We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dominique Murdock a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dominique, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
From a young age, I was filled with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge that I knew extended far beyond the boundaries of the neighborhood and communities I was most familiar. I was born in Detroit, Michigan on a sunny Saturday in February, and would spend the next 30 years, every 5 years, moving from state to state so that my mom and I could accomplish our dreams. As I got older and began forging my own path, I realized that being the “new kid” so many times in my formative years instilled in me a soft skill set for intercultural competency and effective linguistic immersion based on the nuances and characteristics of each new environment I encountered. As I made my way to college, I had to consider how to use my God given talents to propel me to the next level of my life and career that would finally expose me to the world in all the grand ways I knew were possible for me. I dreamed of becoming an international teacher, traveling the world, and showing my community that there was so much more to discover beyond our small proximity. I didn’t get a chance to study or live abroad until my second and third degrees in TESOL and Second Language Education, but it was there that I immediately knew I had to help foster safe spaces for minority students to thrive overseas since my experiences largely depended on the support systems I cultivated… and thus, Black and Brown Abroad LLC was born. Though yet unnamed at the time, the thought, passion, and love that went into the 10+ year building of this company has always carried the same intention and fierceness of that young girl from Detroit. With excitement and determination in my heart, I sought to embark on a journey that would take me to far-off lands and unfamiliar territories on a sort of data collection mission for what I knew could (and will be) a successful business platform for Black families. In order to move from passionate idea to real-time execution, I had to get serious with myself and my audience about what was possible and how we needed to work together to achieve the shared goal of study and learn abroad. I began with going back to my roots of language teaching and tutoring in order to build interest, clientele, and a loyal “fan base” of students, teachers, parents, and institutions who were becoming familiar with my work and my goals. I teach Mandarin, Spanish and ESL both virtual and in-person 5 days a week, which lended to lots of face-to-face interaction with genuinely interested learners and potential travelers. I then had to create a comprehensive plan for taking my students from the classroom to the airport using the steps I have outlined below:
1. Define the Vision and Mission: Clearly define the purpose and goals of the study abroad program for your families, the benefits, potential challenges, THE BUDGET and the overall meaningful contribution and impact this will have on the student and family. Basically, determine what you aim to achieve through the program and how it will benefit the participants.
2. Conduct Research: Research the needs and interests of your students, as well as the existing study abroad programs available (this is a chance for you to explore before you take your kids abroad). Identify the potential destinations, program duration, academic focus, and cultural experiences that would be most beneficial for the target audience. Take trips yourself and take lots of notes.
3. Develop a Curriculum: Design a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the educational objectives of the program. During my Phd Program I designed a curriculum approach entitled “Investment-based pedagogical approaches” which centers the students sociological experience and perspective in language learning and encourages an ideological connection to the language and language community. You can use this curriculum @DominiqueMurdock.com! or shoot for building your own~ Include a mix of academic courses, cultural immersion activities, and experiential learning opportunities to provide a well-rounded experience for the students.
4. Secure Funding: Determine the budget required to launch and sustain the study abroad program (it will be much more than you anticipate and you will always need more funds). Explore funding options such as grants, sponsorships, donations, and partnerships with educational institutions or organizations that support youth education. Honestly, this is the stage I am currently working the hardest on.
5. Establish Partnerships: Collaborate with schools, universities, travel agencies, local organizations, and host institutions in the destination country to facilitate logistics, accommodations, transportation, and cultural activities for the students. (EF tours is a great resource to start!)
6. Recruit Participants and Qualified Staff: Promote the study abroad program to students, parents, teachers, and community members through outreach events, informational sessions, and marketing campaigns. Select participants based on eligibility criteria and program requirements. Look for other language teachers and enthusiasts as potential chaperones and responsible adults. –hence the language teaching and tutoring within my community.
7. Prepare Participants: Provide pre-departure orientation sessions, cultural sensitivity training, language classes, and logistical support to prepare the students for their study abroad experience. Ensure that all necessary paperwork, visas, and travel arrangements are in order. Again, a company like EF can really help make all of this comprehensible and accessible for yourself and travelers.
8. Implement the Program: Launch the study abroad program according to the planned itinerary and schedule. Monitor the students’ progress, well-being, and engagement throughout the program to ensure a positive and enriching experience for all participants. JUST DO IT FOREAL.
