I end my dissertation centering rest. Black women are worthy of rest and pleasure (Brown, 2019; Hersey, 2022). It must be noted that rest is not just sitting down, it can be moments of moving our bodies and minds to release energy. It can be space to recall, remember, and relive (Dillard, 2022). The rest that we as Black women are claiming is a political act of resistance to the systems that continue to expect more from us while giving and caring less (Brown, 2019; Hersey, 2022, 2023; Lorde, 2007). Within this resistance we as Black women should continue to build on the work of those who came before us. Our experiences are true. Our experiences are valid. It is our turn to unapologetically center our needs. We do not have to be strong. We can just be us. This study concludes with the reminder that outside of all the research questions, literature, theory, findings, the discussion, and implications that the central foundation has always been and will be a space, visibility, validity, and veracity for Black women by a Black woman.

With years of diverse experience, both inside and outside of higher education, building meaningful connections and relationships is something that I have successfully done and enthusiastically do in my life. The excerpt above from my doctoral dissertation is where I focused on the lived experiences of Black women staff at Predominately white Institutions. As a womanist, I bring and center love, trust, community, and well-being in my praxis.

In May of 2024, I uprooted my life with my two Black cats and moved here to Denver. Ever since arriving, I have been looking for community. I’m thankful to say that I have found community in a few beautiful spaces. These spaces include ULFC (of course!), Mile High Freedom Bands, and through friendships that have organically developed. As a member of the Colorado community, I plan to commit my time to service, commissions, and building intentional connections. Ways of doing this include:

• Completing my PMP Certification
• Participating in Doula Training
• Continuing to serve and show up for my people
• Continuing to write and call attention to the inequities that continue to exist

I want to be remembered as a Brave Creative Black Woman Phd who Pushed Back. Let’s see where life takes me!