CHERYL E. MATIAS, PHD
Professor, Motherscholar, Race Consultant, & Academic Coach
After almost 25 years in the academy as a student, graduate student, educator, research assistant, and now a motherscholar and woman faculty of color, earning my degrees and tenure were difficult. There were many barriers, hidden pathways, and unspoken rules that I had to learn. Additionally, I had to learn how to “balance” my life, family, kids, and even relationships. For years I have been supporting other faculty of color, women, motherscholars, and other diverse faculty and students in academia, especially those who are doing socially just work. In supporting them I noticed a need for academic coaching that improves publication productivity, streamlines and organizes publishing, conferencing, teaching, and dissertating. I also noticed a need for race and identity coaching that will enhance academic and racial well-being and give skillsets on how to navigate and advocate under academic harassment, bulling, and racial or gender microaggressions.
Not wanting anyone else to struggle alone, I now provide services to support the following:
I even provide race and identity coaching for those who need support while they tirelessly engage in racially just advocacy. I believe that paying it forward can create a more humane academy and society, one where we need not compromise who we are. Don’t go it alone. Contact me today!
When I started the academy I was a single motherscholar of twin toddlers trying to balance publications, conferencing, motherhood, and even dating. It was difficult. There were times I was made to feel guilty for leaving a meeting to pick up my sick child or was punished for speaking out against policies that were not racially just. I even received hate mail for doing the work to dismantle racism and white supremacy. As a brown- skinned Pinay motherscholar of three (now), one can understand how I feared for the lives of my children and myself. But I wasn’t going to take it lying down. Now as a tenured faculty member I refuse to let other motherscholars, women of color, faculty and students of diverse backgrounds endure the same academic and life challenges. Whether publishing or dealing with academic bullying, I am here to support others. Instead of allowing the academy to swallow up my identity, I believe, if the academy is truly interested in diversity and inclusion, then they will have to learn how to appreciate my identity and the diverse ideas, identities, and languages of others. I always tell my students to “make the academy what you want of it.” Beyond its isolation and coldness, I choose to show love, support, and solidarity in my own Cheryl-style. That is why at the end of my CV, beyond the publications, conference presentations, and courses taught, you will see me.
I am a motherscholar, an avid runner, 90’s hip-hop music enthusiast, ballroom Bachata dancer and unyielding Lakers fan.
© 2018 CHERYL MATIAS | Maintained By Reach Above Media