Meet your writing coaches
Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, Founder + Head Coach
Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka is a writing industry leader.
Dr. Afiya is a licensed psychologist in Washington, DC and New York. She is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each and every one of her clients, by developing a healthy relationship together and actively listening to each client’s unique story.
Dr. Afiya earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, and her masters and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Howard University. As a therapist and research-scientist, her previous professional experiences include serving children, adolescents, and adults in the public school system, college counseling centers, and private practices.
How Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka’s journey began
Dr. Afiya struggled with writing in college. Her New York public school education did not prepare her for her Ivy League courses (yup, she even earned a C+ in “Black women in literature” during her freshman year…a course that she thought would be an easy A!). She decided to spend hours and hours in the library, reading and studying how to craft the ideal essay. Although she thought she was set in her doctoral program in writing a masters thesis and dissertation, finding the time, motivation, and confidence to write became yet another hurdle. Finally, Dr. Afiya devised a writing methodology that resulted in publishing over 30 manuscripts in just 5 years. As a licensed psychologist, she now can shape writing into a therapeutic experience for others.
What People Are Saying
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Dr. Mbilishaka is a sought after expert and she has provided immeasurable support across communities.
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— April M.
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Dr. Mbilishaka’s narrative illustrates passion and commitment to students without sacrificing intellectual rigor and high expectations.
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— Lawrence P.
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Dr. Mbilishaka shows herself to be a superb methodologist. The body of Dr. Mbilishaka’s work moves beyond the descriptive to the prescriptive.
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— Jules H.
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Through her remarkable work ethic, professionalism, intelligence, positive spirit, and poise, Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka has proven herself a leader.
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— Huberta J.
Awards
Researcher of the Year, University of the District of Columbia (2021)
Scholar of the Year, Association of Black Psychologists (2019)
Scholar-Warrior-Healer Award, African Psychology Student Association (2019)
Teaching Excellence Award, University of the District of Columbia (2018)
Brittney Miles, Research and Writing Development Coordinator
Brittney Miles is a PhD student in Sociology and an Albert C. Yates fellow at the University of Cincinnati. Her scholarship centers Black girlhood, specifically related to (a)sexuality, dis/ability, embodiment, and beauty. She uses interdisciplinary qualitative methods to prioritize Black women and girls' critical subjectivities in Black feminist sociological issues. She is 2021-2022 PEO Scholar Award recipient and University of Cincinnati Taft Dissertation Fellowship recipient.
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