Societas Docta, Inc. recently held its culminating event for this year’s mentoring session. The yearlong event included five sessions on a regular basis with high-performing African American women who are working to earn their graduate degrees in master and doctoral programs.
Mentoring Committee Chair Dr. Carolyn Baldwin Tucker said: “This program has proven to be very successful for the mentees. They discuss their challenges, confront their fears and learn ways to succeed, as we want them to do.”

Many of the women in the program are already in their professional careers and chose to continue their educational pursuits. They work, have families and attend classes for their educational desires.

“This program has been a life-saver for me,” said Cheryl E. Woodard. “I am so glad to have found it and to be a part of such an encouraging organization. I believe with the help of these professional women, I will finish.”

Societas Docta, Inc. began the ‘Professionals Mentoring Professionals’ program in 2012 with thirteen mentees and the 2013 Class had eight mentees. This program serves as a support group to assist professionals as they pursue graduate degrees.

“We know pursuing graduate studies is not an easy task, especially when work, family and other obligations are involved, but we know these ladies can finish with our help,” said Dr. Deborah Cole, treasurer of the organization.

The mission of Societas Docta, Inc. is to assist African American women to persist to completion as they work to complete studies and other requirements to earn their graduate degrees, whether masters level, doctorate or professional degree.

“We know this process is long and hard, and sometimes lonely and we want to provide a lifeline for them in this career pursuit,” said Dr. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, president of the Nashville Chapter.

For more information, contact Dr. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks at Phyllis.qualls-brooks@tn.gov or at 615-498-4681.