Get a doctorate degree they said! It will be fun they said!

[Insert the reality of being Black in the academy]


Stepping into greatness and leadership by starting the journey to a doctorate degree is a rewarding but grueling process.

Common challenges include feelings of isolation, the stress of looming deadlines, large scale projects, huge amounts of personal investment, and an extremely lopsided work-life balance. When considering the experience of Black doctoral students, these stressors are often compounded by literal isolation from other Black folks, experiences of overt and covert racism, daily microaggressions, lack of knowledge of the spoken and often unspoken politics of navigating academia, and the weight of historical trauma that can elicit fear and anxiety about the ability to persist.


But, Black folks are some of the most resilient and innovative people on earth and together we are capable of doing hard things with style and grace.

We can come together to form a beautiful community of support that lifts us up, fills in the knowledge gaps, unveils gaslighting, and allows us to rest and celebrate ourselves as we achieve great things.


Group Wellness Coaching | Thursdays at 12pm - 1pm PT

  • This group meets virtually every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month

Academy Noire is a private coaching community for students currently matriculating through a doctoral program of study.

Academy Noire is for You If...

  • You are enrolled in a doctoral program of study and could benefit from an extended kinship network of Black professionals for support, guidance, and reassurance.

  • You believe that positive mental health is critical to your success and you want to be held accountable for caring for your whole self while in graduate school.

  • You want a space to be all the way real about what's happening in your program! You want to ask the unaskable questions and have a community who understands and who will lift you up and help you figure it out. You are also equally dedicated to being that kind of support to someone else.

  • You are interested in preparing for and maximizing the “after life” of graduate school. Yes, there is life after this part of your journey and it's gonna be amazing!

Experience a supportive space to feel heard as you navigate the personal, professional, and political shifts of your academic journey.

Here's What's Included:

  • 2 Live Coaching Sessions Each Month. You'll gain access to bi-weekly interactive coaching sessions led by one of The Black Girl Doctors. This is intended to serve as long term support but there are no commitments and you can cancel at any time.

  • A Community of Support. You'll have access to our private community of soon-to-be doctors where you'll be encouraged to network, share your goals, and build genuine relationships with the other group members.

  • A High Touch Approach. Your coach will know you by name, encourage you to care for your wellbeing, and push you to dream bigger and live bolder.

  • An Extended Professional Network of Mentors and Advisors. You’ll have a lead coach and also connect with special guest mentors and advisors with expertise in various areas like research and publishing.

Meet Your Coach

"No matter the journey life takes you, remember life ALWAYS comes full circle when you’re living authentically and unapologetically."

Wellness Coach

Dr. Jillian Lynum

Dr. Jill is a native of St. Louis, MO and currently resides in Georgia. She loves to cook, travel, spend time with friends and family, and listen to music and audiobooks in her spare time. As a former doctoral student, Dr. Jill has navigated the doctoral experience as a minority student and therefore, understands the importance of support during the doctoral program and beyond. She is excited to share topics of your interests and needs as you matriculate throughout your own doctoral program so that you may feel supported and experience growth during this milestone and beyond. Her goal is to help people be authentic and identify their true purpose regardless of the rooms and spaces that are entered in this journey of life.

This coaching group won't be right for everyone.

This probably isn't the right fit if...

  • You don't really like people or group stuff. No shade, but we'll be encouraging members to be interactive and participate in this group so, if in general, the thought of talking in a group setting or networking annoys you, this probably won't be the best experience.

  • You strictly want to observe and catch the tea from others. This group is meant to be interactive and supportive. While we understand it may take a while to build a sense of comfort to speak your truth and share with others, this may not be the best fit if no effort is given. You receive what you give. We want you to receive all the gems given!

  • You are experiencing significant emotional distress and could benefit from individual therapy as a primary source of support (and you aren't getting help). While this group will discuss topics related to mental health, it should not be used as a substitute to therapy. We love you and want to encourage you, but value mental health over everything else. You won't be able to focus on networking and professional development if you are in high distress. Please reach out to your school’s counseling center or explore our therapy resources and then join the group once you are ready to fully engage.

  • You are judgy, hypercritical, or unable to respect the space and honor the diversity of our community. Our groups are affirming spaces for all and we encourage a diversity of thought and healthy exchanges of ideas. If that makes you cringe, this won’t be the place for you. Our coaches will remove members who are disrespectful or breach the confidentiality of the group.

Coaching Schedule | Thursdays at 12pm - 1pm PT

  • This group meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month virtually

  • To protect everyone's privacy, coaching sessions are not recorded

Group Wellness Coaching for $125/ Month

Consider asking your department to sponsor your membership. We have monthly and annual membership plans

Enroll Today

FAQ's

  • What happens after I purchase?

    Immediately after purchasing, you'll get instant access to our member's only portal that details everything you'll need to get started. You'll receive calendar invites and zoom links for your coaching sessions, and access to the community forum. You'll be all set up to attend your first session in a matter of minutes.

  • What if I change my mind? Can I get a refund?

    We adhere to a strict no refund policy. However, you are never locked into a long term contract. You can cancel your membership at any time before your next billing cycle. You'll maintain access to all resources until the end of the current cycle. If you ever have a concern about the program you can contact us at [email protected] and someone from our team will be in touch personally.

  • The date and time of the group don't work for me. What are my options?

    The coaching group dates and times have been carefully selected and will not be adjusted. You should ensure that you can make yourself available for the majority of the sessions month prior to joining to maximize your investment. If you have a request for us to host groups at a different time, you can email your request to [email protected] and we will take it into consideration for future groups.

  • Do I have to be Black to join?

    We don't believe in policing Blackness. We built this community and selected coaching topics that center the unique needs of Black students and the Black in academia experience, but we welcome and affirm folks from all racial/ethnic identities to join us.

  • Is this similar to therapy?

    Coaching and therapy are two different things! It is important to note that while some of our coaches are also therapists, you will NOT be under their care as a patient. Instead, you will be part of a coaching group where you will get guidance on a specific issue and/or learn new skills that you’ll be able to apply to your life. Coaching should not be used as a substitute for therapy where you would build a personal relationship with a provider, get a custom treatment plan, and be closely monitored. Thus, your coach’s guidance should not take the place of your current therapist or physician. If you need help with emotional pain or are interested in starting a therapy journey, your coach will be able to provide you with appropriate resources.

  • What if I can't make a session? Will it be recorded?

    Unfortunately, no. To maintain the privacy of our members, sessions are not recorded.

  • How does cancelation work? If I cancel mid-month, will I get a refund for unused time?

    Your membership is billed on a monthly cycle based on your enrollment date. If you join on May 7th, you will be billed every month on the 7th until you cancel. You can cancel at any time before your next billing cycle. While we do not pro-rate your membership fee, you will maintain access to all resources until the expiration date of you membership.

  • Will I be able to reach out to my coach if I have questions?

    Yes. You will have your coaches direct email address and will also be able to communicate with her in the private community forum. Your coach will let you know her preference.

Come sit with us! We've been waiting for you!

This is a community where you can enjoy your education authentically without sacrificing and apologizing for your Blackness.

Join Now

Have More Questions?

Email us at [email protected]