join the scholarly Mama® movement

Scholarly Mamas®

Scholarly Mamas® is a supportive and empowering community for mothers who have, or are working toward, their PhDs. We help women navigate the unique intersection of scholarship, motherhood, and purpose. Through authentic connection, holistic growth, and professional development, we equip Scholarly Mamas® to build impactful careers and fulfilling lives — thriving in both their PhD careers and motherhood, on their own terms.

Love First. Career progression. purposeful success.

Is Scholarly Mamas® for you?

Disclaimer: Scholarly Mamas® is not a substitute for mental health support. Please seek assistance from a trained mental health professional who can help you if you are struggling with your mental health.

Hey Mama, I’m Dr Michelle Gibbs, Founder of Scholarly Mamas®.

I see you — the woman who has earned her doctorate or is on the journey there, all while raising a family and making an impact.

Whether you’re managing a demanding academic career or exploring your next chapter beyond the PhD outside of academia, you know this truth: the juggle is real.

Some days it’s the mum guilt, other days it’s the career guilt — and sometimes it feels like no one truly understands the complexity of being both brilliant and nurturing.

You’re not alone.

Even after achieving so much, you might still feel like you’re spinning your wheels — trying to keep all the pieces together while quietly wondering, “Where do I fit in this new season of life?”

You deserve more than survival. You deserve to thrive — fully and unapologetically.

At Scholarly Mamas®, we’ve created a space for mothers who are redefining success beyond degrees — blending scholarship, motherhood, relationships, and personal growth in ways that feel aligned and joyful.

This is where the juggle-struggle transforms into purpose, connection, and fulfilment.

It may sound surprising coming from a Scholarly Mama® who is also a high-achiever. Here’s what I’ve learned:

You can’t keep doing it all — not if you want to truly enjoy this season.

It’s time to stop:

Being everything to everyone, all the time
Ignoring your own personal and professional growth
Comparing your journey to childfree colleagues
Letting overwhelm dictate your next move
Pushing yourself to the bottom of your own priority list
Missing opportunities for joy and impact
Navigating by default instead of design

Those quiet compromises may seem small, but they shape your story.

Let’s rewrite that story — together.

I understand this life deeply because I've lived it (and am still living it!).

I have five degrees (including my PhD), have built a meaningful career, and am raising three amazing sons with my high-school sweetheart-turned husband.

But I’ve also faced the burnout, the doubt, and the moments when ambition felt heavier than joy.

My breakthrough came when I realised this:

Achievement means little without alignment.

When I began making choices that honoured both my ambition and my wellbeing — motherhood, marriage, scholarship — everything shifted. I stopped surviving and started thriving with purpose.

That’s the heart of Scholarly Mamas®.

Here, we help you:

Reclaim your identity as both scholar and mother
Pursue academic and professional excellence with clarity and joy
Build community with women who truly understand this life
Create success that feels purposeful, holistic, and sustainable

Why Scholarly Mamas® Exists

Because being a mother with a PhD — or pursuing one — is extraordinary.

Because you can be ambitious and present.

Because you can lead with brilliance and nurture with grace.

You can have an impactful career without sacrificing what matters most.

Our spaces are designed to help you grow intentionally — in your research, your career, and your sense of self.

You’ll find spaces for connection, reflection, and growth so you can pursue meaningful academic and career success without sacrificing what matters most.

Meet The Founder!

Hey, Mama! I’m Dr Michelle Gibbs (Mrs Mummy PhD®) — and I’ve been where you are.

I know what it feels like to carry the weight of high achievement alongside the heart of motherhood.

After years of learning, growth, and trial by fire, I founded Scholarly Mamas® to create the kind of space I wished I’d had:

A space for mothers with (or pursuing) PhDs to connect, reflect, and thrive — personally and professionally.

Because the truth is, our journeys don’t end with a PhD viva/thesis defense or graduation ceremony.

They evolve.

And so must we.

What's The Investment?

Our Scholarly Mamas® EXPLORE Space is completely free.

Inside, you’ll discover how to become the purposeful Scholarly Mama® you’re meant to be — and how our programmes and community can support your next chapter.

It’s time to navigate this journey by design, not by default — and to thrive in both your scholarly and family life.

Your Next Chapter Begins Here

One day, we’ll all look back on our journeys through scholarly motherhood.

Let’s make sure we look back with pride, not regret.

Who do you want to become on this journey?

Because becoming her starts now.

At Scholarly Mamas®, we’ll help you build the impactful, fulfilling career you deserve — without putting your family life on hold.

So Mama... are you in?

Fabulous. Let’s begin — together.

These are our journeys of becoming.

See you inside.

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