This work is designed to create a forum for synthesizing collective voices from women of color in academia. It will serve as a professional development tool for academicians, both embarking upon and maintaining careers in higher education. Filled with dynamic women of color sharing one of their most valuable resources, their experience, the authors mentor the reader by discussing practical lessons and mapping career path strategies.

You are more than any human, social, or physicalperception. You are not self actualized until you are above self-imposed limitations. Too often, women find themselves unable to reach beyond the limitations of "Sorrow Valley." Step Up Sister is a handbook for women who want more than those limitations! It's a journey to self-realization, self-actualization, self-respect, and love of self... Are you ready to change your destiny? Are you ready to Step Up?