Abstract
Black women remain significantly underrepresented in executive leadership roles within the hospitality industry, despite making up a substantial portion of the workforce. This qualitative study explores how intersecting racial and gender identities shape the career advancement and belonging experiences of Black women executives in U.S.-based hospitality and tourism organizations. Using a narrative inquiry approach, the research involves in-depth interviews with ten Black women leaders and examines the systemic barriers they have faced, the support mechanisms that have influenced their advancement, and the extent to which they experience a sense of belonging in their roles. Thematic analysis highlights patterns of exclusion, resilience, and the importance of targeted support. This presentation will share early insights and introduce preliminary concepts for a people-centered roadmap designed to support inclusive leadership pipelines in hospitality. Structured sponsorship is one such emerging strategy. The goal is to inform future leadership development practices while amplifying the voices and lived experiences of those too often overlooked.
Presenters
Annemarie TurpinClinical Assistant Professor, Hospitality Management / Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Ohio, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Critical Issues in Tourism and Leisure Studies
KEYWORDS
Intersectionality, Belonging, Black Women, Executive Leadership, Inclusive Leadership, Hospitality
