The Speakers

Danielle Dickens, Ph.D., joined the department of psychology at Spelman College in 2015. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Spelman College, and her master’s and doctorate degrees in applied social and health psychology from Colorado State University. Dr. Dickens uses an interdisciplinary approach and pulls together her knowledge and experience as an instructor and mentor around issues of race/ethnicity, gender, age, and class in higher education and the workplace.

As a Black feminist social psychologist, her research focuses on the identity development and identity formation of Black women and how they navigate the world. She utilizes qualitative and quantitative methodologies to examine the intersection of multiple identities, specifically race, gender, age, and class identities, with an emphasis on Black women, work, higher education and STEM.

Dr. Dickens is most interested in examining how members of underrepresented groups (e.g., Black women) experience discrimination, the utilization of identity shifting as a coping strategy, and the benefits and costs of identity shifting on Black women’s physical and mental health. In her second line of research, she examines the social-psychological determinants of academic and career development of Black women. 

Jill Mitchell is the program manager for the JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences. In this role Jill supports the efforts of the college by developing projects, boosting collaboration, and seeking solutions to increase efficiency of processes. She is an expert in implicit bias which, during her career, has allowed for the development of innovative strategies within the academic realm and beyond. Pairing her deep knowledge of educational processes with her understanding of implicit cognitive urges, Jill is aptly positioned to create dynamic approaches for shifting implicit beliefs and attitudes.  

Having grown up in the South, Jill's yearning to shift racially biased thinking stems from a dark shadow cast by family members and others. This firsthand experience fuels her drive to challenge biased thinking and foster personal transformation. By leveraging her own story and academic prowess, Jill strives to create an environment that promotes continuous learning and propels other individuals toward progressive action. 

Jill's pursuit of knowledge led her to complete an EdD in Educational Leadership, focusing her dissertation on the influence of implicit racial bias among healthcare educators. With a genuine desire to effect profound change, Jill believes that transformative conversations and the intentional challenging of assumptions can create a ripple effect that leads to significant shifts in self-awareness. 

Beyond her academic endeavors, Jill's adventurous spirit finds solace in the wilderness, where she builds tiny houses, explores the natural world, and forages for edible treasures. In these pursuits, she fosters a sense of community and connection with friends and family, while her faithful companion, Bear, the best dog in the land, remains by her side. Currently residing in Tennessee, Jill is slowly building a homestead that embodies her commitment to sustainable living and harmony with nature.