Informed by feminist, womanist, and social justice principles and theory, the Women's Center is seeking to create a space for women of color to grow into their authentic selves through connection with others, to learn to exercise agency and creativity in their daily lives, and to feel supported and empowered in all that they do. The program seeks to create a place where women and femme-identifying students of color feel comfortable and included not only at the university but also within the larger Durham community. Her Garden is designed specifically for women and femme-identifying students of color; however, all are welcome to apply and participate. Mentees will have the opportunity to broaden their understanding of local and global challenges affecting women from varied cultural backgrounds and to participate in initiatives that enhance the well-being of their communities.
Program Objectives
Students who participate in Her Garden will:
- Experience a greater sense of belonging on campus and feel empowered to exercise agency and authenticity in predominantly white spaces.
- Develop a strong and meaningful connection with their mentors by meeting with them every month.
- Develop leadership skills, build relationships, and lead conversations where gender, race, ethnicity, and cultural background intersect.
- Identify campus and community resources to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
*All programming for Her Garden during the 2025-2026 academic year will be in-person on Thursday evenings.*
For more information, email tayla.suitte@duke.edu with the subject “Her Garden.”
When the Women’s Center staff sat down to determine a name for the women of color mentoring program, Director Krystal George knew that she wanted the name to be unique. After days of brainstorming, the team eventually decided to call on historical figures in womanist theology for inspiration. They found that Alice Walker, in her infinite wisdom, gifted them with more than enough material to work with in her womanist prose collection, In Search of Our Mother’s Gardens, thus the name, Her Garden. Thirty-six pieces of Walker’s work detailed the lived experiences of women of color from Walker’s past and present, which were used to inform her identity as a womanist.
In the book, Walker sheds light on the plight of black mothers and grandmothers, whom she also refers to as ‘hidden artists.’ Initially, Walker wonders how the women in her life could create while simultaneously suffer from oppression. As she looks to the work of artists like Zora Neale Hurston and Jean Toomer, she realizes that a black woman’s ability to cultivate beauty, art, and legacy despite constant injustice was born out of necessity. The ‘garden’ is a metaphor for a space of peace and refuge. Women of color are engaged in a constant search for a ‘garden’ in a world that continues to devalue them. However, just as Alice Walker found her 'garden' by looking to the legacy of the hidden artists, our students can do the same. Her Garden aims to help students cultivate a garden of their own by connecting them with the hidden artists, or mentors, who have the lived experiences to help them navigate Duke.
Mission Statement
At Duke University, Her Garden fosters the development of an inclusive space for women and femme students belonging to underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, as well as all participating students. It serves to amplify the voices of students through connection, community, and collaboration.
Vision
Her Garden envisions a Duke community where women and femmes of color, as well as all participating students, feel valued to flourish and confidently influence their fellow mentees and the greater campus.
*All programming for Her Garden will be fully in-person on Thursday evenings for the 2025-2026 Academic year.*
Program Timeline:
Fall '25 Workshops
- August 15th, 2025 - Mindful Mentoring
- September 4th, 2025 - Fall Kickoff
- October 2nd, 2025 - Workshop 1
- November 6th, 2025 - Workshop 2
- November 15th, 2025 - Workshop 3
Spring '26 Workshops
- January 8th, 2026 - Workshop 4
- February 5th, 2026 - Workshop 5
- March 5th, 2026 - Workshop 6
- April 2nd, 2026 - End of Year Celebration
MENTEES
All are welcome to apply and participate; however, we strongly encourage women or femme-identifying graduate/professional and undergraduates whose identity has racial, ethnic, or cultural diversity that is considered marginalized in the U.S. context to apply.
The following are required for mentees:
- Attend fall kickoff on Thursday, September 4th, 2025
- Attend the day of service coordinated by WC staff
- Attend all workshops which will be held on 1st Thursdays 6 pm - 7:30 pm
- Meet monthly with mentors for at least 1 hour
- Attend the End of Year Celebration in April 2026
Mentors
All are welcome to apply and participate; however, we strongly encourage women or femme-identifying faculty, staff, or alumni whose identity has racial, ethnic, or cultural diversity that is considered marginalized in the U.S. context to apply.
The following are required for mentors:
- Attend Mindful Mentoring Workshop on Friday, August 15th at 11:00am
- Meet monthly for at least 1 hour with mentees
- Attend fall kickoff on Thursday, September 4th, 2025
- Complete monthly survey detailing the status of the mentorship relationship
Attend End of Year Celebration in April 2026
Fall Kickoff
Fall kickoff will serve as a formal introduction to the program for mentees and mentors. Participants will learn more about the program, engage in community-building activities, and set goals for the year.
Mentor/Mentee Meetings
Meetings between mentors and mentees will occur monthly and in person. Topic discussions are up to the discretion of the mentorship pair and needs of the mentee.
Monthly Workshop
Mentees must attend 3 workshops per semester. Speakers will engage students in a variety of topics affecting women of color, from navigating predominantly white spaces to the superwoman complex.
Service Project
Mentees will complete a service project related to reproductive justice and gender equity in partnership with local nonprofits. This will be a half-day of service where participants will be fully immersed in the community.
End of Year Celebration
The end-of-year celebration will be held during the spring semester. It will offer mentors and mentees time to breathe and celebrate their accomplishments.
A mentorship archetype refers to the style of guidance that a mentor will offer to mentees.
The Sage
The Sage is someone who bears wisdom and uses it to advise a mentee. They offer knowledge or inspiration to guide a mentee as they advance to the next step in their journey, whether it be academic, personal, or professional.
The Auntie
The Auntie connects with the mentee in a way that is almost familial. They uplift, challenge, and also protect. They provide a safe space for the mentee to share, but will not tell the mentee only what they want to hear.
The Affirmer
The Affirmer will validate the lived experiences of mentees and offer words of encouragement. They act as a sounding board, but also as someone who speaks life into mentees. They empower, confirm, and celebrate the mentee.
The Nurturer
The nurturer naturally offers their mentees comfort and empathy. They also offer support to encourage the growth and development of the mentee. They provide the necessary “nourishment” for a mentee to blossom.