Document Type
Other
Publication Date
3-17-2026
Abstract
The complexity of Black women in the workplace includes racism, sexism, and countless barriers that challenge their success. Nevertheless, there are unique experiences of many women that climb their industries’ ladders and overcome adversity. This qualitative study included 28 Black executive women, mostly from Oakland who shared their strategies for success. Many of their journeys included adversity, however, they persevered. The data from this study was collected through a town hall meeting of 22 Black participants who shared their career pathways toward success. There were also focus groups that further explored how the constant outsiders sustained their positions. The results discovered ten themes that emerged from the data: (a) positionality of power, (b) barriers of entry, (c) Sista’ circles/networking/mentorship, (d) stereotypes, (e) investing in critical awareness, (f) deliberating with confidence, (g) making money first, (h) navigating systemic racism, (i) doing something you love, and (j) the matriarch’s message. The findings revealed tips and strategies that lend themselves to the success of not only Black women who were promoted to executive positions but withstanding in their careers for decades.
Recommended Citation
Hector, Michelle, "The Constant Outsider: Black Women at the Intersection of Bias and Brilliance" (2026). Organization, Leadership, and Communication. 18.
https://repository.usfca.edu/olc/18
Included in
African American Studies Commons, Africana Studies Commons, Business and Corporate Communications Commons, Business Intelligence Commons, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Ethnic Studies Commons, Higher Education Commons, Leadership Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Performance Management Commons, Training and Development Commons, Women's Studies Commons
