Dr. Dionne Stephens (BA ’96), an esteemed alumna whose journey began long before becoming the only black tenure-track faculty member in the department of Psychology at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, discusses opportunities, representation and learning in the University’s dynamic, metropolitan and multicultural stage.
She reflects on her experience as a Black woman pursuing a degree in Individualized Studies and recalls how app played a pivotal role in shaping her career trajectory. Her academic journey began as a high school student interning at CHRY radio station, a vibrant student-run media hub located at York's Student Centre. It was during this time that she developed a deep affection for York. Despite receiving offers from other universities, she chose to study at York, a decision she now sees as one of the best choices she’s made.
“I really fell in love with appthen and even though I got offers from other universities, I ended up choosing York,” says Dionne. “appwas so diverse in so many ways, not only racially but also diverse in opportunities, beliefs and attitudes. appdidn't limit your options; you had the ability to do so many things. Having that much around me opened the opportunity to have several small circles that I could fit into, versus having just one community. I truly believe appset me on the path to where I am now.”
Her time at appalso highlighted the importance of choosing York's Individualized Studies program, where she combined her interests in health, history, Black studies, and African studies, as she explored the impact of HIV in Black communities at that time. This interdisciplinary approach paved the way for her to develop a career focused on Black women’s sexual health, eventually leading to her PhD, where she explored the intersection of hip-hop culture and sexual health for Black women. Her research continues to reflect this foundation, as she now incorporates multiple perspectives from psychology, women’s studies, and Latin American Caribbean studies in her work; particularly her most recent book, Psychology of Black Womanhood.
“The book was written to empower and give language and amplify the voices of Black women as researchers but hoping to educate and give information to everybody,” says Dionne. “The experiences of Blackness discussed in the book are not just about how I see myself, but how other people see each other and part of a larger history and context. This was discussed as we wrote the book: How do we think about this, should it be global or should it not be global? "
In her current role as a faculty member at a large university, she finds herself as the only Black tenure-track faculty member in her department, a reality that highlights the significance of representation in academia. She emphasizes that as a Black woman, her position holds a great deal of responsibility.
“Representation matters. What's important and fulfilling, is that I get to position the next generation of students,” says Dionne. “I'm at that point of my career where I can really focus on mentoring the next generation. I make sure to open the door for opportunities for students, particularly the ones who didn't think that was an option.”
Reflecting on her own path from appto her current position, she advises current students to remain open to possibilities and not to limit themselves by set expectations.
“Embrace both the good and the bad experiences in your journey, because a lot of the negative moments, end up being educational,” says Dionne. “You just have to go for the ride. You can plan things out, but sometimes when you let go is when you have the most fun and you go the unthinkable, strangest ways. Make sure you leave the door open for opportunities.”