Ep. 212: Dr. Reka Barton on Centering Black Girls in the Conversation and Owning Her Doctoral Journey
Ph.D. in Education Joint Doctoral Program with San Diego State University and Claremont Graduate UniversityDr. Reka Barton
Dr. Reka Barton received a Ph.D. in education from the joint doctoral program with San Diego State University and Claremont Graduate University. Today, she works as a diversity postgraduate faculty fellow for the School of Leadership and Educational Sciences at the University of San Diego. Having worked in education in various capacities before beginning her doctoral studies, Dr. Barton is a visual researcher studying the experience of Black girls at the intersections of race, language, and equity. Tuning in today, she shares her insights about learning the unique language of a doctoral program, distilling and discerning well-meaning advice that may not be for you and navigating the academic job market as a very recent graduate.
Key Points From This Episode:
• An introduction to today’s guest, Dr. Reka Barton.
• Her teaching career and academic journey before moving to San Diego and continuing her education.
• Why she decided to study in Southern California and how this was structured.
• An overview of her research, titled ‘Picture This: Black Girl Multilingual Magic’.
• What it was like to be in conversation with young multilingual Black girls.
• Dr. Barton’s view on keeping spaces sacred while making them more inclusive.
• Centering Black girls in the conversation.
• Her experience of being a first-generation Ph.D. student.
• The importance of knowing that you have the necessary expertise and that you belong.
• Starting the Scholarly Sewist and allowing sewing to fuel her love for school again.
• Challenges during the doctoral journey.
• The difference between a co-conspirator and an ally.
• Experiencing extreme grief over the loss of her younger brother during her studies.
• Her experience of mentorship and peer mentorship over her career.
• The process of entering the job market.
• Why she recommends postdocs so strongly.
• What she would have done differently regarding Spanish fluency.
• Dr. Barton’s advice to remember that your doctorate is your journey and you can do it in a way that feels good to you.
• What she focuses on with her sewing.
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The Cohort Sistas Podcast brings to life the stories, struggles, and successes of Black women and femmes with doctoral degrees and their lives beyond the degree. If you are a Black woman or non-binary scholar looking for resources, mentorship, and support along your doctoral journey, join the Cohort Sistas community. If you are looking for more information on how to support or partner with Cohort Sistas, please visit our partnerships page. Find us on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to follow The Cohort Sistas Podcast, rate the show, and leave us a quick review.
