Advancing Black Women in Leadership Initiative (ABWIL)
A research-driven, movement-building effort to elevate Black women’s leadership across sectors.
The Advancing Black Women in Leadership initiative confronts systemic barriers and fills a critical research gap on Black women’s leadership. Led by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, in partnership with The Maven Collective, ABWIL transforms research into action through data, narrative strategy, and advocacy.
The initiative strengthens the leadership pipeline, drives institutional change, and advances inclusive policies that support Black women across workplaces and communities.
Across the country, equity and inclusion programs are being dismantled or rolled back. Over 30 states have introduced more than 100 bills restricting DEI efforts. Federal DEI programs have been targeted through executive actions, and the 2023 Supreme Court decision ending affirmative action has intensified barriers to advancement.
At the same time:
Black women are earning degrees at rising rates, but advancing into leadership at declining rates (McKinsey, 2024).
Black women leaders drive better outcomes for organizations, including reduced corporate risk and improved social responsibility (Nonprofit Quarterly).
COVID-era increases in DEI leadership for Black women (a 55% surge) are now being reversed (SHRM estimates).
Bias, microaggressions, and stereotypes—such as the “Angry Black Woman” trope—continue to impede advancement.
The result: widening gaps in leadership representation, public awareness, and workplace support.
ABWIL meets this moment with research, advocacy, and community-powered action.
64 centsIn 2023, across all workers with earnings, Black women were paid just 64.4 cents for every dollar paid to White men.
