Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittne Martin

Brittne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Growing up on the southside of Chicago, I faced several challenges – a violent neighborhood, food apartheids, lack of resources, and limited access to opportunities. From a young age, education was my golden ticket. I wasn’t just aiming to get by; I was determined to soar. As a first-generation college student, I didn’t just enter higher education—I raced through it, graduating early from high school, college, and later from an MBA program and a Doctorate in Business Administration focusing on Marketing.

During my doctorate, life became a juggling act of monumental proportions. I became a mother to boy/girl twins and then welcomed another son into our growing family. The sleepless nights and endless days could have slowed me down, but instead, they fueled my purpose. In 2019, amidst diapers and a dissertation, I founded Doctoral Mom Incorporated. This initiative wasn’t just a business; it was a lifeline I threw into the world, hoping to help other mothers navigate the tumultuous waters of achieving doctoral degrees.

The pandemic brought with it a new set of trials. I found myself a single mother, grappling with financial instability that nearly cost me my house and car. I faced multiple hospitalizations that tested my limits. But surrender was not in my vocabulary. Instead, these hardships only honed my resolve. I saved my home and car, started a new relationship, and even became a fitness instructor to regain my health.

Today, my focus is sharper than ever. Doctoral Mom Incorporated is set to expand, reaching out to empower not only mothers but also the younger generation to chase higher education and their dreams. Through personal upheavals and global crises, I’ve learned that resilience is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving. I am more determined than ever to grow this non-profit and provide guidance to those who are struggling to find their way through their darkest times.

I’ve come to understand that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. As I help others write their success stories, I continue to author my own – defined not by hardship but by overcoming it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Founded amidst my doctoral journey and the chaos of early motherhood, Doctoral Mom Incorporated became more than a venture; it turned into a beacon for mothers walking the tightrope of academia and parenting. Understanding firsthand the unique challenges that doctoral mothers face, the organization offers comprehensive support tailored to their needs. Our initiatives include flexible online workshops that accommodate unpredictable schedules, mentorship programs pairing new doctoral candidates with seasoned graduates, and a vibrant online community that serves as both a sounding board and a support network. We also provide resources for scholarships, writing and research assistance, and strategies for work-life balance.

The pandemic ushered in a cascade of new challenges. As a single mother, I was thrust into a whirlwind of financial instability. My home was on the brink of foreclosure, and I was grappling to secure back payments to save it. The stress of balancing motherhood, multiple jobs, and managing two businesses took a significant toll on my health, leading to multiple hospitalizations that pushed my limits.

Recognizing the unsustainable path I was on, I reached out for support from friends and family, making pivotal changes in my life. Embracing spin classes and regular workouts, I found a new form of therapy that not only helped stabilize my health but also restored my inner strength. These efforts bore fruit—I saved my home and car, began a promising new relationship, and embraced the role of a spin instructor to help others find their path to wellness.

Initially, I felt embarrassed to share my struggles, as I had always prided myself on being a high achiever. However, I realized that acknowledging failure as a part of success could offer invaluable support and inspiration to others facing similar challenges. Through these efforts, Doctoral Mom Incorporated has not just eased the journey for academic mothers but has also empowered them to excel without sacrificing their family life or academic aspirations.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

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.

Right now, we are working to partner with Chicago Public Schools and other school districts to offer youth programs and workshops geared to improve parent-teacher relations and increase parent engagement. It is crucial for elementary and high school students, particularly those from underrepresented populations, to gain early exposure to doctoral programs and diverse career paths. Many students, like myself, remain unaware of the vast array of opportunities available beyond traditional careers until they reach undergraduate studies. Introducing these possibilities early on can ignite ambition and provide a clearer vision of what they can aspire to achieve, helping to bridge the educational and opportunity gap that often affects these communities.

What matters most to you?

My three children are my greatest joy and top priority. Their happiness and the opportunities available to them—and to future generations—matter deeply to me. Despite having earned a doctorate degree, there are many things I wish I had known earlier in my journey. My experiences have fueled my commitment to ensuring that my children, and all young people, have access to a wider range of opportunities than were available to me, empowering them to explore, dream, and achieve beyond traditional boundaries.

Pricing:

• Annual member is $150/year or $15/month
• We accept one-time and recurring donations. Every dollar matters.
• We also sell merchandise to support our cause.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.doctoralmom.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctoralmom/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctoralmom/
• Other: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=E728AW3WC9VMS