Yes She Can: Examining the Career Pathways of Black Women in Higher Education Senior Leadership Position

Abstract

Problem

Black women continue to face significant underrepresentation in senior leadership roles, particularly within higher education. Despite this disparity, there exists a dearth of research and understanding surrounding the achievements and success narratives of those who have managed to ascend to senior-level leadership positions within the higher education sector.

Solution

Higher education institutions and professionals in the HRD field ought to develop and implement identity-based leadership initiatives that address the distinctive challenges Black women (as well as other women of color) face in leadership roles. Concurrently, universities are encouraged to establish structured mentoring programs to facilitate connections between Black women leaders and mentors possessing either congruent or divergent identities, but with a demonstrated cultural competence capable of accommodating the mentee’s requirements. Furthermore, universities must formulate and uphold policies that cultivate and retain Black women’s talent, intellectual contributions, and leadership acumen.

Stakeholders

Black women leaders, human resource development researchers, practitioners, scholars, higher education administrators.