“I Have to Be Very Intentional About How I Communicate:” Black Women Administrators’ Identity Navigation in Predominantly White Institutions

Vanessa Kay Herrera and Brittany M. Williams

The Journal of Higher Education, 2025, vol. 96, issue 6, 959-983

Abstract: This qualitative narrative inquiry explores how Black women navigate their identities at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) as entry-level student affairs professionals. Our framework is rooted in Black Feminist thought to consider how Black women are impacted by identity and supervisory relationships in the workplace. Using semi-structured interviews, we explore Black women’s upbringing, supervisory relationships, and current workplace navigation. Our findings reveal how participants navigated their social identities based on prior socialization for workplace assimilation and by balancing forced identity suppression and authenticity. These findings are particularly important for institutions wishing to diversify the leadership pipeline, increase retention of new student affairs professionals, and incorporate inclusive supervision practices.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/00221546.2024.2424129

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