Finding Strength Among Others: Women of Color School Principals' Use of Networks to Support Their Leadership

• In Event: Well-Being as Foundational to Women of Color Efforts for Equity and Social Justice Leadership

Abstract

This study aims to determine whether networking existed, how it was structured, and the extent to which fourteen Black and Latina leaders of color perceived that networking impacted them as they strove to succeed in their roles. Using semi-structured interviews, we found three crucial findings about how participants engaged in peer networking: (1) networks are contextual and valuable for support and sharing of information, but they are not absolute, (2) distinction between professional networks and personal networks, and (3) networks that allow vulnerability are important.

Authors

• Osly J. Flores, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Carole R. Collins Ayanlaja, Eastern Illinois University