Jasmine Bates
Ph.D. Student, School of Education
Program Area: Educational Leadership, Policy & Justice
Education
- Ph.D. in Education (Expected Graduation: May 2025), Virginia Commonwealth University
- Post Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership, Virginia Commonwealth University (August 2021)
- M.Ed. in Counselor Education, Virginia State University (May 2009)
- B.A. in English, Virginia Union University (May 2005)
Line of Research
Colorism is very prevalent in the African-American community and is a battle between light skinned versus dark skinned, a battle whose roots can be traced back to slavery. As both an African-American female and a high school counselor, I have been able to see first hand the effects that this phenomenon has on young girls, to include alienation, low self-esteem, relational aggression, embarrassment and oppression. My research is in the area of colorism, specifically among high school aged, African-American females. I wish to examine how the establishment of a targeted affinity group impacts skin color discrimination while combating acheivement behaviors that occur among black female students as a result of colorism.
Biography
A native of Richmond, Virginia and inspired from being born into a family of educators, Jasmine Bates knew she would become an educator at an early age. She began her career in education in 2005 and has held a variety of positions to include a middle school English teacher, school counselor, Dean of Students and a behavior specialist, working in both Virginia and North Carolina. Currently, Ms. Bates serves as a high school counselor in Henrico County. She also serves her community through her volunteerism and activism.
What does the Holmes Scholars program mean to you?
In his book, The Energy Formula, Shawn Wells states, “If we build a tribe of like-minded people, we never have to be alone again.” This statement truly captures not only my own belief system, but what the Holmes Scholars Program strives to provide to its participants. This program successfully facilitates a sense of community with like-minded individuals who share common goals and, who look like me and those in my community. The level of support, professional development, mentorship and personal growth that I desire as a PhD student are why I am excited to be a part of such a prestigious program.