Meet DeLisha Tapscott, Ed.D.

We were lucky to catch up with DeLisha Tapscott, Ed.D. recently and have shared our conversation below.

DeLisha, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I’ve learned that being the only one in the room who looks like me isn’t just about survival — it’s about strategy, self-trust, and storytelling. I’ve stopped shrinking myself to fit a mold that was never designed for me. Instead, I lean into my difference as my contribution. I listen deeply, speak when it matters, and center values that don’t always get a seat at the table — justice, care, and collective responsibility.

My background — as a Black woman, a leader, a daughter, a mother, and a researcher — has taught me that effectiveness is not about assimilation; it’s about anchoring in who I am and why I’m here. I bring both data and lived experience to the table. I ask the hard questions. And when I name harm or challenge norms, I do so with intention, not just for me, but for those who will come after me.

Success, for me, is not about being palatable — it’s about being principled.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the co-founder and curator of Black Girl Narrative, a platform I built with my sister-friend and thought partner, Nardos Ghebreab, Ph.D. At its core, Black Girl Narrative is about creating space—space for our stories, our research, our truths, and our futures. We center Black women and girls by holding space for what’s often dismissed or overlooked, using storytelling as both an archive and a form of resistance. It’s not about proving our worth. It’s about honoring what’s already here.

On May 15th, we’re relaunching the full brand—our first report, our new website, and a refreshed vision that reflects how far we’ve come. The report is called The Love We Code, and it’s all about how Black women are creating digital sanctuary spaces—online communities and practices that offer care, clarity, and room to breathe in a world that often feels like too much. We’re sharing stories from over 2,000 Black women, weaving together research and lived experience to show what it really means to build a safe space, on purpose.

This moment isn’t just a launch—it’s a declaration. We’re building what we need, in real time, and inviting other Black women to see themselves in the work. Because our stories aren’t just powerful—they’re necessary.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful things in my journey have been: discernment, deep listening, and the ability to write and communicate with clarity and care.

Discernment has taught me that just because something is urgent doesn’t mean it’s important—and just because something is loud doesn’t mean it’s true. I’ve learned to trust my intuition, ask better questions, and move from alignment, not impulse.

Deep listening has changed the way I lead and collaborate. Whether I’m sitting in a team meeting or collecting stories from Black women for research, I’ve learned that what’s not said is just as important as what is. Making space to really listen—not just to respond, but to understand—is a skill I’m always sharpening.

And writing with care—whether I’m crafting a report, a social post, or a personal reflection—has allowed me to make meaning out of complexity. Words have power. And using them with intention has been one of my greatest tools for change.

My advice for folks early in their journey: protect your time, protect your energy, and remember that your pace is your own. The skills will come. The clarity will build. But you have to stay rooted in what you’re building—and why.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m always open to thoughtful, values-aligned collaborations. I’m especially interested in partnering with folks who are building toward liberation—not just talking about it. That includes creatives, researchers, cultural workers, and community-rooted organizers who are thinking about storytelling, digital sanctuary, policy, or narrative power in expansive ways.

If you’re doing work that centers Black women and girls and reimagines what safety, care, and visibility can look like, let’s talk. You can reach me directly at contact@blackgirlnarrative.com.

Just reach out with clarity and intention—I’m always down to build something meaningful when the values line up..

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blackgirlnarrative.myflodesk.com/bgnlaunch
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blckgirlnarrative/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delishatapscott/

Image Credits

KEVINA MAE PHOTOGRAPHY for all the photos of me
For the logo, it is Sabine Quetant of The Dame Design