Intersectional data analysis shows, despite underrepresentation in leadership positions, Black women employees in the U.S. are more likely than their male counterparts to display informal leadership behaviors.
Organizations have progressed in the past years at increasing women’s representation in leadership, however, these initiatives have overwhelmingly benefited white women employees, while women of color (WOC), especially Black women, have a much more challenging experience attaining executive roles.
D&I leaders need to address this glaring discrepancy by developing Black women employees to be future-ready leaders, thus diversifying the leadership bench and retaining underrepresented talent.