What We Do
Promoting educational, mental, and emotional wellness among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) by connecting them to resources and mentorship. We inspire BIPOC to achieve their dreams by instilling the hope, motivation, and confidence for them to thrive holistically.
Founder
Nelson O. O. Zounlome, Ph.D., is a first-generation college graduate, child of immigrants, and native of South Bend, IN. He is also a published author, former McNair Scholar, Ford Foundation Fellow, Herman B. Wells Graduate Fellow, Counseling Psychologist, and an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky. Nelson earned Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology & Sociology, and a Master’s degree in Learning Science-Educational Psychology Track, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University. He studies academic persistence and mental wellness to promote holistic healing among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Nelson is dedicated to helping BIPOC communities liberate themselves and achieve their wildest dreams.
Values
Our Values Guide Our Work
Available Books!
Letters to My Sisters & Brothers: Practical Advice to Successfully Navigate Academia as a Student of Color
Author: Nelson O. O. Zounlome
Workbook specifically designed with culturally relevant advice and evidence-based exercises to help students of color thrive.
Testimonials
100% of clients reported they would utilize our services again.
Anonymous
Asian American woman, Post-doctoral Scholar
“Nelson speaks from his experience of being on faculty job search, which offers me valuable insights into how to prepare for the interview and job talk. He also has unique perspectives as a candidate/faculty of color, which helps address my questions regarding assessing department culture as a candidate of color (eg. ask questions to get a sense of tokenism). I also like how he started the conversation by asking me about my research program and questions for him, which helps to tailor our conversation.”
Shanalee
Black woman, Doctoral Student
“During my consultation with Nelson, he was able to give me a different perspective on the topic of discussion. His alternate point of view enabled me to address future concerns that would arise. His line of questioning and suggestions left me feeling fulfilled and confident moving forward. What I loved about his input was that he did not impose his thoughts before carefully listening to my concerns. It was after my initial thoughts that he then stepped in with his suggestions. The clarity I gained through my interaction will help to move my project along.”
Anonymous
Biracial woman, Doctoral Student
“Dr. Zounlome proofread my scholarship application. He was able to provide me with additional ideas to consider, as well as specific feedback on verbiage and transitions. His input was incredibly helpful and, ultimately, led to a much stronger submission.”
Anonymous
Black man, Full Professor
“This book is a much-needed intervention for students of color to help them not only survive but thrive in academia…The content of the book will be relatable to students who have ever struggled with frustration and/or self-doubt with their academic experience…Letters To My Sisters & Brothers is an important resource that I highly recommend.”
The Thriving Academic Blog
The Thriving Academic- Introduction Post
This blog provides Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) graduate students, post-docs, and other academics the tools and strategies to navigate academia successfully. As a Black, ...
Identifying Funding
Obtaining funding is central to your success in academia. One of the reasons I was successful in receiving awards was because I constantly lookedfor new funding opportunities ...
Graduate School is a Steppingstone, Not the End of the Journey
When I talk to graduate students about their future careers, it oftenbecomes clear that their only focus is on finishing their graduate programs.Finishing your degree is very ...