PAYING IT FORWARD BY LOOKING BACK: Six HBCU Professionals Reflect on Their Mentoring Experiences as Black Women in Academia

Regina Dixon-Reeves (2000) suggests that “looks like us” does not always equal gender or skin color, but it does imply that having a connection with someone leads to a positive learning environment. Initially, I was reluctant to write this chapter about providing adequate support—specifically mentoring—for graduate students of color; reluctant not because I did not want to contribute but because finding the time to complete yet another task on top of several others seemed nearly impossible! Then I thought about how this publishing opportunity for me could turn into a publishing opportunity for we, for the reality is