Can I get a witness! Sister circles and peer mentoring in academia: a critical reflection

This study examines the role of Women of Color peer mentoring sister circles in supporting Black women academics who work at Predominantly White Institutions. Drawing on Black Feminist Methodology and autoethnography, I examine my experiences participating in one such circle, demonstrating how sister circles operate as ‘testimonial ecosystems’ that counter the systematic silencing and epistemic violence Black women sometimes face in academia. The study introduces ‘witnessing’ as a framework for understanding how peer mentoring relationships function as spaces of validation, collaboration, and accountability for Black women scholars. The study contributes to mentoring literature by offering a culturally responsive framework that positions peer mentoring relationships as essential infrastructure for the retention and success of Black women faculty in academia.