Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Education
First Advisor
Jeffery L. Wilson, Ph.D.
Abstract
Considerable literature has amplified the perceived challenges and deficits of Black women as they advance in their careers within historically white institutions (HWI). As a result, there is a notable absence of anti-deficit explorations of the inherent abilities and strengths that contribute to Black women’s professional mobility. Grounded in anti-deficit achievement framework and Black feminist leadership, this study aimed to illuminate the assets and factors that influence the professional ascension of seven, current/former senior-level Black women in a HWI within the Southeastern region of the U.S. By adopting a qualitative, phenomenological framework, this study provides in-depth insights into the participants’ lived experiences. A deep exploration of the cultural dynamics of HWIs, coupled with the assets and factors that enabled participants to forge meaningful leadership paths, was instrumental in meeting this goal. The analysis of the data followed Moustakas’ (1994) guidelines for conducting phenomenological analysis to aid in uncovering thematic codes to elucidate participants’ stories. Five themes emerged from the data: (a) pathways to leadership, (b) Black women’s leadership assets, traits, and skills, (c) a Black woman’s village of support, (d) Black women as possibilities, and (e) HWIs as facilitators for advancement. Fundamentally, it is the goal that the findings of the study will shift paradigms by offering a positive and empowering lens to counterbalance deficit-based literature about Black women’s womanhood and leadership; thereby promoting culturally responsive practices to enhance Black women’s presence at the highest levels of the ivory tower.
Rights
© Lauren N. Jackson
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-4-2024