What is Counterspaces

Formal and informal mentorship is a valued and preferred tool among Black female higher education administrators seeking to foster connection, increase professional support, and receive direction from other experienced higher education leaders. Race can serve as a barrier to developing mentorship relationships because there are so few Black females in higher leadership roles and because cross-racial mentors may not fully understand the needs and struggles of Black females. When mentorship is lacking, professional growth and development can be stunted. This chapter examines research surrounding the needs of Black females in higher education, the value of counterspaces, and the value of cross-racial mentors. The chapter also summarizes strategies for practice when working with Black females and when serving as a mentor. Future research should determine the effectiveness of using these strategies in other minority-mentoring relationships in order to improve career advancement.