9. Evaluate and Reflect: Conduct post-program evaluations, surveys, and feedback sessions to assess the impact of the study abroad program on the students’ academic, personal, and cultural development. Use this feedback to make improvements and adjustments for future programs. Don’t forget this step… data and reflection are how you will continue to grow and GET FUNDING.
By following these steps diligently (with your own creative twist), and with careful planning, a study abroad program for your students can be successfully created and executed, providing valuable educational opportunities and life-changing experiences for the participants. Despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way, I guarantee that the reward of opening up the world for you and your community will be far greater than the inevitable stress that comes with chasing your dreams.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think for me the largest part of what helped build my reputation is always candidly showing my journey through school, making it clear to my audience what I stand for, then backing it up with authentic media, and engagement with students and peers. Engaging in community service and giving back to the community can significantly contribute to building a positive reputation for a business. If you can find a way to position your business as a viable community partner you are likely to build a positive rapport and disposition toward your business and its mission. However, I STRESS that this connection must be authentic and sustained, it can not be used for gain, you must actually take off your heels and get knee-deep in community action and the needs and interests of your learners. By actively participating in community initiatives, a business demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility and its investment in the well-being of the local community.
When a business is seen as a supportive and active member of the community, it can foster trust and loyalty among community members. People are more likely to support a business that they perceive as caring about the community and making a positive impact. Black and Brown Abroad LLC is involved with several non-profits and local schools to provide language teaching and cultural immersion to underserved learners. In these spaces I gain valuable insights into the needs and preferences of the local community. By understanding the community better, I can tailor my products, services, and marketing strategies to better meet the needs of the target audience which also positions the company as a customer-facing experience, further building my reputation within my market. Community involvement also provides opportunities for networking and building relationships with other businesses, organizations, and community leaders which is crucial to your business’ personality. These connections can lead to potential partnerships, collaborations, and business opportunities that can further enhance the reputation and visibility of your business.
Overall, I truly think being myself in online and in-person spaces, participating and being actively involved in my community, and always promoting my mission and goals have contributed largely to building a strong and positive reputation, enhancing customer loyalty, fostering partnerships, and gaining valuable insights into the local market. It is a win-win situation that can contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of Black and Brown Abroad LLC.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
In a society where systemic inequalities and biases exist, as a Black woman, I often face unique challenges in navigating predominantly white male-dominated fields. The experience of imposter syndrome, characterized by feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt despite evidence of success, can be particularly prevalent in such environments and is something I had to unlearn and overcome in order to reach the next level in my career. In short, people don’t expect a Doctor of Linguistics to look like me.
To overcome imposter syndrome and unlearn self-doubt, it was important for me as a Black (woman linguist) (and in your respective fields) to recognize and challenge the internalized beliefs and societal expectations that contribute to these feelings. Building self-awareness and self-confidence through affirmations, mentorship, and support networks can help in combating imposter syndrome. And most importantly, remembering Who You Are. The world has not made a single thing easy for Black women, why would that have changed for you? Everything you are and every place you stand is because of the resilience of yourself and your foremothers before you. No one can take that from you, not even society’s constant picking at our existence.
On a practical note, seeking out opportunities for professional development, skill-building, and visibility can help Black women in white male-dominated fields to assert their expertise and value. Embracing my unique perspective, experiences, and strengths was so empowering in overcoming feelings of inadequacy. Unlearning societal stereotypes requires a conscious effort to question and challenge the assumptions and biases that have been internalized over time. This process involves educating oneself about different perspectives, engaging in conversations with diverse individuals, and actively seeking out opportunities to broaden one’s understanding of the world, which is exactly what I am attempting to do for myself and others through my business. It is crucial for organizations and individuals in positions of privilege to actively work towards creating inclusive and equitable environments where Black women feel valued, respected, and supported.
By embracing vulnerability, seeking support from others, and practicing self-care, it is possible to overcome imposter syndrome and unlearn societal stereotypes. It is a journey of self-discovery and growth that requires patience, perseverance, and a commitment to personal development… you’ve got this Girl!!
Contact Info:
- Website: DominiqueMurdock.com
- Instagram: @DollieBlythe_Designs
- Facebook: Dominique Murdock
- Linkedin: Dominique Murdock
- Twitter: @YoSoyDominique
- Youtube: @dominiquemurdock7003
Image Credits
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taj Mahal, Cristo Redentor, Fulbright Taiwan, University of Southern California, Carnegie Mellon University