Black History Month honors Black leaders who have broken barriers and redefined the meaning of leadership, community, and progress. For many of us, these trailblazers paved the way for more significant opportunities, inspiring generations of women—especially Black women—to step into leadership roles with confidence and resilience.  Today, I want to celebrate eleven incredible Black women […]

I still remember walking into my office one Monday morning and feeling buried under a flood of administrative tasks: reviewing enrollment reports, drafting accreditation updates, scheduling stakeholder meetings, and monitoring ongoing departmental projects.  As a leader in higher education, I knew that juggling these responsibilities was just part of the job. However, I also knew […]

We all have one specific memory when we felt a seismic shift in our lives. Maybe it was being let go amid budget cuts. Maybe it was choosing who you had to let go on your team during budget cuts. Maybe it was the new leadership at your company promising groundbreaking changes.  Whatever the moment […]

Finding a balance between assertiveness and empathy can be challenging in leadership, especially for women of color leaders in higher education who may navigate unique pressures. Assertiveness is essential for setting boundaries, driving progress, and establishing authority. However, empathy fosters collaboration, understanding, and respect within a team. Women of color in leadership roles may feel […]

Early in my career, I felt pressure to downplay parts of my identity to fit into a space where I was one of the few women of color in leadership. There was always a sense that I had to blend in, tone down parts of myself, and be easier to “accept” in these environments. I […]

Leadership is more than just managing people or projects—it’s an expression of who you are, how you think, and how you inspire others. As a female leader in higher education, your leadership is a reflection of who you are—your personality, values, and approach to challenges. Understanding your leadership style can help you leverage your strengths […]

Imposter syndrome—the internal experience of believing that one’s achievements are not deserved or legitimately achieved—can be a significant barrier to professional progress, particularly for women of color in leadership roles within higher education. This phenomenon undermines individual confidence and can impact the broader institutional culture. While many of us experience this during our careers, we […]

Imposter syndrome and microaggressions are pervasive challenges that can undermine confidence and perpetuate feelings of inadequacy among professionals, particularly those from underrepresented groups. This article explores the intersection of these issues, detailing their impact on individuals in the workplace and providing practical strategies for women of color leaders in higher education to combat these experiences. […]

The confluence of imposter syndrome and tokenism weaves a complex and daunting psychological terrain for women of color in leadership positions. These leaders often grapple with profound self-doubt about their capabilities while confronting the external perception that their roles are merely symbolic, serving as “checkbox” items on diversity agendas. This dual burden can significantly compromise […]

Imposter syndrome is the persistent belief that one’s success is undeserved or a result of deceiving others. It can be a significant psychological barrier, particularly for women of color who are newer leaders in higher education. While it’s a common phenomenon, its long-term impacts can be profoundly detrimental to individual leaders and their teams and […]