| This study concerned the lived experiences of mid-level student affairs leaders of color who serve in institutions of higher education, specifically their experiences with racial microaggression, how they managed their encounters with racial microaggressions, and how their experiences influenced their leadership self-efficacy. The study used a phenomenological methodology, and the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with each of the six participants and analyzed their respective transcripts and relevant documents. The results of the data analysis revealed eight salient themes related to the participants' experiences with racial microaggressions, management of the encounters, and leadership. Experiences with racial microaggression comprised the themes of racial microinsults and racial microinvalidations; developing of a circle of trusted confidants, holding a mindset of excellence in their work, and confronting the offenders were the approaches used to manage their encounters with racial microaggressions. In addition, the participants found it important to serve as mentors and to create safe spaces for those whom they lead. |
