Today we’d like to introduce you to Adora Morin.
Hi Adora, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always existed at the intersection of creativity, community, and science.
Growing up, I was deeply involved in the arts. Creative expression was one of the first ways I learned to understand myself, tell stories, and connect with others. At the same time, I developed a strong interest in science and pursued that passion academically. As a first generation college student, I attended an HBCU where I earned my degree in chemistry. My time there was transformative. It not only strengthened my love for science, but also showed me the importance of representation, belonging, and the power of community in helping people thrive.
Today, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering Education, a field that has allowed me to bring together two things I have always cared deeply about: people and science. My work focuses on understanding how individuals experience learning, identity development, mentorship, and belonging within engineering and STEM spaces. In many ways, it combines the analytical thinking I developed through chemistry with my passion for people, storytelling, and creating meaningful experiences.
The BLKspill Collective was born from a desire for authentic community. As I navigated different academic, professional, and creative spaces, I met so many talented Black creatives, entrepreneurs, professionals, and students who were doing incredible things, yet many of us were searching for deeper connection. I wanted to create a space where people could build genuine relationships, exchange ideas, support one another, and celebrate Black culture in ways that felt intentional and authentic.
What started as a small collective quickly became something much bigger. Through our events and gatherings, I watched people form friendships, discover collaborators, find mentors, launch projects, and build support systems. It became clear that BLKspill was meeting a need that extended beyond networking. People were looking for spaces where they felt seen, valued, and connected to something larger than themselves.
That realization inspired me to transform BLKspill into a nonprofit organization. I wanted to expand our impact beyond individual events and create lasting opportunities for community building, cultural programming, storytelling, volunteerism, and collaboration. My vision was to build an organization that could invest in people while also strengthening the broader community.
BLKspill is ultimately a reflection of my own journey. It brings together my background in the arts, my training as a scientist, my work as an engineering education researcher, and my belief that community has the power to change lives. At its core, BLKspill exists to create spaces where Black people can connect, grow, share their stories, and thrive together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. While I am incredibly proud of what BLKspill has become, the journey has come with its fair share of challenges.
One of the biggest challenges has been building an organization while simultaneously navigating my own personal and professional growth. As a first generation college student, a chemistry graduate, and now a Ph.D. student in Engineering Education, I have often found myself balancing the demands of academia, leadership, community work, and personal life. There have been many moments where I had to learn things in real time, often without a roadmap.
Another challenge has been sustainability. Like many grassroots organizations, BLKspill started with a lot of passion but limited resources. Building programs, organizing events, managing volunteers, creating partnerships, and maintaining momentum all require time, energy, and funding. There have been moments where I questioned whether I could continue carrying the weight of the vision while also pursuing my own goals.
I’ve also learned that community building is beautiful, but it can be complex. As BLKspill has grown, I’ve had to make difficult decisions about partnerships, organizational direction, and leadership. Not every collaboration works out the way you hope, and not everyone shares the same vision. Learning when to pivot, when to say no, and when to protect the mission of the organization has been one of the most important leadership lessons for me.
At the same time, those challenges have shaped both me and the organization. They’ve taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying grounded in purpose. Every obstacle has forced me to become a better leader, and every challenge has reinforced why this work matters. When I see the relationships that have been built, the opportunities that have been created, and the sense of community people have found through BLKspill, it reminds me that the difficult moments have been worth it.
The road has not been smooth, but I believe the challenges are part of what has made the journey meaningful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a researcher, photographer, and community builder whose work centers on people, storytelling, and connection. As a Ph.D. student in Engineering Education, I study identity, mentorship, and belonging, with a particular interest in how individuals navigate educational and professional spaces.
As the founder and executive director of BLKspill, I lead an organization committed to creating opportunities for connection, growth, and impact. BLKspill is a community-based nonprofit organization committed to cultivating community and expanding access for Black creatives and entrepreneurs through collaboration, mentorship, storytelling, education, and service.
What I am most proud of is building BLKspill into a platform that brings people together in meaningful ways. Through our programming, events, and initiatives, I have had the opportunity to watch relationships form, collaborations emerge, and community flourish.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge research, creativity, and community engagement. Whether I am conducting research, leading a community initiative, or documenting stories through photography, I am driven by a commitment to creating spaces where people feel seen, connected, and empowered.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was curious, creative, and observant. I was the kind of person who was always interested in learning new things, asking questions, and understanding how the world worked. At the same time, I was deeply drawn to the arts and creative expression. I enjoyed spaces that allowed me to create, tell stories, and connect with others. I always felt most like myself when I was creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blkspill.com
- Instagram: @blkspill, @belovedslens, @belovedsvault
