Born to Lead: Black Womxn in Higher Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 1:45 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Black Women Transforming Educational Practices and Pedagogies (Table 7)

Abstract

There is an increase of Black womxn elected to serve in national professional organizations. Requiring new exploration of leadership theory. Using Critical Race Theory, Black Feminist Thought, and Leadership Identity Development Model, this constructivist grounded theory project sought to understand the lived experiences of Black womxn as leaders in national academic professional organizations. Utilizing semi-structured interviews Twenty-Two Black womxn participated in this study. Findings suggest Black womxn first identify as leaders as young girls who learn leadership skills from their matriarchal grandmothers, mothers, and sisters. Participant quotes, research themes, and a proposed model of Black Womxn Leadership Identity are included. Implications for counseling theory and practice, counselor education and supervision, and future research have been provided.

Author

• Dèsa Karye Daniel, University of Colorado - Denver