Title: CLAIMING OWNERSHIP OF MY FREEDOM: A Narrative Study of the Experiences of Midlevel Black Women Student Affairs Professionals

Abstract: This qualitative research study explored the experiences of Black Women midlevel professionals working in student affairs in higher education. The goal of this study was to understand how the five research participants experienced their gendered racial identity and what factors served as motivators for their persistence to senior student affairs officer roles. Critical Race Theory, Black Feminist Theory, and Intersectionality served as the theoretical frameworks for the study. Using narrative inquiry and ethnographic methods, the study discussed a need to redefine persistence for Black women in higher education, the process of legacy building for Black women and understanding the role that white supremacy and misogyny plays at the intersection of the gendered racial identity for Black women. The study adds to the existing knowledge of Black women midlevel professionals in student affairs and reaffirms recommendations for practice including establishing affinity groups, professional development opportunities, using principles of Black Feminist Theory as a supervision approach, and decolonized curriculum for counselor education programs.