Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Brittne Martin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am the CEO of Ebbing Forward, LLC and Doctoral Mom Incorporated. Both companies originated out of a need to support underrepresented populations. For the past ten years, I have developed webinars and virtual conferences for audiences up to 15,000 registrants. Ebbing Forward, LLC is committed to providing women of color a virtual space where they can expressed their full humanity. Women of color are often underrepresented in major virtual conferences; however, we can help them improve their speaker portfolios by showing them how to create, deliver, and market relevant content to a global audience. We also offer online programs, professional development, video production, and consultancy to nonprofits, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.
In 2016, I started my doctorate program. During that time, I had three children – Mathias (Boy Twin, 3), Legacy (Girl Twin, 3), and Icon (The Little Guy, 2). Throughout my program, I longed to connect with other mothers. However, I was often the only one dealing with this unique set of obstacles – bringing heating pads to class, breastfeeding and writing papers, juggling playtime and gathering researching, etc. As a result, I started the Doctoral Mom Group on Facebook in January 2019. We are now a 501c3 nonprofit organization serving 4,000+ members representing 100+ colleges/universities located in 100+ countries. We offer support groups, online programs, and scholarships.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Over the past two years, I dealt with a number of obstacles. During my doctorate program: I loss my employment during the twin pregnancy. My car was stolen from the hospital while I was being discharged (my laptop, baby seats, breast pump, clothes, and other items were in the car).
The above issues caused me to fall 6-months behind on my bills. During my second pregnancy, I worked three jobs, wrote my dissertation, and cared for my twins. I defended my dissertation while in labor with my youngest son. Despite the obstacles, I incorporated my companies in hopes to build a better future for my family and others.
After my doctorate program: My uncle passed (he was my mentor and best friend). The pandemic started. I had to step away from 2/3 jobs. My roof was damaged. My relationship ended, so I had to learn how to cope with the pressures of being a single, full-time working mom to three children during a pandemic.
Despite all of this, I still somehow maintained my joy. I started looking for the blessings in these circumstances: I had three beautiful children, balanced work, successfully completed my doctorate degree, and started 2 companies. Although I loss items from my car being stolen, I got a better laptop and members from my community rallied together to help me recover the baby items that were lost. Rather than being 6-month behind, I am now 6-months ahead. That experience gave me an opportunity to learn more about my finances and investing.
I learned how to ask for help and developed a fierce support system. We will be giving away a scholarship to a single father in June 2021 in honor of my uncle, Darryl Thomas. Through my experience, I am able to support thousands of other mothers academically and professionally.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Doctoral Mom Incorporated and Ebbing Forward?
Doctoral Mom Incorporated is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides support to mothers in doctorate programs. We offer support groups, online programs, and scholarships. In just two years, we have grown to 4,000+ members representing 100+ colleges/universities located in 100+ countries.
Ebbing Forward, LLC is committed to providing women of color a virtual space where they can expressed their full humanity. Women of color are often underrepresented in major virtual conferences; however, we can help them improve their speaker portfolios by showing them how to create, deliver, and market-relevant content to a global audience. We also offer online programs, professional development, video production, and consultancy to nonprofits, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.
With both companies, I am most proud of sharing these women’s stories, collaborating with them, and showcasing their expertise to others.
Can you talk about how you think about risk?
In order to be an entrepreneur, you must be a risk-taker. You’re going against the norm when you start something of your own. It’s because you’ve recognized an unfulfilled need in the market and you believe you’re the one that’s best equipped to fill it. There will be obstacles and doubts along the way, but there’s so much joy on the other side. Risk is the start of greatness.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@doctoralmom.com AND info@ebbingforward.com
- Website: www.doctoralmom.com AND www.ebbingforward.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/doctoralmom, https://www.instagram.com/ebbing.forward/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/doctoralmom
Image Credits:
Telia Bolden https://www.instagram.com/teliatianne/
Additional Photos: Taken by mom (me) I will send new photos in a separate email this week.
Donzell Photography Inc. https://donzellphotographyinc.com/
Telia
