Hidden Leaders: A Phenomenological Research Study that Examined the Journey of Resilient African-American Women Who Pursued and Continue to Pursue Advancement at a Predominantly White Institution

ABSTRACT

In this study, I focused on African-American women who have pursued and continue to pursue administrative roles at a predominately White institution in the Midwest. Using a phenomenology approach, that employed an initial questionnaire sent to various marginalized groups in the Midwest to women who fit the research criteria. After completing the questionnaire, the women who wanted to continue their participation did so by completing a pre-interview survey. Finally, 21 women were interviewed via virtual focus groups and one-on-one interviews using semi-structured questions. Through this study, the key findings revealed that these African-American women continue to experience barriers to gaining access to advancement or promotions at predominately White institutions. The findings revealed six major themes, (1) working harder and doing more work than their White counterparts, (2) a lack of acknowledgment and being overlooked, (3) a lack of transparency to be authentic self, (4) a lack of respect, (5) the need to use support systems, and (6) the need for institutions to increase support. Based on the findings from this research several recommendations for leaders of predominately White institutions on ways to support African-American women who seek career advancement are suggested