Reconstructing the future of inequity in black women's construction leadership a qualitative phenomenological study

The construction industry, while rich with opportunity, strong wage potential, and diverse opportunities, continues to fall short in diversity and inclusiveness. In 1978, the U.S. Department of Labor established affirmative action goals for hiring women on publicly funded construction sites, setting a benchmark of 6.8% female representation. Over four decades later, women, particularly Black and minority women, remain largely invisible across construction sectors. Increasing their presence represents a transformative opportunity to advance gender and racial equity across employment, leadership, and ownership levels. This qualitative phenomenological study examined the lived leadership and ownership experiences of Black women in the U.S. construction industry to understand how they experienced and navigated systemic and interpersonal barriers in a historically male-dominated field. Despite diversity initiatives, the industry continues to reflect significant gender and racial disparities that limit advancement and belonging. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twelve participants, eleven of whom met inclusion criteria. Analysis followed Moustakas's modification of the Stevick–Colaizzi–Keen method to identify significant statements, meaning units, and textural and structural descriptions. Five themes emerged: systemic barriers and bias; resilience and self-advocacy; mentorship and visibility; faith and empowerment; and ownership and legacy building. Findings revealed that participants transformed exclusion into empowerment by reconstructing leadership through faith, resilience, and community impact. The study contributes to scholarship and practice by highlighting the importance of equitable leadership development, mentorship, and organizational accountability as mechanisms for advancing diversity and inclusion in the construction industry.