Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Despite growing diversity in the U.S. population, Black women remain underrepresented in healthcare leadership roles. Barriers including limited access to mentorship, systemic bias, and financial constraints, contribute to disparities in career advancement. This research examines the role of culturally competent mentorship programs in addressing these barriers and fostering a diverse healthcare workforce. Drawing from peer-reviewed literature, workforce development models, and Critical Race Theory, this review highlights the impact of mentorship on professional retention, leadership development, and the quality of healthcare delivery in marginalized communities. Findings indicate that mentorship programs designed with cultural awareness improve confidence, networking opportunities, and career trajectory for Black women in healthcare. Furthermore, institutions that prioritize diversity in leadership create more inclusive environments, leading to better patient-provider relationships and health outcomes for underserved populations. Critiquing existing policy interventions programs who often fall short with inadequate funding and a lack of sustained mentorship structures can help with improvement with exposure to healthcare careers for Black students. To bridge these various gaps, this paper proposes a policy framework integrating mentorship into academic and professional training, with incentives for institutions to support underrepresented students and early-career professionals. Investing in mentorship as a long-term strategy, healthcare systems can cultivate a workforce that reflects the diverse populations it serves. This research underscores the need for targeted policies that not only increase representation but also dismantle systemic barriers that hinder career progression for Black women in healthcare.
Recommended Citation
Reed, Kayla A. and Gibson, Daija C., "From Classroom to Career: The Need for Healthcare Mentorship Programs for Black Female Students" (2025). CSU Tower Day. 13.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/towerday/13
