2026 HBCU Doctoral Career Pathways Conference
Through a joint collaboration between the Graduate School and HBCU alumni, this (annual) virtual event brings together recent doctoral graduates, and current doctoral students to explore the diverse career pathways available to those with doctoral degrees.
The event features panels of doctoral alumni focused on the following: non-profits/foundations, the federal government, biotech/pharma, international/world issues, data science, postdoctoral careers, education, communications/marketing, policy/advocacy, research careers (Social Sciences), research careers (STEM), start-ups/entrepreneurship, academia, health and consulting.
How to Prepare for Alumni Career Panels
- Create or update your LinkedIn (see best practices from the Academic Designer here).
- Register to have your CV/Resume reviewed on Howard University’s Handshake site.
- Read this document to take full advantage of career panels.
- Get to know the panelists by clicking on the panel links below (most are on LinkedIn).
- Use your networking skills to connect with the speakers or other colleagues.
Organizations/Companies have approached the Graduate School about involvement. While, the conference itself works with Howard and other HBCU doctoral alumni speakers, the conference is open to sponsors. All funds benefit graduate fellowships. Further information can be obtained by emailing Anna De Cheke Qualls (annadecheke.qualls[at]howard.edu.
Schedule | Monday - March 23, 2026
11:00 AM | Academia Panel
Dr. Tiffany Tuma
Dr. Dashana Lane
Dr. Darla Scott
Dr. Laricca London
Dr. Andre’a Dorsey
12:15 PM | Public Service (local/federal)
Dr. Valencia Scott
Dr. Trevor Clark
Dr. Ann-Marie Waterman
Dr. Michael Guilbault
1:30 PM | Nonprofit Panel
Dr. Aidin Brown
Dr. Kesslyn Brade Stennis
Dr. Rhoda Wright
2:45 | Health Careers Panel
Dr. Jeanni Simpson
Dr. Chantay Moye
Dr. Lia Rohlehr
Dr. Damian Elias
Dr. Sislena Ledbetter
Tuesday | March 24, 2026
11:00 AM | Primary/Secondary Education
Dr. Brittany Lee-Wright
Dr. Melanie Holmes
Dr. Rayeanne King
Dr. Adrianne Sterling Holmes
12:15 PM | Research in Industry (STEM/Social Science)
Dr. Anaiya Reliford
Dr. Kemet Azubuike
Dr. Shaneda Destine
1:30 PM | Hot Topic of the Year: AI and Its Influence on the Job Market
Dr. Bequita Pegram
Dr. LaTanya Brown-Robertson
Dr. Ciara Horne
Dr. Majda Atieh
Dr. Kekeli Nuviadenu
2:45 PM - Biotech/Pharma Panel
Dr Eric Afoakwah
Dr. Derrick Rowe
Wednesday | March 25, 2026
10:00 AM | Consulting
Dr. Latisha Franklin
Dr. Tracey Thomas
Dr. Brandi Walker
Dr. Takeisha Carr
Dr. Sherice Janaye Nelson
11:15 AM | International/Diplomatic and Related Overseas Careers
Dr. Kevin E. Scriber
Dr. Anna Tigan
12:30 PM | Policy and Advocacy Panel
Dr. Cassandra St. Vil
Dr. Erin Wiggins Gillam
1:45 PM | Communication, Marketing and Public Relations Panel
Dr. Keena Blackmon
Dr. Ashla Hill Roseboro
Thursday | March 26, 2026
10:00 AM | Start-ups and Entrepreneurial Panel
Dr. Keisha Mack
Dr. Vernon Ruffin
Dr. Cerise L. Glenn
Dr. Jayne Cubbage
11:15 AM | Postdoctoral Panel
Dr. Rayhan Shaheb
Dr. Stephanie Tilley
Dr. Catherine Saunders
Dr. Sunniya Iftikhar
1:30 PM | Doctoral Program Preparation: A Guide for Masters and Undergraduate Students
Miriam Okine-Davies