Our Team
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Dr. Ijeoma Kola (she/her) is the Founder and Executive Director of Cohort Sistas, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting historically underrepresented scholars in doctoral education through mentorship, community building, and tailored resources.
An Assistant Professor at the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Kola researches the modern history of race, medicine, and environmental justice. Her commitment to supporting underrepresented students began as an undergraduate at Harvard University, where she led near-peer mentoring programs, and continued through subsequent roles as a peer educator, mentor, and health advocate.
In addition to her academic and professional work, Dr. Kola has connected with diverse audiences through blogging, where her storytelling reached over 250,000 followers and championed empowerment and representation. A proud first-generation immigrant, Dr. Kola earned her PhD in Sociomedical Sciences from Columbia University and remains driven by a belief in the transformative power of education.
Ijeoma Kola, PhD
Tierra Williams, EdD
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Tierra Williams is an educator and advocate deeply committed to advancing equity, access, and belonging in higher education. A proud first-generation college graduate, she understands the transformative power of opportunity and the importance of creating pathways that support the success and well-being of all students.
She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership, where her research and practice focused on student development, mentorship, and enhancing access to the resources and opportunities students need to succeed. Throughout her career, she has led initiatives that foster academic achievement, designed programs that strengthen student engagement, and cultivated mentorship networks that help emerging scholars thrive.
Her journey is a testament to perseverance and purpose, and she remains dedicated to paving the way for others to do the same. She is committed to creating spaces where every learner feels empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Guided by a belief that education is both a catalyst for personal growth and a vehicle for social change, she continues to inspire students and colleagues to lead with vision, empathy, and purpose.
2025-2026 Graduate Fellows
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Ruth Hammond
GRADUATE FELLOW, MEMBERSHIP
PhD Student, Florida International University
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Shaira Brereton
GRADUATE FELLOW, COMMUNICATIONS
PhD Student, Niagara University
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Syrretta Martin
GRADUATE FELLOW, EVENTS
DrPH Student, Johns Hopkins University
Board of Directors
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Blair Presley Bone, PhD
BOARD MEMBER
Assistant Professor, U of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business
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Hillary Webb-Ganaway, EdD
BOARD MEMBER
Manager, Fiscal Administration, New York University
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Joanne Kamens, PhD
BOARD MEMBER
STEM and DEI Consultant
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Makeda Turner, PhD
BOARD MEMBER
Founder, Essence 4 Success Consulting
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Steven Lipper
BOARD MEMBER
Retired, Former Investment Manager
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Taisha Caldwell-Harvey, PhD
BOARD MEMBER
Founder & CEO, The Black Girl Doctor
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Tiffany Wiggins, PhD
BOARD CHAIR
Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
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Ijeoma Kola, PhD
BOARD MEMBER (NON-VOTING)
Founding Executive Director, Cohort Sistas
Junior Board
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Danica Moise, PhD
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Ireti Eni-aganga, PhD
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Kathryn Thompson, PhD
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Leslie Ekpe, PhD
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Shanique Coombs-Oriolowo, PhD
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torie wheatley, PhD
Join the team
Are you passionate about increasing equity in higher education? Does a startup nonprofit sound like an interesting place to use your gifts? If so, we invite you to join our incredible team at Cohort Sistas! We have career, internship, and volunteer opportunities available throughout the year. Check below for current vacancies, or drop us a line to indicate your interest!