Humanizing Shared Equity Leadership: Growth and Development on the Personal Journey Toward Critical Consciousness

• In Event: Leadership Influences

Abstract

We examined equity leaders’ growth and development on their personal journeys toward critical consciousness through a qualitative multiple-case study. Using complementary critical frameworks and shared equity leadership, findings present personal strategies equity leaders enacted to strengthen their critical consciousness and institutional strategies that furthered their personal journeys. Preliminary analysis from our study surfaced personal strategies equity leaders enacted to grow their own critical consciousness as well institutional strategies to support and further leaders’ growth. Personal strategies equity leaders enacted included pursuing the company of other equity leaders, prioritizing their personal learning and growth, and taking time for deep and iterative introspection and self-check-ins. Opportunities provided by institutions included DEI related professional development and collaborative spaces for equity leaders.

Authors

• Natsumi Ueda, University of Southern California

• Darsella Vigil, American Council on Education

• Adrianna Kezar, University of Southern California

• Elizabeth M. Holcombe, University of Southern California

• Jordan N. Harper, Morgan State University