Role Modeling for Black Female Leaders

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HOW DO AFRICAN American female school leaders attain the superintendency and then succeed in the position? That question is posed regularly to me and the few African American females who have been selected for this post.

African American females today represent fewer than 3 percent of the total number of superintendents nationwide. Research points to multiple barriers, notably institutional biases, gender and racial discrimination, lack of mentoring and the challenges of networking.

As I sought further advancement opportunities in school district leadership, I found few role models visible and available. Mentoring was one avenue that offered immediate promise, and it became more important as I navigated the circuitous path to the superintendency.

With traditional mentoring programs limited, I found myself relying on what I could read or learn about the unique circumstances under which we work from the few African American males and females who were superintendents in my limited circles.