ABSTRACT
This phenomenological study explored lived experiences of African American female executives in organizations during the racial awakening of May 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used semi-structured interviews to describe experiences that defined the essence of African American female executives' unique challenges in navigating race and gender and their advice for senior executives. The sample size was eleven leaders at or above the Director (managing others) level leading in US organizations. The researcher classified codes into general themes to summarize findings. Findings include four themes identified after coding;amazing grace, do what your soul can handle, climbing glass cliff barriers to navigate their career, and comfort amid racial discomfort trauma. Each African American leader provided senior executives specific advice to advocate for and sponsor female leaders within their organization. This study is significant for a senior executive to obtain viewpoints from African American female executives' leadership experiences circumnavigated the past two years for organizational success. It provides insights for African American women with leadership aspirations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)