The Psychology of Black Women Shattering Glass Ceilings

Visual Art By Gajic/vgajic@iStock

When Kamala Harris was sworn in as U.S. Vice President, shattering the glass ceiling and making history as the first Black woman and first woman of Indian descent to hold the position, her landmark victory came 13 years after Barack Obama became the first Black U.S. president. We now have a generation of children who can say that they see themselves represented in the highest offices in the world. 

As Vice President Harris said in her victory speech on the night the election was called for Biden-Harris:

 “But while I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.”

But the moment was powerful for Black and brown women as well. 

Seeing someone who looks like us rise gives us a sense of hope and instills the belief that we have equal access to opportunities. This can boost confidence and ease self-doubt, and help us feel more connected and less isolated. This powerful imagery can also help reduce anger, resentment, and chronic stress we may experience from working in spaces where our talent and hard work are not recognized and rewarded, or from toiling in a stalled career as white and male colleagues pass us by.

Even as adults, if we haven’t witnessed someone move to a certain level or position, it is difficult to imagine what’s possible. But with Vice President Harris -- and with the many Black women who have been recently tapped to lead everything from newspapers and TV networks to nonprofits, major corporations, and more, we’re seeing what is possible and celebrating our wins as each new door is opened. And Black women don’t just go through the doors, we hold the door open, reach back, and pull others forward.

In the spirit of moving forward and continuing to lift one another up, I’m taking a moment to give some trailblazing women their flowers and show the vast possibilities. The following list celebrates pioneers who I admire -- they’re breaking barriers and making history and holding the doors for more. And that, of course, inspires hope. Obviously, this list is by no means exhaustive, so if you think of someone who should be here, celebrate her too. 

Naomi Osaka

This tennis champion made history when she won the Australian Open in February, becoming the first woman since Monica Seles (in the early 90s) to win the first four grand slam titles of her career with a perfect 3-0 record following the success of the U.S. Open in 2018 and 2020, and the Australian Open 2019.

 Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones took over the role of president of MSNBC in February, making her the first Black executive to lead a cable news network. Previously, Jones spent seven years as the chief of breaking news and major events at the network and led its coverage of the 2020 elections.

 Roz Brewer

Roz Brewer stepped up to the title of CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc, in February. This move makes her the only Black woman to currently lead a Fortune 500 company, but she’s not new to this. Previously, the Spelman grad was the first African American person to lead a division at Sam’s Club.

 Joy Bailey-Bryant

My soror and friend Joy Bailey-Bryant is president of Lord U.S., a consultancy firm for cultural institutions. She is responsible for leading the company’s U.S. operations, as well as serving on the firm’s global leadership team. Her work with the firm over the past decade includes overseeing the creation of and planning for more than 15 museums in the U.S. and abroad, including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the African American History and Culture, The Studio Museum of Harlem expansion, and other projects at the intersection of culture art, community, and the world.

Thasunda Brown Duckett

When Thasunda Brown Duckett, another one of my sorors, steps into the role of CEO of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) on May 1, she will be one of two Black women currently leading a Fortune 500 firm (along with Roz Brewer), and just the fourth Black woman in history to serve as a Fortune 500 CEO. (Ursula Burns was the first when she served as the CEO of Xerox from 2009 to 2016. And Mary Winston was second when she served as interim CEO at Bed Bath & Beyond in 2019.)

 Bozama Saint John

Bozama Saint John joined Netflix last year as its chief marketing officer, making her the first Black woman to join the streaming giant’s team of top executives. She previously made waves as a top executive at Apple and Uber.