12th Annual Black Doctoral Network Conference
October 17 - 19, 2024
Loyola Marymount University
1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Collective Impact: Igniting a Brighter World at the Intersection of Identity, Culture, and Society

The BDN national conference brings together world renowned and emergent scholars and professionals from the social sciences, STEM and humanities and is a resource, a support system, as a space of intellectual exchange, and a place to create connections and develop impactful collaborations.

THE MOST INNOVATIVE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE FOR SCHOLARS, ADMINISTRATORS, RECRUITERS AND DEI DECISION MAKERS

Missing in the Academy

Despite increased efforts to diversify higher education institutions, there is still a palpable racial and ethnic disparity at all levels of the academy: student body, faculty, administration, and governance. Black and Latino students experience limited access to higher education and have few educational opportunities that are necessary for success. There is a dearth of minority faculty across all disciplines and a minimal percentage of university leaders.

Agenda

The Challenge

Numerous peer-reviewed research indicates that Black students taught and mentored by leaders who share their racial backgrounds benefit from improved academic outcomes and higher expectations. Unfortunately, the institutions responsible for these cultural and academic revelations maintain the lowest diversity and inclusion measures in terms of executive and managerial level hiring.

Speakers

The BDN Familly

We serve as a clearinghouse for individuals of African descent who are holders of or scholars engaged in the pursuit of doctoral degrees from accredited institutions of higher learning worldwide.

We provide opportunities for networking and collaboration and foster interconnectedness within the black intelligentsia for the purpose of eliminating the achievement gap among persons at all education levels while creating a pipeline for the most underserved students toward the upper echelons of the academy and beyond.

Who attends?

Interconnectedness

Our attendees include undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and professionals. Possessing varying perspectives and skill sets, these scholars are uniquely positioned with distinct groundbreaking insights.

By fostering connections across disciplines, the BDN unlocks the key to producing innovative and groundbreaking knowledge.

AGENDA

Premier Scholars of Reference in 2024 Include:

Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi
Astrophysicist & Professor

Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes
President, Cal State LA

POWERFUL VOICES OF INFLUENCE, INSPIRATION & CHANGE

The Black Doctoral Network has long been an industry leader and an example of the power of collective academic efficacy.

For the last decade, BDN has brought together the greatest intellectuals like Dr. Willam Julius Willson, Dr. Patricia Hill-Collins, and Dr. Cornel West to share their wisdom and insights on relevant subjects affecting the lives of millions.

Find Out Who

The BDN Conference is an intellectually stimulating must attend event!

Peer to Peer Exchanges and Networking

Through the intergenerational structure of mentorship and networking, we have created a pipeline of excellence from professors and professionals to graduate and undergraduate students.

Your Gateway to 21st Century Thought Leaders

The Black Doctoral Network connects universities, companies and NGOs to a national network of Black and Latino scholars to access their cutting-edge expertise in myriad fields of study.

SCHOLARS SPEAKING IN 2024 INCLUDE:

BDN - Where the minds of corporate executives and academics meet

Where else would you find C-Suite Executives from Fortune 50 companies and MIT PhD-educated world-renowned economists casually discussing economic possibilities?

If you are looking for the best way to engage with Black and Latino students and faculty? Demonstrate your commitment to DEI and real change where they are. Make sure your company or university is represented by securing one of our coveted slots.

We continually challenge the persistent negative stereotypes of black achievement, to answer the call for diversity in university and professional organizations, while bridging the gap between academic theory and the real world.

BDN's goal is to encourage deep connections that are currently hindered by academic isolation and fragmentation of intellectual resources.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact  Dr. Taylor on [email protected] or call 830-255-7437 (ext 506).

FIND OUT MORE

Supporting Black and Latino Students and Faculty

Academic Institutions that value the emotional and intellectual development of their faculty and students must support outlets for their well-being. The BDN conference provides that venue.

While some institutions regulate the celebration of Black students and faculty by repeating quotes by Rev. Martin Luther King or posting information regarding the achievements of African Americans throughout history, brave universities are partnering with organizations that facilitate and ensure the continued success of Black people in the future. Action-oriented, anti-racist institutions are locating opportunities to support organizations that serve the interests of real diversity and true equity and inclusion.

The Black Doctoral Network continues to serve a well-spring of highly credentialed scholars, practitioners, professionals, and students.

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