What is Sponsorship

This chapter explores ways in which the cultures of today's higher education institutions affirm or deter the ascent of Black women to senior administrative positions. Black women continue to emerge as leaders across all industries despite facing substantial adversity from the intersectionality of race and gender. What is different is an unprecedented post-pandemic landscape, as an alarming number of persons choose to depart from occupational roles that were until recently, coveted and long-held. Black women have a well-established record of providing value without reciprocity from the institutions they serve. The burgeoning number of qualified Black women scholars poised to contribute significantly from a role of leadership must be supported. By acting with intention, the potential value add proposition stands to propel the academy and society forward in ways that align with a truly diverse and equitable future vision. Strategies to inform and address challenges through leveraging advocacy, mentorship, sponsorship, and tools like the comparative value culture assessment are discussed.