The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of Black/ African American women aspiring, serving, or having previously served in the role of Superintendent of Schools in the State of Texas. Additionally, the study investigated the perceived barriers and challenges that impacted the participant's ascent to the superintendency, and…

African American women in higher education have faced challenges as they have sought to advance to a senior-level position. The literature demonstrates that African American woman has been confronted with racial bias. African American women have been described as too emotional to hold positions of authority or senior-level positions. Some…

Black women leaders in higher education grapple with their double identities in the workplace which leads to unique challenges and obstacles. Black women leaders in higher education face situations and circumstances in leadership different than their white male and women counterparts and Black men. Dealing with both racism and sexism, Black women…

The purpose of this study was to construct the life history of Dana "Pokey" Chatman, a successful African American, female basketball coach. The study was guided by elements from critical race feminism. Data were collected through formal semistructured interviews, informal interviews, and documents and artifacts. They were analyzed…

My dissertation is unique and contributes to the academic literature because it explores the barriers that retired and current African American women face while pursuing and working in higher education leadership roles in Arkansas. Using a narrative inquiry design, I interviewed 17 retired and working leaders by asking them to share their personal…

Black women leaders are significantly underrepresented in facilities management, a construction-related and built environment profession. Existing literature shows that facilities management is a poorly defined profession and is embedded in a predominantly white, hegemonically masculine, patriarchal culture that results in racist and sexist…

The purpose of this qualitative study aimed to explore the intersectionality for Black females through their experiences as leaders in academia. This research study was conducted to examine how four Black female leaders described the influences of race and gender on their leadership development in academia. A general qualitative approach was…

By framing the phenomenon of resilience around adverse, harmful experiences and drawing a direct relation to positive outcomes, society desensitizes Black Women to the scale of the adversities they face and ignores the magnitude of psychological stress they have had to endure as a means of survival. The praise and reinforcement associated with…

This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of Black women in higher education executive leadership. The study examines how gendered racial stereotypes contribute to the barriers faced by Black women in reaching executive leadership positions in academia using an ethnographic methodology. Black female executive leaders in higher…

Existing education research literature addresses problems and solutions concerning Black women teacher retention; however, few studies examine the issue of Black women administrator retention, specifically the retention of Black women principals. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews, this phenomenological study of 22 current and former…

Although notably underrepresented in role and research, Black women bring a strong presence to higher education institutions--leading academic, research, and business operations from senior and executive roles. Black women senior leaders serve as change agents strategically leading their organizations to become better, stronger, and more effective…

This study explored the multifaceted journey of Black women ascending to senior-level leadership positions within Illinois community colleges. It aimed to uncover, understand, and provide actionable recommendations concerning the progression of these women into prominent roles, focusing on their unique identities, the impact of leadership support,…

The journey of Black women into senior leadership roles within higher education institutions is characterized by a complex interplay of personal and professional realms shaped by the intersecting forces of racism and sexism. This dissertation examined the lived experiences of these trailblazing leaders, revealing the systemic barriers they…

Black womxn mid-level administrators in student affairs are DOPE! However, limited research examines our lived experience and voice at the intersection of race, gender, and organizational status. This qualitative research study uses Sista Circle Methodology to investigate the challenges of this population at Historically White Institutions.…

The purpose of this research study was to explore the strategies African American women use to navigate systemic barriers faced in academia in order to attain and retain higher education positions at the level of academic dean and higher. A narrative inquiry approach was taken using Black feminist theory to explore this phenomenon. A total of…