This year, five doctoral students from Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) attended the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) Annual Meeting as part of the Holmes Scholars Program. The program supports doctoral students pursuing careers in teacher education, education research and leadership.
For returning scholars Alexis Washington and Latesha Watson, as well as new scholars Brandi Crawford, Kizzy Davis and Monica Mills, the conference provided opportunities to present research, connect with scholars and mentors from across the country, and engage in conversations about the future of educator preparation. The scholars shared reflections on how the experience shaped their sense of belonging, confidence and professional goals.
What made this year’s AACTE conference experience meaningful to you?
Alexis Washington (AW): “What stands out the most are the relationships built. The connections I made during my first year were transformational. Seeing scholars that I met last year and witnessing our collective growth has been invaluable. Some of us have reached new research milestones, expanded our ideas and refined our identities as Holmes Scholars. There is something powerful about reconnecting with scholars who are evolving alongside you.”
Brandi Crawford (BC): “This year was my first time attending the Holmes Scholars Conference, and it far exceeded my expectations. From the opening night, I was deeply impressed by the warmth, encouragement and affirming messages shared with the scholars. It was incredibly motivating to be surrounded by others who are navigating similar experiences and challenges. The opportunity to connect and network with scholars from across the country was invaluable.”
Kizzy Davis (KD): “As a current Holmes Scholar, my overall experience at this year’s conference was both affirming and transformative. The conference created a powerful space where scholarship, identity and leadership intersected in meaningful ways. I felt intellectually challenged through engaging research presentations and panel discussions, while also feeling personally supported within a community that understands the unique experiences of doctoral students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.”
How did the Holmes Scholars community shape your sense of identity and belonging as a scholar?
BC: “Attending the conference significantly strengthened my sense of identity and confidence as an emerging scholar. Listening to fellow scholars share their research and the meaningful work they are leading was both affirming and inspiring. Being surrounded by so many academics committed to addressing equity issues within education reinforced my sense of purpose.”
KD: “Attending the conference significantly strengthened both my identity and confidence as an emerging scholar. Being surrounded by brilliant, purpose-driven Holmes Scholars and accomplished faculty affirmed that I belong in scholarly spaces and that my research voice matters.”
Latesha Watson (LW): “Being a member of the collective community is deeply rooted in the Holmes Scholars values and has certainly contributed to my growth as a scholar. Having a network of colleagues and friends who share similar traits as lifelong learners with a strong work ethic toward issues of equity and justice is incredibly affirming.”
Monica Mills (MM): “As a Black woman educator, even in a room full of people, I’ve experienced loneliness—loneliness because no one was like me. Seeing other brilliant Black women in these same educational spaces in which I truly believed I was alone brought forth a necessary reflection that I honestly didn’t know I needed. It was liberatory to my identity in a way. I feel freer to be myself. I understand that I am good as I am because I saw other Black women scholars be good as they are. I can be me in all my glory and still become Dr. Mills. And I now know that me and Dr. Mills can coexist as just myself.”
How has being part of the Holmes Scholars community shaped the way you navigated networking and professional engagement at the conference?
MM: “I loved being able to tell everyone that I was a Holmes Scholar. It certainly guided some conversation in the beginning. Additionally, you go farther together. The community allows me to go farther and deeper with people within and outside the community. We talked about shared experiences, divergent experiences, and coming together.”
KD: “Being part of the Holmes Scholars community significantly shaped the way I approached networking and professional engagement at the conference. Rather than feeling like I had to navigate the space alone, I entered conversations with a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose. Because the Holmes community emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and collective uplift, I approached networking not simply as an opportunity to exchange contact information, but as a chance to build meaningful professional relationships. I felt more confident introducing myself, discussing my research, and articulating my professional goals because I knew I was representing a community committed to excellence and equity in education. Overall, being part of the Holmes Scholars community empowered me to network with confidence, authenticity, and a clear sense of purpose.”
How did presenting or engaging with other scholars influence your confidence and professional goals?
AW: “Presenting at the national level is an honor. I presented three times—during the Holmes pre-conference roundtable, a poster session during the main conference and I facilitated a roundtable during the main conference. Each opportunity strengthened my confidence and sharpened my scholarly voice.”
KD: “Yes, several presentations and conversations deeply resonated with both my research interests and professional goals. As someone focused on graduate education, faculty advising and the lived experiences of individuals navigating higher education systems, I was particularly drawn to sessions centered on mentorship, equity in doctoral education and faculty role expectations.”
LW: “Presenting at the dissertation funding competition and poster session certainly helped me to have confidence. I thought I would be too nervous to speak freely, so I had my notes prepared on my phone, but instead, looking out to an audience of my peers, I felt comfortable and affirmed in the work I aim to do.”
What advice would you give future scholars considering the Holmes Scholars Program or attending the conference?
AW: “It is absolutely worth it. Please take the time to submit the proposal and present your research. Know that the experience will refine your thinking and expand your confidence.”
BC: “I would encourage a new Holmes Scholar to take full advantage of the conference if they are able to attend. The opportunity to receive support from fellow scholars and build meaningful professional connections is invaluable.”
KD: “I would encourage future scholars to say ‘yes’ to the opportunity—both to joining the Holmes Scholars Program and to attending a conference like this—without hesitation. The Holmes community is more than a professional network; it is a space of affirmation, mentorship and collective empowerment.”
AW: “Holmes is a community that is supportive, affirming, fun and a great space to learn.”