Critical Consciousness as a Necessity: Multi-Case Study of Black Women Leaders in Educational Facilities Management

• In Event: Topics on Gender and Women in Social Justice Leadership

Abstract

Underrepresentation of Black women in educational facilities management leadership has consequential impacts on physical campus environments of educational institutions. Since the leadership in educational facilities management is often predominantly White, hegemonically masculine, and patriarchal, physical campus environments are characterized by White male consciousness, experience, and control. Using a multi-case methodology and a Black feminist framework, this paper presents a key finding from a study of seven Black women executive leaders in facilities management. Results showed that participants raised their critical consciousness through their daily encounter of oppressions, gaining experiential knowledge to develop strategies to survive in leadership. Results offer insights into how we can attract and retain more Black women into leadership to cultivate an inclusive physical environment for all.

Author

• Winnie Kwofie, Texas Tech University