AMERICA | A resilient young mother, Dr. Queshonda Kudaisi, has proven that no challenge is too great when purpose meets perseverance.
Just six hours after giving birth, she proudly walked across the stage to receive her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Mathematics Education) from the University of South Florida (USF).
Her achievement is one of resilience, faith, and the incredible strength of motherhood.
Queshonda's Story and How She Did It
Queshonda’s academic journey began in 2014, when she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Practical Theory from Southeastern University.
Passionate about mathematics and teaching, she proceeded to the University of South Florida, where she completed her Master’s degree in Mathematics Education in 2016.
Her thirst for knowledge did not stop there. Immediately after earning her masters, she began her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on Mathematics Education, at the same university.
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However, her PhD journey came with challenges. In August 2021, during her pregnancy, she contracted COVID-19, a terrifying experience that left her fearing for her life and that of her unborn child.
“I thought the baby and I wouldn’t survive, or that I would have to push back my graduation,” Queshonda shared in X.
Two months later, still recovering and heavily pregnant, Queshonda overcame the virus and successfully defended her dissertation, a moment that marked the culmination of years of sacrifice and hard work.
In December 2021, Queshonda gave birth to a healthy baby girl. But that was not the only life-changing event that day. Just six hours after being discharged from the hospital, she attended her PhD graduation ceremony, carrying both her newborn and her new title as “Doctor.”
Beyond her inspiring personal story, Dr. Kudaisi’s academic work reflects her deep commitment to equity and education.
Her dissertation explored social justice in mathematics education, focusing on how teachers and educators can develop the knowledge needed to teach mathematics in ways that promote fairness and inclusion.
Oueshonda’s research not only contributes to the academic field but also offers practical strategies for educators seeking to make math more accessible and empowering for students from diverse backgrounds.
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