Adolescent Girls of Color and Leadership Development

Adolescent Girls of Color and Leadership Development by Veronda Rooks-Price MA, University of Phoenix, 2013 BS, Norfolk State University, 1996 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2019 Abstract Adolescent girls of color (GOC) experience significant changes in social expectations during puberty based on gender and racial inequity. This divergence usually changes the trajectory for GOC relative to leadership development and may affect their career choices, life decisions, and overall directions for growth. This qualitative study explored the experiences of women of color (WOC) who hold senior leadership positions inAdolescent girls of color (GOC) experience significant changes in social expectations during puberty based on gender and racial inequity. This divergence usually changes the trajectory for GOC relative to leadership development and may affect their career choices, life decisions, and overall directions for growth. This qualitative study explored the experiences of women of color (WOC) who hold senior leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies. Critical theory grounded this study as its aim is to identify marginalization of any kind and determine ways to free those who are oppressed. Research questions focused on the perceived challenges the participants experienced during adolescence and the intervention strategies that aided them in overcoming those challenges. A qualitative case study used purpose-driven semi structured interviews of 4 WOC who hold senior leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies. Data were coded, categorized, and analyzed to uncover themes. The study results revealed four themes based on data analysis of the participants’ responses: (a) lack of representation, (b) lack of direction, (c) racial and gender discrimination, and (d) lack of collaboration. Identifying strategies that aid GOC in overcoming gender and racial inequity relative to leadership development may support policy creation that helps provide funding for nonprofit leaders whose mission is to prepare adolescent GOC for leadership. This study may also initiate conversations about how the intersection of gender and race adds additional barriers for adolescent GOC as they are shaping their identities. Adolescent Girls of Color and Leadership Development by Veronda Rooks-Price MA, University of Phoenix, 2013 BS, Norfolk State University, 1996 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2019 Dedication I cannot imagine completing a task as daunting as this without a support system. I would like to dedicate this project to several angels in heaven and many here on earth. Initially, I must honor my bio dad, the late Clyde J. Rooks, and my bonus dad, the late John B. Price: two of the best fathers in the world who shaped me to become the strong woman I am today. I honor the late Bertha Talton, Bertha Talton Mickel, and Momma Rayne Jones Fultz for adopting me in love and giving me a family that continues to love, guide, and support me. I honor the late Dr. Sarah E. Moten, my aunt, who inspired me to be the best I can be. I thank, honor, and adore Aunt Edna Talton who has walked me through every challenge I have ever experienced. I thank my mommies, Angela Grimes and Everline Sykes, for the guidance and direction I appreciate and need. Finally, this research study is dedicated to my baby boy, Briaun Rooks. Thank you for encouraging me when I wanted to give up. Thank you for supporting my efforts to complete such a daunting task. Without you by my side, I know I would not have finished. Finally, this research study is dedicated to every girl who has had challenges with receiving the leadership development needed to become world changers. The world is yours. If I can accomplish this task, you too can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge those who have been supportive for me throughout this process: God for strength, comfort, and direction. Dr. Francisco for being more than a committee chairperson. I appreciate the phone calls, the text messages, and the words of encouragement when I wanted to quit. I would not have been able to complete this process without your support. I would like to thank Dr. McAllister for helping me structure my methodology to align with this study. You stepped in at a time when I needed your assistance the most. I would like to thank Walden University for everything! The mission of this great university is everything I needed to transition and to restart my doctoral journey! I am grateful for The Hampton Green Team at Faneuil Inc., whom I supervise daily. Thank you for supporting me on this journey and for continuing to work hard in my absence. I must acknowledge my Freedom Life Church family! I am grateful for the love, support, and encouragement I needed throughout this process. Finally, I must acknowledge my dog Breezie Jess! Thank you for licking my tears when I was sad, pulling your blanket close to me, and lying beside me during the late nights. Your presence was necessary. There is nothing like the love from a fur baby!