Statement of the problem. Statistics and research show that African American women have obtained a higher level of success in securing senior-level management positions when compared to other women of color. However, as a group the number of African American women in senior management is insignificant when compared to Caucasian women. The disparity of African American women in senior management positions has been described as a result of: a lack of influential mentors, exclusion or lack of networking opportunities with influential colleagues, lack of institutional support, and negative racial and gender biases.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the degree of influence factors such as diversity initiatives, degree attainment, formal and informal networks, and mentoring have on the professional advancement of African American women in obtaining promotions to senior management positions in corporate America.

Methodology. This research was a descriptive multiple-case study using a mixed methodology. The subjects in the study were twenty African American women who currently hold management positions in various organizations. Data were collected using questionnaire developed by the researcher, based on the work of Jim Cox (1996), and followed up with interviews to illicit clarity and to probe for in-depth information. A descriptive and statistical data analysis was used based upon questionnaire response and interview responses. The data were validated through triangulation of the quantitative and qualitative data in addition to data mining and document mining.

Findings. The researcher identified two factors from African American women managers that were inconsistent with the literature review: (1) There is no particular factor which has a higher degree of influence on professional advancement than another but a combination of many factors, circumstances, and utilization; (2) Despite the existence of negative racial and gender barriers respondents felt opportunities for advancement among African American women will increase.

Conclusions and recommendations. Education is the starting point in the advancement of African-American women to senior management positions. There is no particular factor that has a greater degree of influence but a combination of many factors and circumstances that determine how you advance professionally. A longitudinal study involving African-American from early career through retirement is recommended to determine patterns that are more conducive to professional advancement.