Date of Award
8-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Executive Leadership
First Supervisor
Dr. Angela Clark-Taylor
Second Supervisor
Dr. Kim McKinsey-Mabry
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study is to examine the leadership trajectories of Black women in senior executive roles in higher education, with a focus on the barriers and supports that have shaped their careers. Semi-structured interviews gathered perspectives on their lived experiences, capturing both the challenges they faced and the strategies used in their journeys. These strategies included networking, skill-building, advocacy, and resilience, reflecting how these women navigated and overcame the unique leadership challenges they faced. Black feminist theory and intersectionality provided the theoretical framework to explore how race and gender biases uniquely affected their leadership journeys. Data was analyzed thematically. Major themes included shared experiences, barriers, and strategies for career advancement. The findings of this study can inform strategies for creating inclusive environments in higher education, ultimately promoting diversity, equity, and representation in senior leadership roles for future generations of Black women.
Recommended Citation
Daymon, Tressi, "Madam President: Navigating the Journey of Black Women to Executive Leadership in Higher Education" (2025). Education Doctoral. Paper 628.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/education_etd/628
Please note that the Recommended Citation provides general citation information and may not be appropriate for your discipline. To receive help in creating a citation based on your discipline, please visit http://libguides.sjfc.edu/citations.