Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Exploring Resources Needed for Black Women to Ascend to C-Suite Level Positions in the Workplace

The percentage of African American women in the workplace who hold senior executive level positions are low. African American women who are educated, experienced, and diligent workers have the skills and knowledge to thrive in the workplace as senior executives but need the opportunities and allies to do so. This capstone project highlights resources needed to help African American women secure more seats at executive leadership tables. Institutions have mission and vision statements, and most have diversity and inclusion statements. These statements must be aligned with practices, policies, and accountability measures. Alignment would lead to more inclusive workplace culture, improved retention and promotion of administrators, and higher recruitment levels and retention of African American women. This presentation aims to provide understanding of the systemic obstacles Black women encounter while trying to advance their careers. Also, the presentation sheds light on allyships and allyship trainings as a viable resource to help Black women advance their career. Allies for African American women in the workplace can lead to greater job satisfaction, which could encourage more Black women to seek opportunities to advance to the executive leadership table. Black women are needed at the executive leadership tables in the workplace across the United States; however, the conditions must be conducive and welcoming to those striving to achieve this executive leadership role.