We recently connected with Brittne Martin and have shared our conversation below.

Brittne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

If I had the opportunity to change the educational system, I would provide additional resources to parents who often face unique social, emotional, and financial barriers. I would ensure that every parent had access to supplementary funding, support groups, and childcare. One of the biggest hurdles that parents face when returning to college is the ability to balance their needs along with the needs of their children. It is important for colleges and universities to provide online courses and provide access to changing stations, lactation rooms, and flexibility to bring their children into the classroom. The way we traditionally think about classroom settings may be to evolve to address the growing needs of students.

Brittne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Doctoral Mom Incorporated is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that was created to provide support to mothers in doctorate programs. Originating on Facebook in 2019, the Doctoral Mom Group now assists 10,000 students and graduates by providing online programs, scholarships, and support groups. Doctoral Moms represent 100+ colleges and universities and are located in 100+ countries.

During my doctorate program, I welcomed my three children into the world. My personal experience drove me to create my nonprofit. Student parents face a number of unique challenges and require additional support and resources.

Most recently, my children inspired me to create a new initiative – the Doctoral Readiness Program (nicknamed Doctoral Kids). This program allows us to teach young people about the doctoral process. It also allows doctors from various disciplines to share their stories. Our goal is to help the next generation reach the highest level of academia while avoiding the pitfalls that many of us faced. We are also aiming to breakdown the stigmas associated with parenthood and success – you can be a successful parent (one does not have to negate the other).

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My favorite story of resilience is that I defended my dissertation while in labor with my youngest son. Now, I lovingly refer to my three children as my mini coworkers. While working at home with children has its challenges, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

As someone who teaches digital advertising and marketing, I strongly encourage business owners to remain authentic and share their story. Sharing pieces of yourself, even the struggles, give others courage to do the same. I am proud to say that we have 10,000 members in 100+ countries because I wasn’t afraid to put myself out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.doctoralmom.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctoralmom/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctoralmom
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittnemartin/

Image Credits
Jose Pablo Rodriguez