This autoethnography explores a fictional character known as “Sarah” who represents the Black woman’s leadership experience in the U.S. federal government. Sarah is professional, loyal, and passionate in her pursuit of authentic leadership. Yet, she continues to struggle to find acceptance in her authentic identity and leadership style amongst her peers. Sarah has learned to create a balance of personal harmony and professional success and seeks to pass this wisdom on to the next generation. This paper contributes to the field of qualitative inquiry by providing poetic musings and insight into the work culture, race, and gender barriers that often impact Black women. Black women’s voices were silenced during slavery, and they continue to seek a platform from which they can speak, be heard, and be equally included in modern conversations. Sarah’s story seeks to provide voice, wisdom, and a unique forum to share four women’s leadership journeys, in a palatable manner, to all audiences.

这项民族志研究了一个名为“萨拉”的虚构人物，该人物代表黑人妇女在美国联邦政府中的领导经验。萨拉（Sarah）在追求真正的领导力时非常专业，忠诚和热情。但是，她继续努力以同龄人的真实身份和领导风格获得认可。莎拉学会了在个人和谐与职业成功之间取得平衡，并试图将这种智慧传给下一代。本文通过提供诗意的沉思和对经常影响黑人女性的工作文化，种族和性别障碍的洞见，为定性探究领域做出了贡献。在奴隶制时期，黑人妇女的声音被压制了，她们继续寻找一个平台，从她们可以说话，被听到并平等地融入现代对话中。