Sisterhood in Service: A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Lived Experiences and Intragroup Support of Black Women Leaders in Government

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Black women leaders regarding support from other Black women within government organizations. While support among Black women is often assumed because of shared racial and gender identity, little research has examined how Black women leaders experience support, mentorship, sponsorship, collaboration, and conflict with other Black women in government settings. Using semi-structured interviews with 15 Black women leaders across federal, state, and local government agencies, this study examined the factors that shape intragroup support and the meaning participants assigned to those experiences. Data were analyzed using the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen phenomenological method. Findings revealed that support among Black women leaders is not automatic but is influenced by emotional safety, positional power, organizational culture, and structural scarcity. Participants described experiences of transformational empowerment, in which Black women leaders intentionally used their influence and access to create opportunities for others, as well as intra-racial disempowerment, in which support was withheld, access was restricted, or credibility was undermined by other Black women. Findings also highlighted the role of informal mentorship and sponsorship networks as a compensatory leadership infrastructure when formal organizational systems were absent or ineffective. This study contributes to the literature on Black women’s leadership, organizational culture, and public sector leadership by reframing intragroup support as a relational and organizational phenomenon rather than an assumed outcome of shared identity. Implications extend to leadership development, organizational culture, mentorship practices, retention, and succession planning within government agencies and other organizations where Black women serve in leadership roles.