EXPLORING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF BLACK WOMEN LEADERS IN U.S. HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of Black women leaders in U.S. higher education institutions from the lens of Black feminist theory and intersectionality and to provide implications for HRD research and practice. Given the limited empirical research on Black women leaders in higher education and the existing gap in the literature regarding their experiences, this study aimed to understand the challenges and opportunities that Black women leaders encounter in U.S. higher education institutions. Using a basic qualitative research design (Merriam & Tisdell, 2016), I conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 Black women leaders holding executive positions across both two-year and four-year higher education institutions. I interviewed via Zoom, following Lester et al.’s (2020) seven-phase approach. In the process, I identified, four major themes: intersectionality in navigating discrimination, identity challenges, opportunities and support networks, and resilience and eight subthemes: microaggressions and silencing, lack of representation, navigating stereotypes, belonging and tokenism, leadership development, mentorship and sponsorship, faith and spiritual resilience, and embracing Black identity as strength. The study findings demonstrate the necessity of integrating intersectionality frameworks into leadership development, examining cross-cultural mentoring, and faith and spirituality as professional development resources. This research provides evidence-based guidance for designing inclusive leadership development programs, implementing strategic mentoring and sponsorship initiatives, addressing systemic organizational barriers, and creating authentic inclusive environments that support the expression of identity rather than isolation.