Brandy Edmondson | Entrance Interview 2016 - The PhD Excellence Initiative

PhDEI Fellow Brandy Edmondson

PhD Excellence Initiative Fellow, 2016–2018

Brandy joined the Initiative from Spelman College, where she graduated in May 2016 with a BA in Economics. As an undergraduate, Brandy spent time as a research assistant, mentor, and peer tutor in economics. She also served as president of Spelman’s chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Additionally, Brandy held internships with The City of Atlanta, The Coca-Cola Company, General Electric, the Spelman Endowment Office, and Columbia Business School. She is a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon International Honors Society in Economics and Phi Beta Kappa.

Brandy Edmondson (2016)

The Entrance Interview: Economics in Her Own Words

 My interest in economics was largely inspired by my constant questioning of the world, from a young age. I soon realized that many phenomena I had trouble understanding could be explained by economics. Seemingly simple questions like, ‘Why couldn’t my uncle find a job?’ or ‘Why are there no grocery stores in some communities?’ or ‘Why can some people with jobs still not pay their bills?’ inspired me to want to help disadvantaged people improve their quality of life.

“I chose to join the PhD Excellence Initiative because I want to be a knowledge producer and a difference maker for disadvantaged communities, and I believe that economic research is the key to helping those in need. The PhD Excellence Initiative has helped me to become a more experienced and well-rounded researcher. Specifically, one who is able to apply increased math and computer programming skills to the research I am passionate about. I am certain that at the completion of my time in the Initiative, I will have the skills needed to fulfill my dreams of earning a PhD and using my research to help others.”

Brandy’s primary goal is to create research that drives companies to pursue diversity in a way that appreciates minorities’ contributions, versus simply meeting quotas.

Extra Credit: Q & A with Brandy

>> An Interest in Labor Markets

During my sophomore year of college, I began to better understand a key event from my childhood. At a young age, I watched an adult family member attempt to complete a pre-test for a wire manufacturing company. I learned that he could not read or do addition or subtraction. Consequently, he was not selected for the job. I remember wondering, How could he possibly not know the answers to what seemed to be fairly simple math questions? How could he not read the directions? Through my coursework at Spelman I learned about pre-labor market discrimination factors that affect one’s ability to obtain a job. I also learned that through economic research, I could have a positive effect on society and help people like my family member find work and improve their living standards.

>> Economists: Who gets it right?

William (Sandy) Darity’s studies regarding colorism provided the main inspiration for my senior thesis, which looks into how African American women of different skin tones fare in the labor market. His economic analyses of the tough topic of colorism in the Black community sheds light on how discrimination by race and color can cause various social, political, and economic outcomes — many that I had not previously considered.

>> Desert Island Reading List

If I were stranded on a desert island, the books I’d want to have on hand are…

 I am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

 Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America, by Melissa Harris-Perry

 1984, by George Orwell

>> Formula for Success

Create your own definition of success and pivot and adjust your goals along the journey as needed. Most importantly, celebrate every victory, no matter how small!

>> Brandy Recommends…

Traveling. While in the Dominican Republic I had the opportunity to experience firsthand a cultural climate much different than that of the United States. I found that for my host family, happiness and family were much more important than personal gain. My time in the Dominican Republic made me rethink my way of life and venture to stress less and enjoy life with those I care for.

>> Quoted & Quotable

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

Brandy Edmondson (2016)

The Entrance Interview: Economics in Her Own Words

Brandy’s primary goal is to create research that drives companies to pursue diversity in a way that appreciates minorities’ contributions, versus simply meeting quotas.

Extra Credit: Q & A with Brandy

Meet Other Fellows of the Initiative