Black Women's Experiences With Leadership in Undergraduate Engineering

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Our Triumphs Should Not Mask Our Struggle: The Stories of Black Women in College Settings

Abstract

Black women continue to be underrepresented in the field of engineering, despite institutional efforts to increase diversity. Moreover, leadership experiences are a dimension of college life that may help or hinder student success. In this empirical study, authors examined the leadership experiences of Black undergraduate women studying engineering. Using Museus’ (2014) Culturally Engaging Campus Environments model as our theoretical framework, we analyzed qualitative data from 45 interviews with current students. After conducting three rounds of qualitative coding, we arrived at three themes: Black women’s labor in leadership roles, Black women’s limited access to mentorship, and Black women’s experience with competing priorities and role strain. We conclude the proposal with implications for engineering coursework and higher education practice.

Authors

• Katreena Thomas, Arizona State University

• Meseret F. Hailu, Arizona State University

• Debalina Maitra, Arizona State University Polytechnic

• Atota Bedane Halkiyo, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College Arizona State University

• Brooke Coley, Arizona State University