and informal decision-making that dictate doctoral progression and access to networks.

• Navigate Key Relationships: Manage interpersonal dynamics with supervisors, committees, and peers to ensure professional alignment and increase scholarly visibility.

• Navigate Professional Conflicts: Master conflict resolution and escalation protocols to safeguard your personal and intellectual interests.

• Strengthen Self-Advocacy: Develop precise frameworks for setting expectations and responding to microaggressions or neglect.

• Sustain Scholarly Longevity: Cultivate community care models and energy-management strategies to sustain and protect mental well-being from academic exhaustion.

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.