As an official 501(c)(3),The Purple Collar Project is dedicated to empowering women* scholars from working class backgrounds to thrive professionally and personally. Our mission is to create a supportive community where women can share their stories authentically, free from judgment or consequence, and find camaraderie among peers.

 

We aim to address the unique challenges faced by women scholars from working class backgrounds by providing space for their stories to be written and received empathetically and by providing mentorship opportunities tailored to their life experiences and circumstances. Through our mentorship program, women have the opportunity to be paired with scholars who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement to navigate academia and beyond.​

 

Additionally, we recognize the importance of holistic well-being for women scholars, which is why we offer funding for wellness projects and career coaching. Whether it’s funding for a wellness project that promotes care and resilience or career coaching to explore alternative career paths, we are committed to supporting women in prioritizing their personal fulfillment and wellbeing.

 

​By filling a gap in current outreach efforts, our organization seeks to bridge the divide between support for students and support for faculty from working class backgrounds. We believe that every woman scholar deserves access to resources and opportunities that empower them to thrive in their academic pursuits and beyond. Together, we strive to create a more equitable and inclusive academic community where women scholars can flourish.​

 

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*Our definition of women is inclusive of all marginalized genders including women, women-identifying individuals, and non-binary and gender non-conforming people who choose to identify with the term.