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Angela Banks, PhD, is a 2025 graduate of the PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision at Antioch University, Seattle.
Dissertation Committee:
Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, PhD, Committee Chair
Porshia Daniels, PhD, Committee Member
Shauna Moore Reynolds, EdD, Committee Member
Keywords
Gendered racism, misogynoir, Black woman leaders, intergenerational trauma, strong Black woman schema
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the stories of Black women in professional leadership roles. Grounded in a Black feminist perspective (Crenshaw, 1989) and informed by historical and intergenerational trauma (Brave Heart, 1999), this study utilized Black storytelling as a methodological framework and employed thematic analysis to examine the narratives of participants. A total of nine Black women in leadership positions across various industries participated in one-on-one interviews. The findings revealed four key themes: (1) What I saw and what others saw in me: Community leadership, (2) Instilled values: The Strong Black Woman Schema, (3) The only one: Sole representation and responsibility, and (4) Use your pain to help somebody else. Understanding the experiences of Black women in leadership is essential for shedding light on the impact of stereotypes in these environments and guiding clinicians and counselor educators in developing best practices for working with this population. Furthermore, by centering these distinct experiences, the findings can inform workplace strategists and career development professionals on innovative approaches to advancing equity and inclusion efforts for marginalized and underrepresented individuals in professional settings.
Recommended Citation
Banks, A. (2025). Inheriting Power and Pain: An Examination of Intergenerational Influences in the Stories of Black Women in Professional Leadership Positions. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1162
Included in
Counselor Education Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Commons
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Angela Banks, PhD, 2025
ORCID Scholar ID# 0009-0006-3240-2225
Dr. Angela Banks is a licensed professional clinical counselor, national certified counselor, counselor educator, clinical supervisor, behavioral health researcher, and consultant. She holds a bachelor's in psychology from Ohio University, a master's in clinical mental health counseling from Cleveland State University, and a Ph.D from Antioch University-Seattle.
Dr. Banks is the owner and CEO of The Clarity Couch Counseling Services, a private practice dedicated to honoring culture, promoting healing and empowering the voices of the Black community. Known as The Strong Friend's Therapist, she specializes in working with Black women who identify with the strong Black woman schema. Her research focuses on cultural inclusiveness, racialized trauma, gendered racism, and the strong Black woman schema.
As a faculty instructor, Dr. Banks fosters an engaged and inclusive teaching environment. She prioritizes student voices, collaborative learning, and rich discussions, incorporating interactive and practical activities to enhance understanding.
Dr. Banks has also been featured in media and conferences as an expert on racial trauma, gendered racism, and behavioral health disparities. She is dedicated to reducing stigma, decolonizing mental health professions, and promoting emotional wellness in marginalized communities.