Date of Conferral

8-2-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Kristie Roberts Lewis

Abstract

African American women have historically been underrepresented in political leadership, a disparity largely attributed to the persistent absence of structured support systems—particularly mentorship—that promote advancement across federal, state, and local levels. Existing literature highlights gender and racial disparities in political trajectories but often overlooked the specific role of mentorship in shaping leadership outcomes for African American women at the municipal level. This gap was particularly critical given the increasing civic engagement and influence of African American women in local governance. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to examine how mentorship shaped the political journeys of African American women representing municipalities in Westchester County, New York. Guided by Black feminist theory and a general qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews with seven African American female political leaders—analyzed through deductive thematic analysis—revealed mentorship as a central enabler of political progression, fostering confidence, strategic growth, and access to essential networks. Additional findings—resilience, self-advocacy, and family support—further sustained their aspirations. Barriers such as internal competition, time constraints, and a weak mentorship culture consistently hindered advancement. The findings underscored the importance of structured mentorship initiatives, intergenerational networking among African American women leaders, and increased political education to strengthen the leadership pipeline. African American women can potentially use mentorship to empower future leaders and expand political representation.

Download

Share

 
COinS