Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

The federal government has implemented a range of laws, policies, programs, and initiatives to protect and promote career development for women and minorities. Research shows that women’s leadership development can be fostered through gender-based mentoring. However, African American women, who are affected by having both gender and racial disadvantages, are not prototypical of either women or minorities, in general, which presents the unique challenge of “double jeopardy” for this group. Framed within the context of Black feminist thought, this phenomenological study explored how this intersectionality shapes African American women leaders’ perceptions about their gender-based mentoring experiences within the federal government, from the perspectives of both mentors and protégés. Data were collected through two focus groups comprised of African American women leaders, who are current and former federal government employees in the Washington, DC area. This presentation will include a discussion of key findings and recommendations, as well as strategies that government and other public organizations can implement related to diversity and inclusion practices, leadership development, organizational development, and overall employee development for African American women and other minority populations.