The Reality of a Red State of Mind: Navigating an Intersectional Identity as Women of Color in Government Administrative Spaces

Adaptations to the workforce have been necessary as women of color have become more engaged in creating careers. Traditionally, government administration has been established to support the white male perspective through sexism and racism. The intersectional identity of women of color in both gender and race provides a different perspective one that is left out of many government administration spaces. Women of color in government administration continue to enter spaces that are gender and race specific putting them at disadvantage in government administration because of their identity. With little research available on the experiences of women of color in government administration I conducted an exploratory research that addressed the following: How do women of color experience a career in government administration in the Wasatch Front? In research women of color are often categorized within the minority population, not fully allowing for the experiences to be reflected. This research allowed seven women of color to share their narratives on their career in government administration in various levels and agencies across the Wasatch Front through one on one semi-structured interviews. Three themes emerged among the seven interviews: Managing Prejudice and Space, Identity and Space, and "Speaking Truth to Power."