Fostering Wholeness, Openness, and Support: Dr. Faye Belgrave

I am honored to have the privilege to be mentored by Dr. Faye Belgrave.  Her mentorship has had a significant impact on my activities as a junior faculty member. Since my first year at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Belgrave has been a continual source of support, always keeping my future in mind and providing me with significant input at each stage in my development.

My development as an HIV researcher has benefited from my collaboration with Dr. Belgrave on data analysis, manuscript development, and grant writing. Last year, for example, she invited me to be part of a research team that developed a grant to conduct secondary data analysis. This invitation resulted in a recently-published first author article that will contribute to my tenure preparation. 

One of the biggest struggles I face as a junior faculty member has been trying to balance family life in the context of seeking tenure. Dr. Belgrave is always available to listen to my concerns, and to provide me with support and guidance. Importantly, she is aware of how my cultural background affects my family and career decisions.

Dr. Belgrave prioritizes mentorship time despite her own busy academic and personal commitments. I especially appreciate our impromptu meetings and am always happy when she “pops” into my office after a faculty meeting. This generosity is a welcome source of support as a junior faculty mentor. I know that I always have someone who is interested in my development – and more importantly, someone who will check in on me!

Finally, Dr. Belgrave is honest and open in her mentoring relationships. She shares her experiences as a mother, racial/ethnic faculty member, researcher, and woman. These conversations are valuable and just as useful to me as strategizing about publications or grants.

In sum, I appreciate so much the time and energy Dr. Belgrave commits to myself and many of my peers. I am thankful for her expertise, availability, support, openness, and encouragement over the last five years. Muchisimas gracias, Faye!!!