Date of Award
5-2022
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College/School
College of Education and Human Services
Department/Program
Family Science and Human Development
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Pearl Stewart
Committee Member
Kathryn Herr
Committee Member
Katia Paz-Goldfarb
Abstract
Black First-Generation Professionals (BFPs) represent groups of individuals who were the first in their families to attend and complete a college degree; they are also first in their families to attain White-collar professional careers. This qualitative study sought to understand the lived experiences of BFPs in the workplace; complexities of upward mobility, identity development and family relationships were also explored. The success stories for all participants came at a cost, a burden, a toll, or some sacrifice for a greater good. Upward mobility in the Black community can be viewed from two opposing ends of a gains-loss spectrum. On one end, there are significant gains that are attached to one’s academic and career success; on the other end, there are losses or experiences that are often unseen, unrecognized or unnamed. Ambiguous loss and Black identity development theories were used as guiding frameworks for this study. Analysis of the data collected revealed five main themes: 1) tripartite workplace: stressful, powerful, and triggering; 2) mentorship: critical element for success; 3) identity is nuanced; 4) upward mobility: hidden experiences and feelings; and 5) family expectations and motivating factors for success. Implications and future considerations are outlined.
File Format
Recommended Citation
Williams, Duane A., "Black First-Generation Professionals : Leaders that You Never Heard of Before, An Exploratory Study of Lived Experiences" (2022). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 1071.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/1071