DISQUS

YBPGuide: Black Women Navigate Ladder To the Top

  • ETS · 2 years ago
    I wonder if it's easier for black women in locations with lots of qualified black women or those with few people of color in management but value diversity - at least, in theory.

    I guess, I'm wondering if a black woman has a better shot at a firm with lots of black women in ATL or at a Tampa firm with no black women but is "open" to promoting a black woman.
  • Kimberly Michelle · 2 years ago
    As far as climbing up the corporate ladder, definitely the opportunity as the only black woman in a smaller city would be the faster track. More chances to stand out, less distraction amongst other black women who may be friendly or catty towards you, and then there's the company itself that is probably looking to diversify. I think some of your interviewees in areas with few YBPs would agree.
  • ETS · 2 years ago
    Kim, I agree. I chose Phoenix over job offers in three more diverse cities, because I basically was given a chance to do stuff here that I'd have
    to wait years to do in those other places. But I've never worked in a city with a large population of black professionals so I was wondering if someone who had could give some perspective.
  • AZDiva · 2 years ago
    I live in Phoenix as well, and I know for a fact that I would not have as many opportunities if I lived in a city with more Black women. I have friend that live in larger cities like Chicago and Baltimore who have struggled to move up in their positions.