In the journey toward executive leadership, African American/Black women face unique challenges that require more than just resilience, intelligence, and perseverance. As highlighted in part one of this series, building a professional network is an essential strategy for success. However, networking alone is not enough. True growth and success also require the creation and nurturing of robust support systems. These support systems are the foundation that allows African American/Black women to not only thrive in their careers but also maintain their personal well-being.

In this second part, we will dive deeper into the importance of garnering support through networks. African American/Black women, in particular, rely on strong social networks to navigate the complexities of their positions, from overcoming barriers to accessing valuable resources that contribute to their long-term success. Whether it’s a tight-knit group of peers, formal allies, or strategic partnerships, these support systems are vital to sustaining both personal and professional growth.

The Importance of Support Systems for African American Women Executives

African American/Black women remain underrepresented in leadership positions. According to the Women in the Workplace report, just 1.6% of C-suite executives are Black women, compared to 32% white menh progress has been made, the barriers for Black women to advance into senior positions are steep, requiring a more concerted effort to navigate systemic biases, racial microaggressions, and double standards.

Support systems are an essential tool for navigating these challenges. These systems consist of professional and personal allies who provide guidance, mentorship, emotional reinforcement, and access to critical opportunities. For Black women in leadership, these networks are indispensable for several reasons:

• Emotional and Mental Resilience: The pressures of being one of the few African American women in executive roles can take a toll on mental health. Relying on a support system that includes trusted confidants can provide emotional reinforcement to persevere through difficult times.
• Access to Resources: Being part of a robust social network means access to resources—be it new job opportunities, board memberships, sponsorships, or professional advice. These systems can amplify Black women’s leadership opportunities by introducing them to influential people within the organization and industry.
• Cultural Understanding: Having a network of peers who understand the nuances of the African American/Black female experience can create a culturally affirming environment. This solidarity fosters personal well-being and enables women to approach leadership with authenticity and pride.
• Accountability and Encouragement: A strong support system holds you accountable for your goals. Fellow executives and peers can challenge you to push further, while simultaneously providing encouragement when the going gets tough.

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Creating and Nurturing Your Support Systems

To maximize the benefits of support systems, it’s crucial to both create and actively nurture them. While there’s significant overlap between networking and support systems, the latter goes beyond mere professional connections. Here’s how African American/Black women executives can cultivate and leverage these systems:

1. Identify Strategic Allies

In leadership, it’s important to identify and align with strategic allies. These are individuals who advocate for you behind closed doors, champion your skills, and help position you for advancement. For African American women, finding allies means identifying people who understand the challenges of intersectionality—dealing with both racial and gender discrimination.

2. Develop Peer Support Networks

A peer network of fellow African American/Black women in leadership is a powerful resource. These peers understand the unique challenges of your journey, and together, you can share resources, strategies, and insights. Peer networks are also an opportunity to give and receive mentorship and guidance. Leaning on each other creates a space for vulnerability and growth.

3. Leverage Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Many companies have ERGs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These groups not only provide access to supportive colleagues but can also be a platform for leadership within the organization. ERGs often advocate for systemic change in workplace culture, making them invaluable to Black women seeking leadership opportunities. Use these platforms as a way to cultivate relationships with like-minded individuals and as a source of personal advocacy.

4. Formulate a Personal Board of Directors

Your “personal board of directors” refers to a carefully selected group of mentors, sponsors, and peers who offer you wisdom, advice, and opportunities. This collective support system operates similarly to a corporate board, giving you diverse perspectives and helping you navigate career decisions. Each member of this board plays a unique role—mentors provide guidance, sponsors offer career elevation, and peers provide a sense of community.

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The Role of Sponsorship in Career Advancement

While mentors offer advice, sponsors go a step further by advocating for you in key discussions about promotions, raises, and critical assignments. For African American/Black women, sponsorship can be especially transformative. Since these women often don’t benefit from the same informal networks as their white counterparts, sponsorship fills the gap by creating visibility and opening doors to new opportunities. It is important to actively cultivate relationships with potential sponsors within your network.

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Creating Longevity in Your Professional Journey

Support systems, when nurtured, serve to sustain personal and professional growth throughout one’s career. However, building a long-lasting network and leveraging support systems requires ongoing commitment. Here are several key strategies to ensure longevity in your professional journey:

• Consistency in Engagement: Stay connected with your support system regularly. Whether through monthly check-ins or quarterly gatherings, maintaining open lines of communication ensures that your relationships remain strong and supportive.

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Key Takeaways

1. Support Systems Are Essential: African American/Black women executives benefit significantly from robust support systems, offering emotional resilience, access to resources, and long-term career sustainability.
2. Leverage Networks for Longevity: Building peer networks, engaging with employee resource groups, and cultivating sponsorship relationships provide career-advancing benefits that can last throughout your leadership journey.
3. Create a Personal Board of Directors: By identifying strategic allies and forming a personal board of directors, African American/Black women can ensure they receive diverse perspectives and ongoing guidance.

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Sneak Peek: Next Week’s Series – The Role of Mentorship in Career Advancement

Stay tuned for next week’s two-part series, where we’ll explore The Role of Mentorship in Career Advancement. Monday’s topic will dive into the Importance of Having Mentors—a critical yet often overlooked element of professional growth for African American women executives.

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Internal Links for Further Reading:

Additional Reading: For more on how to build a professional network, revisit Part 1: Building a Strong ProfessionalNetwork for African American Women Executives where we explored key strategies for initiating and growing a meaningful network.

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References

Women in the Workplace Report. (2024). McKinsey & Company. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace

Unemployment fell for Black women in February even as more joined the labor force. (2024). CNBC. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/08/unemployment-fell-for-black-women-in-february-even-as-more-joined-the-labor-force.html