Abstract
As another generation of Black women enter the workforce (Gen Z being the most recent as of this writing), organizations face a critical opportunity to reimagine how they identify, develop, and elevate leadership talent. Despite decades of progress in gender equality, Black women remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership roles. While organizational programs, such as mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership development initiatives have aimed to close this gap, their effectiveness in advancing Black women remains inconsistent and under examined. This qualitative study examines to what extent organization programs and initiatives address or fail to address the unique barriers faced by Black women in their pursuit of senior leadership roles. It highlights the lived experiences of 17 Black women, representing a range of sectors and an average of 12 years in senior leadership. Through a phenomenological lens, it explores how intersecting barriers, systemic, cultural, and structural shape their advancement and access to opportunity. The findings offer insight into how leadership pathways can become more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the brilliance Black women bring.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
African American women executives; African American women—Employment; Women, Black—Promotions; Leadership in women; Diversity in the workplace
Date of Award
2025
School Affiliation
George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management
Department/Program
Business
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Masters
Faculty Advisor
Ann E. Feyerherm
Recommended Citation
Williams, Leslie, "Rewriting the climb: how Black women leaders illuminate the gaps in organizational advancement efforts" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1625.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1625