Seven Black women honored at Point Park University

Point Park University celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Ph.D. Community Engagement and Leadership program. Seven Black women scholars who named themselves the “Heavenly Seven” from the inaugural cohort were honored for their roles in shaping the foundation of the program. “You all were designing the plane while flying it,” said Dr. Heather Starr Fiedler, the first Vice President and Managing Director, Center for Civic and Community Engagement, Point Park University.

In the Alumnae Panel the Heavenly Seven’s Dr. Atiya Abdelmalik, Dr. Sheila Beasley, Dr. Danielle Davis, Dr. Aliya Durham, Dr. Trisha Gadson, Dr. Kendra Ross, and Dr. Leatra Tate shared reflections, insights, and truths about their journey through the program and beyond. Dr. Tahirah Walker, current chair of the Department of Community Engagement and Leadership, expressed: “There is a brilliance and sisterhood you modeled in that very first cohort that laid the foundation for so much of what unfolded over the next decade.”

In an article drafted, “Reflections from the Heavenly Seven: Our Doctoral Journey to a Life-Long Sisterhood,” the Heavenly Seven wrote how they were seven Black women who made up half of an inaugural Ph.D. cohort of 14 in the program. The Heavenly Seven acknowledged spiritual guidance from the heavens along with the support they gave each other as critical to their success.

The Community Engagement and Leadership program is designed for leaders who want to further their effectiveness and understanding of public policy, program development, community psychology and best practices in leadership engagement.

“Community Engagement is one of three drivers of the Pioneer Vision 2030 Strategic Plan,” Dr. Chris W. Brussalis, Point Park University President, said.

The Heavenly Seven ended the panel with words of inspiration for the current and future cohorts: “you are enough,” “your voice matters,” “lead with well-being,” “resilience,” “Voice—you have one,” and, “you are the one you’ve been waiting for. ”